Probability of misprints on each page

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In summary, the conversation discusses the probability of pages in a book containing a certain number of misprints, based on Fermi-Dirac statistics. The probability is shown to be equal to a given formula and can be approximated for large N. The conversation concludes that the misprints are distributed randomly among the pages.
  • #1
WMDhamnekar
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Hi,
Each page of a book contains N symbols, possibly misprints. The book contains n =500 pages and r =50 misprints. Show that (a) the probability that pages number 1, 2, . . . , n contain, respectively , $r_1, r_2 , . . . , r_n $ misprints equals $$\frac{\binom{N}{r_1}\binom{N}{r_2}. . .\binom{N}{r_n}}{\binom{nN}{r}};$$

(b) Show that for large N, this probability may be approximated by $$\frac{r!}{r_1! r_2! . . . r_n!} n^{-r}$$

Conclude that the r misprints are distributed in the n pages approximately in accordance with a random distribution of r balls in n cells.

(Note: The distribution of r misprints among the N available places follows the Fermi-Dirac statistics. Our assertion may be restated as a general limiting property of Fermi-Dirac statistics.)

My attempt to answer (a)
1651060074138.png

Now, in our case, n =500 pages and r= 50 misprints. So, there is only 10% chance that any single page has one misprint. ⇒ It is impossible for two or more misprints to be on the same page. So, first condition of Fermi_Dirac statistics is satisfied. All distinguishable arrangements satisfying the first condition have equal probabilities. In our case, It is $\binom{nN}{r}^{-1}$. So, the given answer to (a) is correct.

Now, how to prove (b)?
 
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  • #2
WMDhamnekar said:
Now, in our case, n =500 pages and r= 50 misprints. So, there is only 10% chance that any single page has one misprint. ⇒ It is impossible for two or more misprints to be on the same page.
This is nonsense. Of course it is possible for two or more misprints to be on the same page, what is not possible is for two misprints to be in the same symbol. If you are still interested in answering this question I suggest you start again at the beginning.
 
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  • #3
My answer to (a) Yes. N= Total symbols on each page. r= 50 misprints. So, what is impossible is two or more misprints occurring in the same symbol. So, first condition of Fermi-Dirac statistics is satisfied. All distinguishable arrangements satisfying the first condition have equal probabilities. In our case, It is ## \binom{nN}{r}^{-1}##.


So, we showed that the probability the pages number 1,2,... ,500 contain, respectively, ## r_1, r_2, ...,r_{500} ## misprints equals ## \displaystyle\frac{\binom{N}{r_1} \binom{N}{r_2} ... \binom{N}{r_n}}{\binom{nN}{r}}## because the probability that page number 1,2 ,..., 500 contain ##r_1 , r_2, ..., r_{500}## misprints, respectively, (where ##r_1 + r_2 + ... + r_{500} =50##) equals ##\binom{500N}{50}^{-1}## under Fermi-Dirac statistics provided each rj equals 0 or 1.

My answer to (b): We know that r1 + r2 + ... + r500= 50. The number of placements of 50 misprints on 500 pages resulting in the occupancy numbers r1 ,r2 , ... ,r500 is given by ##\binom{500}{50}##

Assuming that all 50050 possible placements are equally probable, the probability to obtain the given occupancy numbers r1, ... , r500 equals ##\displaystyle\frac{50!}{r_1!r_2!...r_{500}!}##500-50
 
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  • #4
WMDhamnekar said:
Now, in our case, n =500 pages and r= 50 misprints. So, there is only 10% chance that any single page has one misprint. ⇒ It is impossible for two or more misprints to be on the same page.
I don't agree wiht that.
 
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  • #5
What is ##50_{500}!##?
 
  • #6
malawi_glenn said:
What is 50500!

malawi_glenn said:
50500= r500 where rk stands for number of misprints in the kth page. r= 50 misprints. n=500 pages
 
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  • #8
malawi_glenn said:
@WMDhamnekar why should a number have an index?
I edited my post #3. Please Recheck it.
 

FAQ: Probability of misprints on each page

1. What is the probability of a misprint occurring on each page?

The probability of a misprint occurring on each page is dependent on various factors such as the quality of the printing process, the type of paper used, and the complexity of the text or images on the page. It is difficult to determine an exact probability without specific information about these factors.

2. How can the probability of misprints be calculated?

The probability of misprints can be calculated by dividing the number of misprints by the total number of pages. For example, if there are 10 misprints in a book with 100 pages, the probability would be 10/100 or 0.1 (10%). However, this calculation does not take into account the factors that may affect the probability.

3. Is there a way to reduce the probability of misprints?

Yes, there are several ways to reduce the probability of misprints. One way is to use high-quality printing equipment and materials. Another way is to proofread and edit the content before printing. Additionally, using a standardized style guide and following proper printing techniques can also help reduce the probability of misprints.

4. Does the length of the document affect the probability of misprints?

The length of the document may affect the probability of misprints in some cases. For example, a longer document may have more pages, increasing the likelihood of misprints. However, the length alone does not determine the probability, as other factors such as the complexity of the content and the printing process also play a role.

5. Can the probability of misprints be completely eliminated?

No, it is impossible to completely eliminate the probability of misprints. Even with the most advanced printing technology and thorough proofreading, there is always a chance of human error or unforeseen issues during the printing process. However, taking precautions and following best practices can greatly reduce the probability of misprints.

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