A Center-biased Random Walk
Consider a random walk on the number line where, at each step, the position (call it x) may change by +1 (to the right) or -1 (to the left) with probabilities:
(where c is a constant greater than 0)
For example if the constant, c, equals 1, the probabilities of a move to the left at positions x = -2,-1,0,1,2 are given by respectively. The random walk has a centering effect that weakens as c increases.
Since the probabilities depend only on the current position (value of x) and not on any prior positions, this biased random walk satisfies the definition of a Markov chain.
Read more about this topic: Examples Of Markov Chains
Famous quotes containing the words random and/or walk:
“Assemble, first, all casual bits and scraps
That may shake down into a world perhaps;
People this world, by chance created so,
With random persons whom you do not know”
—Robert Graves (18951985)
“Come, walk like this, the dancer said,
Stick you your toesstick in your head,
Stalk on with quick, galvanic tread
Your fingers thus extend;
The attitudes considered quaint,”
—Sir William Schwenck Gilbert (18361911)