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Theorem

Weak Law of Large Numbers

Probability and Statistics

For a sequence of independent, identically distributed random variables with finite expected value, the running average of the first n of them converges in probability to that expected value as n grows. It is a weaker form of convergence than the strong law, and was the form first proved, by Jacob Bernoulli, for coin-flip type trials.

Facts
Statement
The weak law of large numbers (also called Khinchin's law) states that given a collection of independent and identically distributed (iid) samples from a random variable with finite mean, the sample mean converges in probability to the expected value 1
Proof Year
1929 1
Connections

Associated With

In Branch

Sources
1. Weak Law of Large Numbers (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia Foundation
  • Forms section, Weak law subsection
    The weak law of large numbers (also called Khinchin's law) states that given a collection of independent and identically distributed (iid) samples from a random variable with finite mean, the sample mean converges in probability to the expected value
  • History section
    Khinchin showed in 1929 that if the series consists of independent identically distributed random variables, it suffices that the expected value exists for the weak law of large numbers to be true.
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