Probabilidade e Estatística: um guia da sua importância nas mais diversas áreas do conhecimento

Abstract

Mathematical concepts of probability and statistics are the main theme of this work. Specifically, the aim is to connect the formal definitions of these areas with their applications in everyday life. To this end, the book “The Drunkard’s Walk, by Leonard Mlodinow, was used as a basis because it presents many applications in everyday life. Detailing, discussing and filling gaps in the problems proposed by Mlodinow provides a more depth view of probability and statistics in many areas of knowledge. In the discussion of the selected problems, in addition to the presentation of omitted mathematical calculations, the general context of the problems was extended and deepened. The main focus is to show how probability and statistics are presented in our lifes and how, on many occasions, “common sense” leads to errors about chance. These errors can be of a mathematical or psychological nature or even originate from the way the problems are present. With this, this study aims to serve both as a “basic guideline on probability” and to adress the topics in more depth, combining problems aimed at the more advanced mathematical knowledge.