Probability Density Function - Need Help

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the probability density function (PDF) of the random variable W, defined as the sum of two random variables X and Y, which have a specified joint PDF. Participants are examining the correctness of proposed solutions and the integration process involved in deriving the PDF.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an initial solution involving a double integral to find the PDF of W = X + Y, claiming fw(w) = 2w - 1 for w > 0.
  • Another participant challenges the initial solution, stating that the proposed PDF is incorrect for w < 1/2 and that the integral should equal 1.
  • A subsequent reply revises the approach, suggesting different expressions for the cumulative distribution function (CDF) in various regions and deriving a new PDF: fw(w) = w for 0 <= w <= 1, fw(w) = 2 - w for 1 <= w <= 2, and fw(w) = 0 otherwise.
  • One participant confirms that they arrived at the same result as the revised solution independently.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correctness of the initial solution, as it is challenged and revised. There are competing views regarding the proper derivation of the PDF, but one participant agrees with the revised solution.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the integration limits and the correctness of the initial assumptions made in the problem setup. The discussion reflects varying interpretations of the joint PDF and its implications for the resulting PDF of W.

vptran84
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Probability Density Function -- Need Help!

Hi,

Can someone please check my work if i did the problem correctly? thanks in advance.

Here is the problem:

Find the PDF of W = X + Y when X and Y have the joint PDF fx,y (x,y) = 2 for 0<=x<=y<=1, and 0 otherwise.

here is my solution:
[tex] \int_{0}^{1} \int_{0}^{w-y} 2dxdy[/tex]

I work through the integral and get fw (w) = 2w-1 for w>0, and 0 for w<0.
 
Last edited:
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Your answer is obviously wrong. f(w) is <0 for w<1/2. Moreover, the integral should be 1 - yours is 0.
 
ok, i did a little more thinking :-p and this is what i got now...

For region w>0, the region of integration is outside so CDF Fw (w) is 0

For region 0<=w<=1, i used double integration, and i get w^2/2

For region 1<=w<=2, i get 2w-1-w^2/2

For region w>2, i get 1.

So to find PDF, i take the derivative, and i get the following:

fw(w) = w for 0<=w<=1
fw(w) = 2-w for 1<=w<=2
fw(w) = 0 otherwise.

Please let me know if i did anything wrong.
 
Before I looked at your latest post, I worked it out myself. I got the same result as you did.
 

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