Bivariate distribution question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a bivariate distribution problem, specifically focusing on the integration of a joint probability density function \( f_{X,Y} \). Participants explore methods for performing the integration by hand, including the potential use of polar coordinates and completing the square.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in performing the integration from \(-\infty\) to \(+\infty\) for \( f_{X,Y} \) and seeks assistance.
  • Another participant suggests that converting to polar coordinates might be a useful approach, although they have not found the proper substitution yet.
  • A third participant provides a detailed step-by-step solution for finding \( f_X(x) \) by completing the square and performing the integration, leading to a specific expression for \( f_X(x) \).
  • There is a mention of a "trick" involving the exponential part of the equation, but it remains unclear what this trick entails.
  • A later reply expresses gratitude for the provided solution and reflects on the importance of completing the square in solving the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the method of completing the square for the integration, but there is no consensus on the use of polar coordinates or the specific "trick" mentioned. The discussion remains open-ended regarding the calculation of \( f_Y(y) \) and \( \mathbb{E}[XY] \).

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the joint distribution and the specific form of \( f_{X,Y} \) are not fully clarified. The discussion does not resolve the potential benefits of polar coordinates or the mentioned trick.

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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