A Continuous Multivariate Distribution

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a continuous multivariate distribution characterized by the density function ##f(x,y) = ce^{-(ax+by)}##, constrained by the conditions ##0 \leq y \leq x \leq 1##, where ##a > 0## and ##b > 0##. Participants are tasked with computing the normalization constant ##c##, finding the conditional probability density ##f_y(y|x)##, and determining the regression curve of ##Y## on ##X##.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the limits of integration for computing ##c## and question the interpretation of the constraints on ##x## and ##y##. There are attempts to derive the marginal density and conditional probability density, with some participants expressing uncertainty about the correct limits of integration.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the correct limits for integration, particularly in relation to the joint density and marginal density calculations. Some participants have provided guidance on the interpretation of the conditions, while others have expressed confusion about the setup and the implications for their calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of the problem statement, which includes specific limits for the integration based on the conditions provided. There is a noted lack of consensus on the correct interpretation of these limits, which affects the calculations being discussed.

squenshl
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Homework Statement


The random variable ##(x,y)## has density ##f(x,y) = ce^{-(ax+by)}## for ##0\leq y\leq x\leq 1##, with given constants ##a > 0##, ##b > 0##.
1. Compute the constant ##c##.
2. Find the conditional probability density ##f_y(y|x)##.
3. Compute the regression curve of ##Y## on ##X## i.e. ##E(Y|X = x)##.
4. Sketch this regression curve for ##a = 1##, ##b = 2##.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


For 1. my limits of integration for both ##x## and ##y## is ##0## and ##1##. This gives (after doing the double integration) ##c = \frac{ab}{e^{-(a+b)}-e^{-a}-e^{-b}+1}##. Is this right?
For 2. the conditional density is given by the joint density divided by the marginal density of ##x##. I just want to make sure that my ##c## is correct first.
Not sure on 3. and 4.
 
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squenshl said:

Homework Statement


The random variable ##(x,y)## has density ##f(x,y) = ce^{-(ax+by)}## for ##0\leq y\leq x\leq 1##, with given constants ##a > 0##, ##b > 0##.
Did you write the conditions on ##x## and ##y## exactly as they were given to you? If so, the limits on your integral and your answer to #1 are wrong.
 
vela said:
Did you write the conditions on ##x## and ##y## exactly as they were given to you? If so, the limits on your integral and your answer to #1 are wrong.
I did ##c\int_0^1 \int_0^1 e^{-(ax+by)} \; dx \; dy = 1## and solved for ##c##. If this is wrong, then my problem is how to interpret ##0\leq y\leq x\leq 1##.
 
squenshl said:
My problem is how to interpret ##0\leq y\leq x\leq 1##.
You need to take into account that it says ##y \le x##.
 
squenshl said:

Homework Statement


The random variable ##(x,y)## has density ##f(x,y) = ce^{-(ax+by)}## for ##0\leq y\leq x\leq 1##, with given constants ##a > 0##, ##b > 0##.
1. Compute the constant ##c##.
2. Find the conditional probability density ##f_y(y|x)##.
3. Compute the regression curve of ##Y## on ##X## i.e. ##E(Y|X = x)##.
4. Sketch this regression curve for ##a = 1##, ##b = 2##.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


For 1. my limits of integration for both ##x## and ##y## is ##0## and ##1##. This gives (after doing the double integration) ##c = \frac{ab}{e^{-(a+b)}-e^{-a}-e^{-b}+1}##. Is this right?
For 2. the conditional density is given by the joint density divided by the marginal density of ##x##. I just want to make sure that my ##c## is correct first.
Not sure on 3. and 4.

In problems involving two-dimensional densities, always sketch the correct (x,y)-region before you start trying to do integration. Your error will stare you in the face if you do that.
 
