Applied Stochastic Processes: characteristic functions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding characteristic functions for various random variables, specifically focusing on a uniformly distributed random variable, an exponentially distributed random variable, and their sum. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and technical explanations related to stochastic processes.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the characteristic function of a uniformly distributed random variable X on [-1, 1] is given by the integral leading to $\varphi_{X}(t) = \frac{\sin t}{t}$.
  • Others suggest that the characteristic function for an exponentially distributed random variable Y with exponent λ can be derived as $\varphi_{Y}(t) = \frac{\lambda}{it - \lambda}$.
  • There is a discussion about the convolution of the probability density functions (p.d.f.) of X and Y to find the p.d.f. of Z = X + Y, with a later reply detailing the convolution process and its relation to the Laplace Transform.
  • Some participants express confusion regarding the integration steps and the transition to the Laplace Transform in the context of finding the characteristic function of Z.
  • A participant highlights the importance of advanced calculus and complex variable function theory for understanding the operations involved in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the forms of the characteristic functions for X and Y, but there is confusion and lack of consensus regarding the steps to derive the characteristic function for Z and the implications of the convolution process.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the derivation of the characteristic function for Z involves several mathematical steps, including convolution and the use of Laplace Transforms, which may not be fully resolved in the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and practitioners interested in stochastic processes, characteristic functions, and the mathematical foundations of probability theory.

ra_forever8
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Find characteristic functions of
1. The random variable X uniformly distributed on[-1..1]
2. The random variable Y distributed exponentially (with exponent λ)
3. The random variable Z=X+Y
 
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grandy said:
Find characteristic functions of
1. The random variable X uniformly distributed on[-1..1]
2. The random variable Y distributed exponentially (with exponent λ)
3. The random variable Z=X+Y


By definition the characteristic function of a r.v. X is...$\displaystyle \varphi_{X} (t) = E\ \{e^{i\ t\ X}\} = \int_{ - \infty}^{+ \infty} f_{X} (x)\ e^{i\ t\ x}\ d x\ (1)$

For the point 1. is then...

$\displaystyle \varphi_{X} (t) = \frac{1}{2}\ \int_{-1}^{1} e^{i\ t\ x}\ dx = \frac{\sin t}{t}\ (2)$

The point 2. can be solved in similar way and the task is left to You as try. The point 3. requires the computation of $f_{X + Y} (x)$ and it will be done in next post...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
In (1) what is the value of Fx(x)?
From point(1) to (2), How did you go, is it by integrating?
In point 2 how did you get sint/t. Is this final answer for qs1.1 that I need to get?
 
In (1) what is the value of Fx(x)?...

The (1) is a general formula that holds for any $f_{X}(x)$...


From point(1) to (2), how did you go, is it by integrating?...

Yes!...


In point 2 how did you get sint/t. Is this final answer for qs1.1 that I need to get?...

The function $\displaystyle \varphi (t) = \frac{\sin t}{t}$ is the result of integration... that is also the final answer!...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
Using 1/ b-a of the limit -1 to 1, I got fx (x) =1/2
But how to integrate e^(itx )in the limi -1 to 1 to get sin t/ t.
Any hint please
 
Point 1.i got= sint/t
point 2. I found out = λ/(it- λ)
would please help me to do point 3.
 
grandy said:
Point 1.i got= sint/t
point 2. I found out = λ/(it- λ)
would please help me to do point 3.

Your solution of the point 2. is correct...

$\displaystyle \varphi_{X} (t) = \lambda\ \int_{0}^{\infty} e^{(i\ t - \lambda)\ x}\ d x = \frac{\lambda}{i\ t - \lambda}\ (1)$

The point 3. requires the evaluation of the p.d.f. of Z = X + Y. If X has p.d.f. $\displaystyle f_{X} (x)$ and Y has p.d.f. $\displaystyle f_{Y} (x)$ then Z = X + Y has p.d.f. ...

$\displaystyle f_{Z} (x) = f_{X} (x) * f_{Y} (x) = \int_{- \infty}^{+ \infty} f_{X} (\xi)\ f_{Y} (x - \xi)\ d \xi\ (2)$

The operation in (2) is called convolution and it is efficiently performed using the Laplace Transform. We have...

$\displaystyle \mathcal{L} \{ f_{X} (x)\} = \frac{\sinh s}{s}\ (3)$

$\displaystyle \mathcal{L} \{ f_{Y} (x)\} = \frac{\lambda}{s + \lambda}\ (4)$

... so that is... $\displaystyle \mathcal {L} \{f_{Z} (x)\} = \frac{\lambda\ \sinh s}{s\ (s + \lambda)} \implies f_{Z} (x) = \frac{1 - e^{- \lambda\ x}}{2}\ \{\mathcal {U} (x + 1) - \mathcal{U} (x-1)\}\ (5)$

Are You able to proceed alone?...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
Last edited:
NO, I cannot proceed alone. I am confused.
how did you get point 3, 4 and 5. is point 5 the final answer?
and how did you change to to s in point 3 and 4
 
grandy said:
NO, I cannot proceed alone. I am confused.
how did you get point 3, 4 and 5. is point 5 the final answer?
and how did you change to to s in point 3 and 4

As preliminary consideration I have to precise that if someone wants to operate in advanced probability, knowledge of advanced calculus, that includes complex variable function theory, convolution, Laplace and Fourier Transforms is essential. The 'final answer' to point 3 is the evaluation of the charactristic function of the r.v. Z, the p.d.f. of which is given by...

$\displaystyle f_{Z} (x) = \frac{1 - e^{- \lambda\ x}}{2}\ \{\mathcal{U} (x+1) - \mathcal{U} (x-1) \}\ (1)$

By definition is...

$\displaystyle \varphi_{Z} (t) = E \{e^{i\ t\ Z}\} = \int_{-1}^{1} \frac{1- e^{- \lambda\ x}}{2}\ e^{i\ t\ x}\ dx = \frac{\sin t}{t} - \frac{\sinh (\lambda - i\ t)}{\lambda - i\ t}\ (2)$

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 

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