But I am Indian and I nearly failed math in 1st yr engg. school. I was, however, very good at writing up both ends of a complex solution and leaving gaps where I’d get stuck and hoping it would not be noticed. Worked.
“bxg: It would seem from all the back and forth that statistics is not an absolute science. If 3 guys who seem to know a lot about the subject can’t agree, well…
Au contraire, it is absolutely an exact science. The back-and-forth here is a result of their discussing different problems… ”
I agree with you CMU,
It is mathematics after all. I think everyone came to the same conclusions on the “birthday paradox”.
The two day long discussion has been all about the exact way to work it out mathematically.
I think this paradox is only a paradox in that it points out a flaw in human perception. In this case, the idea that two people share the same birthday seems to most people, an unlikely coincidence. In reality it is not uncommon because we are talking about many random people while most who hear the paradox automatically assume that it involves their particular birthday.
What I was getting at today was the fuzzy edges of probability theory.
The accuracy of the predicted outcome is only as good as the determination.
Getting back to two die in separate dark rooms.
The probability has played out but the outcome is not determined until an observation is made. Until the observation is made, the outcome remains as all the possibilities.
At least if we believe in a random universe.
“it’s astrologically impossible to actually love someone for more than a few years anyway.”
What does astrology have to do with anything?
when it comes to arguing math concepts btw a lawyer and an engineer, I’ll go with the latter.
But I am Indian and I nearly failed math in 1st yr engg. school. I was, however, very good at writing up both ends of a complex solution and leaving gaps where I’d get stuck and hoping it would not be noticed. Worked.
cmu, thank you for reading my post. i am getting burned out on this subject.
Will re-investigate when I am fresh.
By cmu on February 16, 2011 3:57 PM
“bxg: It would seem from all the back and forth that statistics is not an absolute science. If 3 guys who seem to know a lot about the subject can’t agree, well…
Au contraire, it is absolutely an exact science. The back-and-forth here is a result of their discussing different problems… ”
I agree with you CMU,
It is mathematics after all. I think everyone came to the same conclusions on the “birthday paradox”.
The two day long discussion has been all about the exact way to work it out mathematically.
I think this paradox is only a paradox in that it points out a flaw in human perception. In this case, the idea that two people share the same birthday seems to most people, an unlikely coincidence. In reality it is not uncommon because we are talking about many random people while most who hear the paradox automatically assume that it involves their particular birthday.
What I was getting at today was the fuzzy edges of probability theory.
The accuracy of the predicted outcome is only as good as the determination.
Getting back to two die in separate dark rooms.
The probability has played out but the outcome is not determined until an observation is made. Until the observation is made, the outcome remains as all the possibilities.
At least if we believe in a random universe.
Lech, yes I have met him.
“He’s right about what he said. I’ve never failed to give cmu credit under those circumstances.”
Then this must be the first time those circumstances have ever occurred. Just busting your chops, lech. It’s fun every once in a while.
By jessibaby on February 16, 2011 3:53 PM
How is it? Does it still look like PdT inside?
Haven’t eaten or drank there but from what I saw when walking by, it’s pretty similar look inside as PdT but with few cosmetic changes.
I might be a bit off though since they always have curtains on the windows and there is only so much you can actually see.
Seems busy most days though.
“CMU just proved that let it’s best to leave this math stuff to the….Indian dudes”
M4L, you have met cmu, yes?