Poisson Distribution Mean & SD: Solving for Y

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Mo
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Mean Poisson sd
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the mean and standard deviation of a random variable Y defined as Y = 4X + 1, where X follows a Poisson distribution with a mean (λ) of 4. The mean of Y is determined using the formula E(4X + 1) = 4E(X) + 1, resulting in a mean of 17. The variance of Y is calculated by recognizing that the variance of a Poisson distribution is equal to its mean, leading to var(Y) = 16 * var(X) = 16 * 4 = 64. Consequently, the standard deviation of Y is the square root of the variance, which equals 8.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Poisson distribution properties, specifically mean and variance.
  • Familiarity with the concept of expected value (E) in probability.
  • Knowledge of variance calculation methods, including the effects of linear transformations.
  • Basic statistics, particularly in relation to random variables and their distributions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of Poisson distributions in detail, focusing on mean and variance.
  • Learn about linear transformations of random variables and their impact on mean and variance.
  • Explore the concept of expected value in more complex scenarios, including combinations of random variables.
  • Practice solving problems involving Poisson distributions and their applications in real-world scenarios.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying statistics, educators teaching probability theory, and anyone interested in understanding the application of Poisson distributions in statistical analysis.

Mo
Messages
81
Reaction score
0
I am attempting a past paper question from school, i don't have the answer (and it doesn't look like i will anytime soon!)

The question:
"The Random variable X has a poisson distribution with mean 4. The random variable Y is defined by

Y = 4X + 1

Find the mean and standard deviation of Y"

So .. where do i begin?

I understand that the mean and variance of a poisson distribution is lambda.I know that the square root of the variance is the SD.They are telling us that this R.V X has a mean and variance of 4 right?

Am i right in thinking that the mean of Y is the same as the mean of (4X + 1)?

So is this right .. (at least to start with)?

E(4X + 1) = 4

or is it ...

4E(X) + 1 where E(X) is 4?


Help is very much appreciated!

Regards,
Mo

PS: Stats is not something that i understand all that easy :frown:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The 2nd : E(4X+1)=4*E(X)+1...and then i think it's like :

var(Y)=E(Y^2)-E(Y)^2=E(16X^2+8X+1)-(4*E(X)+1)^2=16(E(X^2)-E(X)^2)=16*var(X)...but I'm not sure
 
Note to Kleinwolf: The variance calculation is correct. In general, adding a constant leaves the variance unchanged, while multiplying by a constant changes the variance by multiplying by the constant squared.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
803
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
7K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K