Computation about Gaussian and Dirac Delta Function

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the computation involving a Gaussian distribution and a Dirac Delta Function, specifically focusing on the expression N(t; μ, σ) * δ(t > 0). Participants explore the implications of this notation and its context within a paper related to Microsoft's Adpredictor model.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to compute N(t; μ, σ) * δ(t > 0) but is unsure how to approach it and requests guidance or resources.
  • Another participant questions the notation δ(t > 0) and emphasizes that Dirac delta functions are distributions, suggesting that the computation may not be appropriate outside of an integral.
  • A participant references a paper discussing the Adpredictor model, noting a specific equation involving the Dirac delta function and a truncated normal distribution, expressing confusion about the derivation presented in the paper.
  • One participant admits to difficulty understanding the context and hopes for clarification from others with more expertise.
  • Another participant suggests that there may be errors in the equations presented in the paper, proposing alternative interpretations based on the surrounding text.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of the notation and the computation involving the Dirac delta function. There is no consensus on how to interpret or compute the expression, and confusion remains regarding the equations from the referenced paper.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the appropriateness of the Dirac delta function notation and its application in the context of the Gaussian distribution. The discussion also highlights potential ambiguities in the referenced paper's equations.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying probability distributions, particularly in the context of machine learning models, as well as individuals exploring the mathematical properties of Dirac delta functions and Gaussian distributions.

keliu
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I have a Gaussian distribution about t, say, N(t; μ, σ), and a a Dirac Delta Function δ(t).

Then how can I compute: N(t; μ, σ) * δ(t > 0)

Any clues? Or recommender some materials for me to read?

Thanks!
 
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I've never seen the notation δ(t > 0) for a Dirac delta function, what do you mean by this? Also, Dirac delta functions are not really functions (they are "distributions") and should not really appear outside of an integral, so I'm not sure what you're trying to compute...maybe you could specify what your motivations are for looking at this quantity?
 
In fact I am reading a paper about Microsoft's Adpredictor model. And here is a web article about the model's derivative process.

In the Step 7 of the web article, the author says that :
p(t) = N(t; μ, σ2)δ(y = sign(t)) and when y = 1, p(t) = N(t; μ, σ2)δ(t > 0) and then t has a truncated normal distribution. I don't understand how he could do that how he finish the full step 7.

Because the blog does not have any contact information about the owner, so I came here.

Thanks!
 
I...I can't make heads or tails of that at all, sorry. Hopefully someone better versed in this than me can help you.
 
As far as I can tell from the paper, it seems like either they goofed or the rendering in the pdf file had a problem. I could be wrong, but it seems to me that the two "delta" equations on the fourth page should read:
<br /> p(s|\mathbf{x,w}) = \delta(s - \mathbf{w^T x}).<br />
and
<br /> p(y|t)= \delta(y - sign(t)).<br />
These interpretations seem consistent with the words that precede each equation. jason
 

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