Probabilistic Method

- Natural & Formal Sciences -
Mathematics & Logic Dictionary
Definition
A nonconstructive technique in combinatorics and discrete mathematics that proves the existence of an object or estimates its size by showing that a suitably defined random construction has positive probability of possessing the desired property.

Probabilistic Method

- Mathematics & Logic -
Pure Mathematics Dictionary
Definition
A technique that proves existence results or bounds by showing that a randomly chosen configuration from a specified probability distribution has the desired property with positive probability (or that expectations imply existence), rather than constructing the object directly.