Covariance of two dependent variables

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The discussion centers on the covariance of two dependent variables, X and Y, where Y is defined as Y = |X| + N, with N being Gaussian noise. The participant confirms that X and Y are dependent and expresses uncertainty about their calculations in parts (b) and (c) of their homework. They correctly deduce that the covariance should be zero, noting the anticorrelation when X is negative and correlation when X is positive. However, confusion arises in part (c) regarding the expected value calculations, particularly how to derive E[Y] and the covariance σXY. The conversation concludes with a focus on clarifying the covariance calculation and ensuring the expected values are correctly interpreted.
jegues
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Homework Statement



See figure attached

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I am not concerned with part (a), I have deduced that indeed X and Y are dependent.

I'm not sure if I have done part (b) correctly, and I am quite certain I have done part (c) incorrectly, but I couldn't think of what else to do.

Am I on the right track in parts (b) and (c)? What is incorrect, or how should I approach the problem?

Thanks again!
 

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Here is the last page of my attempt.
 

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B) looks ok. you should expect zero covariance. The two are clearly anticorrelated where X is negative and, equally, correlated where X is positive.
In c), something strange at the bottom of the first sheet. How did μXμY become X?
 
haruspex said:
B) looks ok. you should expect zero covariance. The two are clearly anticorrelated where X is negative and, equally, correlated where X is positive.
In c), something strange at the bottom of the first sheet. How did μXμY become X?

I calculated μx for that case, it was found to be 1.

Since Y = |X| + N, and X is in the range of (0,2) |X| = X.

Thus, Y = X + N, I figured this pdf would simply be the pdf of N (it is known to be Gaussian) shifted to the right by X, having a mean value of X. Hence, μy = X.

I don't think that is correct, because I think μy should be a number.

Where did I go wrong? How do I fix part (c)?
 
jegues said:
I don't think that is correct, because I think μy should be a number.
Quite so. E[Y] = E[|X|+N] = E[|X|]+E[N].
 
haruspex said:
Quite so. E[Y] = E[|X|+N] = E[|X|]+E[N].

Okay so from this,

E[Y] = E[X] + 0 = \mu_{X} = 1 = \mu_{Y}

but I am still stuck in finding,

\sigma_{XY} = E[(X-\mu_{X})(Y-\mu_{Y})] = E[(X-1)(Y-1)] = E[(X-1)(|X|+N-1)]

Any ideas?
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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