Find the probability distribution

[relinquished™]

Given the probability distribution function



f(x) = \frac{2}{9}(x-1), -1<x<2



find the pdf of Y = X^2

My Solution:

When x = -1, y = 1 and when x = 2, y = 4, so the range of y is



1 \leq y \leq 4



So to find the pdf of Y = X^2, we need to find the cdf of Y. Since Y is nontrivial over the interval 1 \leq y \leq 4 ,



F(y) = P(1 \leq Y \leq y)
=P(1 \leq x^2 \leq y)



I'm at a loss here. I do not know how I should deal with square rooting the x, since x^2 \leq y is rewritten as -\sqrt{y} \leq x \leq \sqrt{y}

Any suggestions?

[HallsofIvy]

What you have is correct: -\sqrt{y}\leqx\leq\sqrt{y}. Now integrate your pdf for x, (2/9)(x-1) from -y to y (be careful about y> 1!).

[relinquished™]

err... when you mean about be careful of y>1, do you mean that I have to seperate the integral like this:



\int^{1}_{-\sqrt{y}} f(x)dx + \int^{\sqrt{y}}_{1} f(x)dx



Because I know that y=1 should not be within the range of y (since y is just greater than 1)

Edit:

I got a cdf of -4\sqrt{y} . Im sure I did something wrong and it must have something to do with that y>1 precaustion...

[irony of truth]

Hello relinquished! Isn't it that it should be 2/9 (x + 1) as the given?

[relinquished™]

well... if the pdf really is \frac{2}{9}(x+1) then I should look back at the book ^^;

[irony of truth]

I don't think it is found in the book.