Cumulative distribution function

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a continuous random variable X characterized by its cumulative distribution function (CDF). Participants are exploring various aspects of the CDF, including finding specific values, deriving the probability density function (PDF), and calculating probabilities related to the variable.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss finding the value of k in the CDF and derive the PDF through differentiation. There are attempts to calculate the median of the square root of X and questions about the relationship between the median of X and that of \sqrt{X}. Some participants suggest starting points for calculating probabilities related to independent observations of X.

Discussion Status

Some participants have made progress on the initial questions, particularly in determining k and deriving the PDF. Guidance has been offered on how to approach the median calculation and the conditional probability. Multiple interpretations and methods are being explored without explicit consensus on the remaining questions.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may impose specific rules on the methods used or the information provided. There is a noted uncertainty regarding the classification of the problem within the context of precalculus mathematics.

drawar
Messages
130
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


The continuous random variable X has cumulative distribution function given by
F(x) = \left\{ {\begin{array}{*{20}c}<br /> 0 &amp; {x \le 0} \\<br /> {\frac{{x^2 }}{k}} &amp; {0 \le x \le 1} \\<br /> { - \frac{{x^2 }}{6} + x - \frac{1}{2}} &amp; {1 \le x \le 3} \\<br /> 1 &amp; {x \ge 3} \\<br /> \end{array}} \right.
(i) Find the value of k
(ii) Find the probability density function of X and sketch its graph
(iii) Find the median of \sqrt X
(iv) 10 independent observations of X are taken. Find the probability that eight of them are less than 2.
(v) Let A be the event X > 1 and B be the event X > 2. Find P(B|A)

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I'm able to do the first 2 questions
For (i), by substitution I get k=3
For (ii), I take the derivative of F(x), then f(x) = \left\{ {\begin{array}{*{20}c}<br /> {\frac{{2x}}{3}} &amp; {0 \le x \le 1} \\<br /> { - \frac{x}{3} + 1} &amp; {1 \le x \le 3} \\<br /> 0 &amp; {otherwise} \\<br /> \end{array}} \right.
However, I have no idea how to do the rest. Any feedback is appreciated, thanks
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
For (iii), the median is the value M such that the random variable is equally likely to be below or above M:

\int_0^M f(x) dx = 0.5
(Solve for M.)

For (iv), start by finding the probability that a single observation is less than 2.

For (v), start by writing down the definition of P(B|A).

P.S. Is this really "precalculus mathematics"?
 
Thank you for pointing that out to me. Is the median of X equal to that of \sqrt X?
 
Oh, sorry, I overlooked the \sqrt{x} in the question. No, in general, it won't be the same as the median of X.

You are looking for the value of M such that

P(\sqrt{X} &lt; M) = 0.5

Now, since X is non-negative, it follows that \sqrt{X} &lt; M if and only if X &lt; M^2.

So

P(\sqrt{X} &lt; M) = P(X &lt; M^2)

So what is P(X &lt; M^2) in terms of an integral expression involving f(x)?
 
That definitely helps. Thanks!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K