CDF of correlated mixed random variables

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of a correlated mixed random variable inequality involving nonnegative random variables. The specific inequality discussed is r*x - r*y ≤ g, where r, x, and y are random variables from different distribution families, and g is a constant. The participants explore the implications of correlation between the variables and the challenges in deriving the distribution of their difference.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes evaluating the probability Pr[r*x - r*y ≤ g] using the relationship with the CDF and PDF, but questions its validity for correlated variables.
  • Another participant suggests reformulating the inequality as r(x-y) ≤ g and finding the distribution of x-y first.
  • Concerns are raised about the distribution of (x-y) being unreachable, prompting requests for alternative solutions.
  • A participant assumes x and y are independent and identically distributed with a specific PDF, but this leads to further discussion about the implications of that assumption.
  • There is a contention regarding the closed-form expression for the difference of two distributions, with one participant asserting it cannot be obtained while another argues it can be expressed, albeit not nicely.
  • Assumptions about the non-negativity of (x-y) are discussed, leading to implications about the independence of x and y.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of obtaining the distribution of (x-y) and the implications of assuming independence between x and y. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to evaluate the original inequality with correlated variables.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations related to the assumptions about independence and the specific distributions involved, as well as the challenges in deriving closed-form expressions for the differences of random variables.

nikozm
Messages
51
Reaction score
0
Hello,

i m trying to evaluate the following:

r*x - r*y ≤ g, where r,x,y are nonnegative random variables of different distribution families and g is a constant nonnegative value.

Then, Pr[r*x - r*y ≤ g] = Pr[r*x ≤ g + r*y] = ∫ Fr x(g + r*y)*fr*y(y) dy, where F(.) and f(.) denote CDF and PDF, respectively.

The above formula works for independent variables. I m not sure if it works for correlated variables (the above are correlated due to the "r" variable in both "r*x" and "r*y").

Any help would be useful.

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I would express the inequality as ##r(x-y) \leq g## and find the distribution for x-y first, afterwards you just have two variables left.
 
However, the distribution of (x-y) is unreachable..Is there an other way to solve the problem ?

Thanks
 
nikozm said:
However, the distribution of (x-y) is unreachable..Is there an other way to solve the problem ?

Thanks

I think you'll get a better answer if you explain completely what facts are known about the random variables.
 
Ok, assume that x and y are independent and identically distributed variables following a PDF as given bellow:
fz(z)=Exp[-1/z]/(z^2), where z ε {x,y}

(Thus, they follow an inverse exponential distribution..)
 
I don't understand what is unreachable about the difference of two of those distributions.
I guess it is not a nice expression, but it is still something you can write down.
 
The difference of (x-y) when both of them (x and y) follow the above distribution (i.e., see fz(z)) can not be obtained in closed-form. Moreover, both x and y are i.i.d. and real positive random numbers.

What else...?
 
nikozm said:
where z ε {x,y}

What happens if x > y ?
 
Ok, assume that (x-y) ≥ 0, and thus r*(x-y) ≥ 0.

Thanks
 
  • #10
nikozm said:
Ok, assume that (x-y) ≥ 0,

If that is assumed then x and y are not independent.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K