Can X_n Converge to X in Probability if it Doesn't Meet Definitions 2 or 3?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence of a sequence of random variables \(X_n\) to a random variable \(X\) in probability, particularly in the context of definitions of convergence. Participants explore whether convergence in probability can occur without satisfying certain definitions related to almost sure convergence and mean square convergence.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants seek examples where convergence in probability (1) does not imply mean square convergence (3) or almost sure convergence (2).
  • One participant proposes a sequence of functions \(X_n\) defined on the interval [0,1] that may illustrate the desired properties of convergence.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about the implications of the definitions and suggests exploring series like \(X_n = 1/\ln(n)\).
  • Some participants clarify that \(X_n\) should be treated as random variables, emphasizing the need for measurable functions in the discussion.
  • There is a suggestion that if \(X_n\) are defined as discrete random variables, it may be easier to construct examples that fit the criteria.
  • Participants discuss the interpretation of convergence almost surely (a.s.) and its implications for the examples being considered.
  • One participant reflects on the behavior of the sequence \(X_n\) and its convergence properties, noting that it does not converge almost surely or in mean square to \(X\), while expressing uncertainty about demonstrating convergence in probability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationships between the definitions of convergence, with some asserting that (2) implies (1) and (3) implies (1), while others remain uncertain about these implications. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the examples or the relationships between the types of convergence.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the definitions and implications may depend on the specific nature of the random variables involved, and there is an acknowledgment of the complexity in demonstrating convergence properties without clear examples.

Zaare
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First 3 definitions:
[tex] \begin{array}{l}<br /> \left( 1 \right)\mathop {\lim }\limits_{n \to \infty } P\left( {\left| {X_n - X} \right| > \varepsilon } \right) = 0 \\ <br /> \left( 2 \right)P\left( {\mathop {\lim }\limits_{n \to \infty } X_n = X} \right) = 1 \\ <br /> \left( 3 \right)\mathop {\lim }\limits_{n \to \infty } E\left[ {\left( {X_n - X} \right)^2 } \right] = 0 \\ <br /> \end{array}[/tex]

I need to find:
a. an example that (1) does not give (3).
b. an example that (1) does not give (2).
 
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Your stuff seems quite hard...I don't know where to begin...are you sure there are no things like 2=>1, or other logical implications ??

Have you tried some series like : X_n=1/ln(n) ?
 
let X_1 =1 on [0,1]
let X_2=1 on [0,1/2] , 0 otherwise
let x_3=1 on [1/2,1] , 0 ow
let x_4=1 on[0,1/3] ,0 ow
let x_5=1 on [1/3,2/3] , 0 ow
...

can you show that X_n converges in probability (1)
but x_n does not converge a.s. (2)
 
Hm..Zone Ranger interpreted the x_n as functions...I took them as numbers.

If X_n are functions, then it's easy to find what you want:

Let X_n be functions over [0;1], with

X_n(x)=g(n) if x in [0;1/n], 0 otherwise, with a stricly increasing function g(n)

Then

1) P(|X_n|>e)<=1/n, hence the limit gives 0
b: 2) X_n does not tend towards the 0 function, since X_n(0)>0 forall n
a: E(X_n^2)=g(n)^2/n...here choose g(n)=Sqrt(n)...you get

limit n->infty E((X_n-0)^2)=1

But if the X_n are numbers, I don't know how to solve this...

Thanks to Zone Ranger.
 
kleinwolf said:
Hm..Zone Ranger interpreted the x_n as functions...I took them as numbers.

the X_n have to be random variables (measurable functions).


kleinwolf said:
Let X_n be functions over [0;1], with

X_n(x)=g(n) if x in [0;1/n], 0 otherwise, with a stricly increasing function g(n)

Then

1) P(|X_n|>e)<=1/n, hence the limit gives 0
b: 2) X_n does not tend towards the 0 function, since X_n(0)>0 forall n
a: E(X_n^2)=g(n)^2/n...here choose g(n)=Sqrt(n)...you get

limit n->infty E((X_n-0)^2)=1

you are correct that for your choice of X_n, X_n(0)>0. but still X_n->0 a.s.
so with your X_n (2) still holds.
 
Assuming the X_n's do not have be a random sample from X, then you could define the RV's as discrete, each taking on a value with probability 1 and all other values with probability 0. It's easy to set up examples that way.
 
Last edited:
I don't know what u mean with a.s. (maybe converges uniformly ?)
 
I'm sorry for not answering sooner, but after 10 days and no answer I thought no one was interested. :smile:

I know that (2) gives (1) and also (3) gives (1), these two are not hard to prove.
I'm going to try your suggestions now.
 
  • #10
Zone Ranger said:
let X_1 =1 on [0,1]
let X_2=1 on [0,1/2] , 0 otherwise
let x_3=1 on [1/2,1] , 0 ow
let x_4=1 on[0,1/3] ,0 ow
let x_5=1 on [1/3,2/3] , 0 ow
Taking this example, if I understand correctly, X_n does not converge almost surely (2) since it does not converge to a single value but rather keeps dividing the interval [0,1] into halfs, and "jumps back and forth" within the interval.
X_n does not converge in mean square to X (3) because of the same reason, namely the expected value of [tex](X_n-X)^2[/tex] kepps changing as [tex]{n \to \infty }[/tex].
However, I don't know how to show that X_n converges in probability.
 
  • #11
Zaare said:
Taking this example, if I understand correctly, X_n does not converge almost surely (2) since it does not converge to a single value but rather keeps dividing the interval [0,1] into halfs, and "jumps back and forth" within the interval.
X_n does not converge in mean square to X (3) because of the same reason, namely the expected value of [tex](X_n-X)^2[/tex] kepps changing as [tex]{n \to \infty }[/tex].
However, I don't know how to show that X_n converges in probability.



[tex]X_n[/tex] does converge in mean square to X (X=0)

the expected value of [tex](X_n-X)^2[/tex] goes to 0 as [tex]{n \to \infty }[/tex].
 

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