Walpole Probability Statistics for Engineers Scientists 9th txtbk.pdf

Our emphasis in creating the ninth edition is less on adding new material and more
on providing clarity and deeper understanding. This objective was accomplished in
part by including new end-of-chapter material that adds connective tissue between
chapters. We affectionately call these comments at the end of the chapter “Pot
Holes.” They are very useful to remind students of the big picture and how each
chapter fits into that picture, and they aid the student in learning about limitations
and pitfalls that may result if procedures are misused. A deeper understanding
of real-world use of statistics is made available through class projects, which were
added in several chapters. These projects provide the opportunity for students
alone, or in groups, to gather their own experimental data and draw inferences. In
some cases, the work involves a problem whose solution will illustrate the meaning
of a concept or provide an empirical understanding of an important statistical
result. Some existing examples were expanded and new ones were introduced to
create “case studies,” in which commentary is provided to give the student a clear
understanding of a statistical concept in the context of a practical situation.
In this edition, we continue to emphasize a balance between theory and applications.
Calculus and other types of mathematical support (e.g., linear algebra)
are used at about the same level as in previous editions. The coverage of analytical
tools in statistics is enhanced with the use of calculus when discussion
centers on rules and concepts in probability. Probability distributions and statistical
inference are highlighted in Chapters 2 through 10. Linear algebra and
matrices are very lightly applied in Chapters 11 through 15, where linear regression
and analysis of variance are covered. Students using this text should have
had the equivalent of one semester of differential and integral calculus. Linear
algebra is helpful but not necessary so long as the section in Chapter 12 on multiple
linear regression using matrix algebra is not covered by the instructor. As
in previous editions, a large number of exercises that deal with real-life scientific
and engineering applications are available to challenge the student.

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