Renewal Theory

Renewal theory is the branch of probability theory that generalizes Poisson processes for arbitrary holding times. Applications include calculating the expected time for a monkey who is randomly tapping at a keyboard to type the word Macbeth and comparing the long-term benefits of different insurance policies.

Read more about Renewal Theory:  Renewal-reward Processes

Famous quotes containing the words renewal and/or theory:

    There must be no cessation
    Of motion, or of the noise of motion,
    The renewal of noise
    And manifold continuation....
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    Many people have an oversimplified picture of bonding that could be called the “epoxy” theory of relationships...if you don’t get properly “glued” to your babies at exactly the right time, which only occurs very soon after birth, then you will have missed your chance.
    Pamela Patrick Novotny (20th century)