Can a Bounded Random Variable Be Found for Almost Equal Random Variables?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether a bounded random variable can be found for a given random variable that is almost equal in distribution. Participants explore the conditions under which a bounded random variable can approximate another random variable with high probability, focusing on the existence of measurable sets and the properties of integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that for every epsilon > 0, there exists a bounded random variable Y such that the probability of Y differing from X is less than epsilon, but questions the existence of a suitable measurable set.
  • Another participant suggests using an interval (-a, a) to define Y, indicating that Y can equal X within this interval and referencing the properties of improper integrals to support this approach.
  • A third participant defines Y in terms of a large positive number λ, stating that Y equals X where |X| is less than or equal to λ and is zero elsewhere, emphasizing the need to choose λ appropriately.
  • A later reply discusses the existence of λ by defining measurable sets A_n and noting that these sets converge to the set where |X| is finite, suggesting that for sufficiently large n, the probability of A_n can be made greater than 1 - epsilon.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present various approaches to the problem, but there is no consensus on the existence of the required measurable sets or the specific conditions under which the bounded random variable can be defined. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on the definitions of measurable sets and the properties of random variables, as well as the unresolved nature of the mathematical steps involved in proving the existence of the bounded random variable.

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I've been trying to solve the following question: Let X be a random variable s.t. Pr[|X|<+\infty]=1. Then for every epsilon>0 there exists a bounded random variable Y such that P[X\neq Y]<epsilon.

The ideia here would be to find a set of epsilon measure so Y would be different than X in that set. However, it is not clear even that such a measurable set exists...

Any help?
 
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To show there is some interval (-a, a) such that [tex]\int_{-a}^a f(x) dx > 1-\epsilon[/tex], apply the definition of an improper integral to [tex]\int_{-\infty}^\infty f(x) dx = 1[/tex]. Have Y=X over (-a,a).
 
For a large positive number [itex]\lambda[/itex], define [itex]Y = X[/itex] on the set [itex]\{|X| \le \lambda\}[/itex] and [itex]Y=0[/itex] on the remaining part of the sample space. Now all you have to do is choose [itex]\lambda[/itex] large enough to get the conclusion you want.
 
It would remain to show that such $\lambda$ exists. We can definte the sets A_n=\{\omega\in \Omega: |X(\omega)|<n\}. Since A_n is measurable, as X is a random variable, and A_n \uparrow \{\omega: |X|<+\infty}, we have that \lim P(A_n) = P(\{\omega: |X|<+\infty}. Therefore, for all \epsilon, there is $m$ large enough so that P(A_n)>1-\epsilon. Then we can define Y=X in A_m and Y=0 otherwise.

Thanks!
 

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