Thursday 15 August 2013

Infinite Probability Theorem and a Python experiment

Let us understand the infinite probability theorem. In analogous terms it can be stated as

If a monkey is allowed to sit in front of a computer or typewriter and allowed to hit the keys randomly then there is a infinitesimally small but non-zero probability that it may be able to compose an entire sentence in English. 

Let us not see too much about the monkey but in mathematical terms it states that  given enough time (which may exceed the life time of the universe) a purely meaningful event is possible out of random happenings.

Now to test this I have created a small python script. Here it is.

Infinite-Probability Test Python Script
For the last 20 minutes my computer is trying to solve the problem at hand. The word entered is BANANA.
The probability of getting this word is 1 in 3.23E-9.

Lets see how long it takes to get that word.