Expectation of a Random Variable

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The expectation of a random variable X, where X is normally distributed, is calculated using the formula E[X] = ∫ from -∞ to ∞ of X * f(x) dx, with f(x) being the probability density function (PDF). To find the expectation of X^4, the integral is expressed as E[X^4] = ∫ from -∞ to ∞ of X^4 * f(x) dx. The integration by parts technique is essential for solving this, specifically using the relationship d(e^(-x^2/2)) = -x * e^(-x^2/2) dx to facilitate the integration process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of probability density functions (PDFs)
  • Familiarity with integration techniques, particularly integration by parts
  • Knowledge of normal distribution properties
  • Basic proficiency in LaTeX for mathematical expressions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of integration by parts in calculus
  • Learn about the properties of the normal distribution and its moments
  • Explore the derivation of higher moments of a normal distribution
  • Practice using LaTeX for writing mathematical equations
USEFUL FOR

Students studying statistics, mathematicians working with probability theory, and anyone interested in understanding the expectations of random variables in the context of normal distributions.

Firepanda
Messages
425
Reaction score
0
I know the E[X] = Integral between [-inf,inf] of X*f(x) dx

Where X is normally distributed and f(x) is the PDF

How do I find the expectation of X4?

Bare with me because I'm useless in Latex

So far what I've done is written the integral as Integral between [-inf,inf] of X4*f(x) dx

and I started to subsitute u = exp{-x2/2t}

So now I have Integral between [-inf,inf] of -tX3*u dx

I really don't think this is correct.. I'm trying to follow the same way my lecturer did it for the expectation of X2, but at that statge he started to integrate by parts, yet mine doesn't look like that and it's essentially the same!

Can anyone help?

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Firepanda said:
I know the E[X] = Integral between [-inf,inf] of X*f(x) dx

Where X is normally distributed and f(x) is the PDF

How do I find the expectation of X4?

Bare with me because I'm useless in Latex

So far what I've done is written the integral as Integral between [-inf,inf] of X4*f(x) dx

and I started to subsitute u = exp{-x2/2t}

So now I have Integral between [-inf,inf] of -tX3*u dx

I really don't think this is correct.. I'm trying to follow the same way my lecturer did it for the expectation of X2, but at that statge he started to integrate by parts, yet mine doesn't look like that and it's essentially the same!

Can anyone help?

Thanks

The standard way of dealing with this type of problem is to note that d\left(e^{-x^2/2}\right) = - x e^{-x^2/2} \, dx, and use that in integration by parts.

RGV
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K