Oh ok so in that case I get ##y## from ##0## to ##x## and ##x## from ##0## to ##1##.
 
vela said:
You need to take into account that it says ##y \le x##.
squenshl said:
Oh ok so in that case I get ##y## from ##0## to ##x## and ##x## from ##0## to ##1##.
Using these new limits i get ##c = \frac{ab(a+b)}{e^{-(a+b)}-(a+b)e^{-a}+b}##
 
Using these new limits i get ##c = \frac{ab(a+b)}{e^{-(a+b)}-(a+b)e^{-a}+b}##
 
It looks like you made an algebra mistake somewhere. You should have gotten
$$c = \frac{ab(a+b)}{a e^{-(a+b)}-(a+b)e^{-a}+b}.$$
 
  • #10
vela said:
It looks like you made an algebra mistake somewhere. You should have gotten
$$c = \frac{ab(a+b)}{a e^{-(a+b)}-(a+b)e^{-a}+b}.$$
Yes I did get that just forgot to put the ##a## in there haha. Thanks.
 
  • #11
To find the marginal density do I calculate
$$\begin{split}
f_X(x) &= \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} f(x,y) \; dy \\
&= c\int_{0}^{1} e^{-(ax+by)} \; dy?
\end{split}$$
or is it
$$\begin{split}
f_X(x) &= \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} f(x,y) \; dy \\
&= c\int_{0}^{x} e^{-(ax+by)} \; dy?
\end{split}$$
 
  • #12
squenshl said:
To find the marginal density do I calculate
$$\begin{split}
f_X(x) &= \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} f(x,y) \; dy \\
&= c\int_{0}^{1} e^{-(ax+by)} \; dy?
\end{split}$$
or is it
$$\begin{split}
f_X(x) &= \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} f(x,y) \; dy \\
&= c\int_{0}^{x} e^{-(ax+by)} \; dy?
\end{split}$$
Still not sure which it is and why. Please help.
 
  • #13
squenshl said:
Still not sure which it is and why. Please help.
Never mind. Pretty sure it's the second one.
 
  • #14
I'm asked to find the conditional probability function ##f_y(y|x)##. This is
$$\begin{split}
f_y(y|x) &= \frac{f(x,y)}{f_x(x)} \\
&= \frac{ce^{-(ax+by)}}{\frac{c}{b}\left[e^{-ax}-e^{-(ax+bx)}\right]} \\
&= \frac{be^{-(ax+by)}}{e^{-ax}-e^{-(ax+bx)}}.
\end{split}$$
Just want to make sure I'm good.
I'm also asked to find the regression curve (which is the one I'm struggling with) ##E(Y|X=x)##. I get
$$\begin{split}
E(Y|X=x) &= \int_0^1 y f_y(y|x) \; dy \\
&= \int_0^1 \frac{bye^{-(ax+by)}}{e^{-ax}-e^{-(ax+bx)}} \\
&= \frac{be^{-ax}}{e^{-ax}-e^{-(ax+bx)}} \int_0^1 ye^{-by} \; dy.
\end{split}$$
We use integration by parts on the integral above. Let ##u=y##, so ##du=dy##. Also ##dv = e^{-by}##, so ##v = -\frac{e^{-by}}{b}##. Hence,
$$\begin{split}
E(Y|X=x) &= \frac{be^{-ax}}{e^{-ax}-e^{-(ax+bx)}} \int_0^1 ye^{-by} \; dy \\
&= \frac{be^{-ax}}{e^{-ax}-e^{-(ax+bx)}} \left(\left[-\frac{ye^{-by}}{b}\right]_0^1+\frac{1}{b}\int_0^1 e^{-by} \; dy\right) \\
&= \frac{be^{-ax}}{e^{-ax}-e^{-(ax+bx)}} \left(\left[-\frac{ye^{-by}}{b}\right]_0^1-\left[\frac{e^{-by}}{b^2}\right]_0^1\right) \\
&= \frac{e^{-ax}}{e^{-ax}-e^{-(ax+bx)}}\frac{1-(b+1)e^{-b}}{b^2}.
\end{split}$$
My question is are the limits of integration ##0## to ##1## shown or ##0## to ##x## or even another set of limits?
Thanks again.
 
  • #15
I guess I'm correct then.
 
  • #16
Nope that is wrong.
$$E(Y|X=x) = \int_0^x \frac{bye^{b(x-y)}}{e^{bx}-1} \; dy = \frac{1}{b}-\frac{x}{e^{bx}-1}$$
after several lines of working.
Is this right as my limits of integration are ##0## and ##x##?
 

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