Calculating CDF of Max of IID Random Variables with CDF F(x) and PDF f(x)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the maximum of independent and identically distributed (IID) random variables, denoted as Max(X_1, X_2, ..., X_n), with a given CDF F(x) and probability density function (PDF) f(x). Participants highlight the misconception that the CDF of the maximum can simply be F(x), emphasizing that the maximum is biased towards larger values. A specific example using uniformly distributed random variables on the interval [0,1] illustrates that the probability of the maximum being less than a certain threshold diminishes significantly as the number of samples increases.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of cumulative distribution functions (CDF) and probability density functions (PDF).
  • Familiarity with independent and identically distributed (IID) random variables.
  • Basic knowledge of probability theory and statistical concepts.
  • Experience with examples of uniform distributions and their properties.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the CDF for the maximum of IID random variables.
  • Explore the concept of order statistics in probability theory.
  • Learn about the implications of sample size on the distribution of maximum values.
  • Investigate the behavior of CDFs for different types of distributions beyond uniform distributions.
USEFUL FOR

Statisticians, data scientists, and students in probability theory who are interested in understanding the behavior of maximum values in statistical samples and their implications in various applications.

ekaveera100
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1. X_1,X_2\cdots X_n\:\text{are IID Random Variables with CDF}\,F(x)\:\text{and PDF}\,f(x)\\<br /> \text{then What is the CDF of Random variable }\,Max(X_1,X_2\cdots X_n)

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3. \text{Since Y will be one among}\,X_1,X_2\cdots X_n,\text{why cannot its CDF be }\,F(x)\\\text{I need to know flaw in my answer}
 
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ekaveera100 said:
1. X_1,X_2\cdots X_n\:\text{are IID Random Variables with CDF}\,F(x)\:\text{and PDF}\,f(x)\\<br /> \text{then What is the CDF of Random variable }\,Max(X_1,X_2\cdots X_n)

3. \text{Since Y will be one among}\,X_1,X_2\cdots X_n,\text{why cannot its CDF be }\,F(x)\\\text{I need to know flaw in my answer}


Intuitively, here's what's wrong with that. Take the simpler case of n IID random variables ##X_1,\ X_2,...X_n## uniformly distributed on [0,1]. If you take a samples ##x_1,\ x_2,...x_n## from these distributions, and you always choose the largest value, wouldn't you expect your answer to be biased towards the larger numbers in the interval? Suppose you take 20 samples and consider the largest value. It would be very unlikely for the max to be less than 1/2, wouldn't it? ##(\frac 1 2)^{20}## to be exact, even though each sample had an a priori probability 1/2 of being less than 1/2.
 

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