In probability theory, to say that two events are independent (alternatively statistically independent, marginally independent or absolutely independent) means that the occurrence of one does not affect the probability of the other. Similarly, two random variables are independent if the observed value of one does not affect the probability distribution of the other.
The concept of independence extends to dealing with collections of more than two events or random variables.
Famous quotes containing the word independence:
“... were not out to benefit society, to remold existence, to make industry safe for anyone except ourselves, to give any small peoples except ourselves their rights. Were not out for submerged tenths, were not going to suffer over how the other half lives. Were out for Marys job and Luellas art, and Barbaras independence and the rest of our individual careers and desires.”
—Anne OHagan (1869?)