Applying Ito's Lemma: Solving a Stochastic Differential Equation

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Ito's Lemma to solve a stochastic differential equation (SDE) involving the process X_t, which is defined through integrals and a stochastic term. Participants are exploring how to derive the expected value E(X_t) and the solution for X(t) itself.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the process of using Ito's Lemma and express confusion about the steps involved in solving the SDE. Some suggest finding the expectation E(X_t) first, while others question the meaning of terms like E(dB_s). There are attempts to reformulate the problem into a more manageable form, such as converting the SDE into a differential equation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various participants expressing their struggles and seeking clarification. Some guidance has been offered regarding the formulation of the differential equation, and there is a recognition of the need for initial conditions. However, there is no explicit consensus on the solution process, and multiple interpretations are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention constraints such as time pressure due to an upcoming exam and the lack of detailed explanations in textbooks. There are also references to the difficulty of understanding the material and the desire for a numerical example to aid comprehension.

spitz
Messages
57
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



I'm trying to figure out how to use Ito's Lemma, but all I have are notes and proofs. It would help if someone could go through one actual example with me:

Use Ito's Lemma to solve the stochastic differential equation:

X_t=2+\int_{0}^{t}(15-9X_s)ds+7\int_{0}^{t}dB_s

and find:

E(X_t)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
spitz said:

Homework Statement



I'm trying to figure out how to use Ito's Lemma, but all I have are notes and proofs. It would help if someone could go through one actual example with me:

Use Ito's Lemma to solve the stochastic differential equation:

X_t=2+\int_{0}^{t}(15-9X_s)ds+7\int_{0}^{t}dB_s

and find:

E(X_t)


Finding E(X_t) = M(t) is easy: just take expectations in the integral equation for X:
M(t) = E(X_t) = 2 + \int_0^t (15 - 9 M(s)) ds + \int_0^t E(dB_s). You should be able to simplify this, and to figure out what M(t) must be.

Finding X(t) is harder. The first step would be to write the SDE that is obeyed by X(t) (I mean in the form dX = \ldots ) then see if a change of variables to Y = f(X) gives a simpler SDE whose solution is already known.

RGV
 
Sorry, I really don't find it simple. If somebody could go through it step by step I would be really grateful. I don't have a clue with this stuff.
 
spitz said:
Sorry, I really don't find it simple. If somebody could go through it step by step I would be really grateful. I don't have a clue with this stuff.

I never claimed it would be simple, but getting the expectation IS simple enough. Have you carried out the suggestions I made in my first response? If you show some effort in that direction I would be willing to lend additional assistance.

RGV
 
I have put effort into it, but my textbook just says "try this yourself!" and "the solution is left to the reader." I could really use an actual numerical example at this point. I don't know how it "works."
 
I've been through a million textbooks and it's just proof/lemma/proof/lemma... If somebody could please show me how to do this within the next 10 hrs, my life would be infinitely better.
 
spitz said:
I have put effort into it, but my textbook just says "try this yourself!" and "the solution is left to the reader." I could really use an actual numerical example at this point. I don't know how it "works."

I think Ray was referring to his initial post. Why don't you try what he said and then come back to the thread with your results? He said he'd be willing to offer his help if you tried!

Note that I can't help you at all with this but I too think you should give it a try.
 
I have given what he said a try (it's not like I just ignored him because he didn't give me an exact answer), but I really don't understand it and I can't spend any more hours looking at this question.

I don't even know what E(dB_s) is. 0 ? If somebody who knew how to do it would just explain it to me. My textbook(s) and notes do not go into enough detail.
 
spitz said:
I don't even know what E(dB_s) is. 0 ?

It sure is.

You might be more familiar with the thing if you take a time derivative of both sides of the equation at this point (after taking expectation value).
 
  • #10
I'm not sure what you mean. Does this make any sense:

\mu_X(t)=\mu_X(0)+\int_{0}^{t}[15(s)-9(s)\mu_X(s)]ds

\mu'_X(t)=15(t)-9(t)\mu_X(t)
 
  • #11
I'm sure 15 and 9 don't depend on t :) But yeah I think it does.
 
  • #12
Fine:

\mu_X(t)=\mu_X(0)+\int_{0}^{t}[15-9\mu_X(s)]ds

\mu'_X(t)=15-9\mu_X(t)

am I getting anywhere? (exam is tomorrow morning at 9 AM. I hate this class and I just want to graduate. I need to be able to answer the above question(s))
 
  • #13
Anyone? Anyone? I only have a couple hours left and then it's off to the slaughter house.

*begging
 
  • #14
I was unavailable all day. But, yes, that DE is OK. You also need an initial condition (M(t) = E[X(t)] at t=0) and, of course, you need to solve the DE to get full marks.

If you do a Google search under 'stochastic differential equations' you will encounter several PDF files of course notes, etc. Some of these even have a solution to your SDE later, near the end of the document. You just have to look!

RGV
 
  • #15
could I impose on you one last time to direct me to one? I've been up and the down the google and I can't find anything...
 
  • #16
<br /> \mu&#039;(t) + 9 \mu(t) = 15<br />
is an inhomogeneous 1st order linear ODE. The integrating factor is:
<br /> A(t) = \exp \left(\int{9 \, dt} \right) = e^{9 t}<br />
Then, we have:
<br /> \frac{d}{dt} \left( e^{9 t} \, \mu(t) \right) = 15 \, e^{9 t}<br />
Integrate once:
<br /> e^{9 t} \, \mu(t) = \frac{15}{9} e^{9 t} + C_1<br />
where C_1 is an arbitrary integration constant. We have a general solution:
<br /> \mu(t) = \frac{5}{3} + C_1 \, e^{-9 t}<br />
To find C_1, we need an inital conditon. Look at the integral equation:
<br /> \mu_x(t) = 2 + \int_{0}^{t}{\left(15 - 9 \, \mu_x(s) \right) \, ds}<br />
Substitute t = 0. The integral is zero because the upper and lower bound coincide! We have:
<br /> \mu_x(0) =2<br />
From here, we have:
<br /> 2 = \frac{5}{3} + C_1 \Rightarrow C_1 = \frac{1}{3}<br />
Thus, the mean is:
<br /> \mu_x(t) = E[X_t] = \frac{5 + e^{-9 t}}{3}<br />
 
  • #17
As for the random variable solution X_t, I have no clue :smile:
 
  • #18
oh well, thanks anyway.
 
  • #19
Its 4:55 A.M. Exam at 9:30. Anybody know the first part?!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K