Bivariate distribution question

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a bivariate distribution problem involving the joint probability density function \( f_{X,Y}(x,y) \). The solution involves integrating from \(-\infty\) to \(+\infty\) and completing the square to simplify the exponential terms. The final result for the marginal distribution \( f_X(x) \) is derived as \( \frac{e^{-\frac{1}{2} x^2}}{\sqrt{2\pi}} \). Participants also discuss the potential use of polar coordinates, but completing the square is identified as the effective method for this problem.

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  • Understanding of bivariate distributions and joint probability density functions.
  • Knowledge of integration techniques, particularly improper integrals.
  • Familiarity with completing the square in algebra.
  • Basic concepts of probability theory, including marginal distributions.
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Longines
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Hello all,

How would I do this question by hand?
I know I integrate from -infinity to +infinity for $f_x,y$, but I have no idea how to do it by hand! My algebra soup is bad, can someone please help me?

View attachment 3237P.S I heard some of my friends talking about some 'trick' you can do with the exponential part of the equation to solve it quicker.. but I don't know what they were talking about.

Thank you
 

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Hi there,

Usually with integrals in this form where you are integrating from $-\infty$ to $\infty$ I can find a way to do it by converting to polar coordinates, however I haven't found that yet. I think some users here might be able to see the proper substitution though - ZaidAlyafey, mathbalarka, MarkFL and ILS are all very skilled in integration. :)

I'll post back if I think of it and hope you get some more input soon.
 
Longines said:
Hello all,

How would I do this question by hand?
I know I integrate from -infinity to +infinity for $f_x,y$, but I have no idea how to do it by hand! My algebra soup is bad, can someone please help me?

View attachment 3237P.S I heard some of my friends talking about some 'trick' you can do with the exponential part of the equation to solve it quicker.. but I don't know what they were talking about.

Thank you

Hi Longines,

Let's start with $f_X(x)$.

$$f_X(x) = \int_{-\infty}^\infty f_{X,Y}(x,y)dy
=\int_{-\infty}^\infty \frac{1}{\pi\sqrt 2}\cdot e^{-x^2-\sqrt 2 xy-y^2}dy \tag 1
$$

Complete the square:
$$-x^2-\sqrt 2 xy-y^2 = -(y+\frac 12 \sqrt 2 x)^2-\frac 12 x^2 \tag 2
$$

Substitute (2) in (1):
$$f_X(x) = \int_{-\infty}^\infty \frac{1}{\pi\sqrt 2}\cdot e^{-(y+\frac 12 \sqrt 2 x)^2-\frac 12 x^2}dy
= \frac{e^{-\frac 12 x^2}}{\pi\sqrt 2}\int_{-\infty}^\infty e^{-(y+\frac 12 \sqrt 2 x)^2}dy
$$

Substitute $u=y+\frac 12 \sqrt 2 x$:
$$f_X(x)
= \frac{e^{-\frac 12 x^2}}{\pi\sqrt 2}\int_{-\infty}^\infty e^{-u^2}du
= \frac{e^{-\frac 12 x^2}}{\pi\sqrt 2} \cdot \sqrt \pi
= \frac{e^{-\frac 12 x^2}}{\sqrt{2\pi}}
$$

What do you think $f_Y(y)$ is? (Wondering)@Jameson: Sorry, no trick with polar coordinates. ;)
 
Hutchoo said:
Wow, thank you so much for this! This was exactly what I was looking for. I think the reason why I couldn't do it was because I didn't think of completing the square which is what's needed to solve the question.

Thank you!

Good!

Were you also able to find $f_Y(y)$ and $\mathbb E[XY]$?
 

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