Moment of a probability distribution

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of moments of a probability distribution defined by a piecewise function involving an exponential term. Participants explore the integration process, particularly focusing on integration by parts and the resulting expressions for moments.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a probability distribution and attempts to calculate its moment, leading to a discrepancy in the expected result.
  • Another participant suggests that the issue may stem from improper differentiation during integration by parts.
  • A further reply elaborates on the integration by parts process, providing specific terms for \(u\) and \(dv/dx\) and questioning how to eliminate the \((n+1)\) term from the result.
  • Another participant offers an alternative expression for the integral, which may assist in resolving the calculation issue.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct approach or resolution to the calculation issue, and multiple viewpoints on the integration process remain present.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the integration steps and the handling of terms during the integration by parts process. The discussion reflects varying interpretations of the mathematical operations involved.

dbb04
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when you calculate the Moment of the following equation

[tex] <br /> p(x)=\left\{\begin{array}{cc}2Axe^{-Ax^2},&\mbox{ if }<br /> x\geq 0\\0, & \mbox{ if } x<0\end{array}\right.[/tex]

We get

[tex] Mn =2A \int_0^\infty x^{n+1}e^{-Ax^2}[/tex]

solving it by parts I am getting

[tex] Mn=(n+1)\int_0^\infty x^{n-1}e^{-Ax^2}[/tex]

but, apparently, the right solution is

[tex] Mn=n\int_0^\infty x^{n-1}e^{-Ax^2}[/tex]


What am I doing wrong? What is the proper way to solve it? Could you please do it step by step?

Thanks
 
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It looks like you didn't differentate properly when you integrated by parts:

[tex]\frac {d x^n}{dx} = n x^{n-1}[/tex]
 
sorry, still not following you.
If we integrate by parts we have

[tex] Mn =2A \int_0^\infty x^{n+1}e^{-Ax^2}[/tex]

[tex] \int_0^\infty u\frac{dv}{dx} dx=uv-\int_0^\infty v\frac{du}{dx} dx[/tex]

where

[tex] u=x^{n+1} \ \ \ \ \ \frac{du}{dx}=(n+1)x^n[/tex]

and

[tex] \frac{dv}{dx}=e^{-Ax^2} \ \ \ \ \ v= -\frac{e^{-Ax^2}}{2xA}[/tex]

so

[tex] Mn=2A \ \{-x^{n+1} \ \frac{e^{-Ax^2}}{2xA} \ \ |_0^\infty +\int_0^\infty \frac{e^{-Ax^2}}{2xA}(n+1)x^n dx \ \}[/tex]

[tex] Mn=0 +(n+1)\int_0^\infty x^{n-1} \ e^{-Ax^2} dx[/tex]

So, How you get rid of the (n+1) term.
Thanks
 
This should get you where you want to go:

[tex]\int_0^{\infty}x^{n+1} e^{-Ax^2} dx = - \frac {1}{2A} <br /> \int_0^{\infty}x^n \frac {d}{dx}e^{-Ax^2}dx[/tex]
 
Thanks Tide,

appreciate your patience
 

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