Convolution of Time Distributions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the convolution of time distributions for processes, exploring how to construct new distributions when combining multiple processes. Participants examine the mathematical formulation of convolutions and consider alternative methods such as Fourier transforms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that the time distribution for two processes can be represented as a convolution, defined as τ = t + t, leading to P(τ) = P(t) * P(t).
  • Another participant questions whether the same convolution approach can be applied when performing the process N times, suggesting P(τ) = P(t) * ... * P(t) (N times).
  • There is a suggestion that a change of variables could also be used for N convolutions, expressed as P(τ) = P(τ/N) * (1/N).
  • One participant raises the idea of combining time distributions for different processes, proposing a formulation for P(z) that incorporates convolutions for different numbers of processes (N1 and N2).
  • Another participant mentions the possibility of forming a joint distribution and projecting it down onto lines of constant sum, questioning if this would yield the same result as convolution.
  • A later reply introduces the concept of using Fourier transforms, noting that convolution in the time domain corresponds to multiplication in the transformed domain.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various approaches to the problem, with no consensus on the correctness of the methods or formulations presented. Multiple competing views on how to handle convolutions and alternative methods remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not clarify assumptions regarding the distributions involved, nor do they resolve the mathematical steps necessary for the proposed formulations. The discussion remains open to interpretation and further exploration.

SSGD
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I need some help to make sure my reasoning is correct. Bear with me please.

I have a time distribution for a process and I want to construct a distribution for the time it takes to perform two processes. So I would define

##\tau = t + t##

This would create a new distribution with is a convolution of the process performed twice.

##P(\tau) = P(t)*P(t)##

Now could I do the same for performing the process N times

##\tau = t + t + ... + t = Nt##

##P(\tau) = P(t)*P(t)*...*P(t)##

Could the N convolutions be performed with a change of variables instead

##P(\tau) = P(t)\frac{dt}{d\tau}##

##P(\tau) = P(\frac{\tau}{N})\frac{1}{N}##
 
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Assuming the above is correct could I also combine time distributions for different process that each had N1 or N2 convolutions.

##z = \tau_1+\tau_2=N_1t_1+N_2t_2##

##P(z) = P_1(\tau_1)*P_2(\tau_2)=\frac{1}{N_1}P_1(\frac{z}{N_1})*\frac{1}{N_2}P_2(\frac{z}{N_2})##
 
SSGD said:
I have a time distribution for a process and I want to construct a distribution for the time it takes to perform two processes. So I would define

τ=t+tτ=t+t\tau = t + t

This would create a new distribution with is a convolution of the process performed twice.
Is that correct. I know that you could form a joint distribution and then project the joint distribution down onto lines of constant sum, but I didn't know that would give the same result as a convolution. If it does, then that is convenient.

SSGD said:
Assuming the above is correct could I also combine time distributions for different process that each had N1 or N2 convolutions
Or you could take the Fourier transform and multiply. That would be my approach.
 
Dale you that is a great idea! I didn't even think about the convolution being a product in the transformed domain. When I get a chance I'm going to do the transforms on a few different distributions and see if the above ideas work out for convolution and change of variables. Thanks.
 

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