Distribution of Product of Dependent RV's

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the distribution of the product of two dependent random variables, X and Y. Participants explore the challenges associated with calculating the density of Z = X*Y given only the marginal densities of X and Y, while emphasizing the dependency between the variables.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks guidance on determining the density of Z = X*Y when X and Y are dependent, noting the importance of their dependency.
  • Another participant references a paper that discusses an algorithm for independent random variables but acknowledges the need for understanding the dependent case.
  • There is a mention of the Rohatgi integral as a tool that can handle dependence in random variables.
  • Participants discuss the necessity of the joint distribution to find the distribution of Z, with one participant correcting a previous post regarding the expectation of the product of X and Y.
  • A later post shifts the focus to the distribution of the sum or difference of possibly dependent, non-Gaussian random variables, indicating a broader interest in related topics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for the joint distribution to analyze the product of dependent random variables. However, there is no consensus on the specific methods or formulas to be used, and multiple approaches are discussed without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the implications of dependency on the distribution calculations and the limitations of the references provided. There are unresolved mathematical steps and assumptions regarding the joint distribution and its relationship to the marginals.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for those interested in probability theory, particularly in the context of dependent random variables and their distributions, as well as for researchers exploring advanced statistical methods.

PlasticOh-No
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Distribution of Product of Dependent RV's

Hello all.
Let's say we have two random variables, say X and Y.
We know the marginal densities for them, say Px(X) and Py(Y).
How do we find the density of Z = X*Y?
The important part here is that X and Y are dependent.
If there are any tips or directions you can point me then great.
 
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PlasticOh-No said:
Distribution of Product of Dependent RV's

If there are any tips or directions you can point me then great.

An application of the product formula is given here.

http://www.math.wm.edu/~leemis/2003csada.pdf

If X and Y are dependent then f X,Y (x,y)=f Y|X (y|x) f X(x)=f X|Y (x|y) f Y(y)

Note: E[X,Y]=E[X]E[Y]+Cov [X,Y]
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the reply. However, note that this paper shows an algorithmic approach to the calculation of the distribution of independent random variables.

From the abstract,
We present an algorithm for computing the probability density function of the product of two independent random variables

What I need is an understanding of the case when the variables in question are dependent.
 
Also I am not saying that I need to find the joint density of X and Y.

I need to think about the distribution of Z, when Z = X*Y and all I have to go on are X and Y's marginals.
 
PlasticOh-No said:
What I need is an understanding of the case when the variables in question are dependent.

The Rohatgi integral can handle dependence. That's why I included the formula for f X,Y (x,y) when X and Y are dependent.

Also see:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Product_distribution
 
Last edited:
I see. So we will be needing the joint distribution.
My mistake, thank you very much for your help.
 
PlasticOh-No said:
I see. So we will be needing the joint distribution.
My mistake, thank you very much for your help.

You're welcome.
 
SW VandeCarr said:
An application of the product formula is given here.

http://www.math.wm.edu/~leemis/2003csada.pdf

If X and Y are dependent then f X,Y (x,y)=f Y|X (y|x) f X(x)=f X|Y (x|y) f Y(y)

Note: E[X,Y]=E[X]E[Y]+Cov [X,Y]

Error in post 2: That should be E[XY]=E[X]E[Y]+Cov[X,Y]
 
Last edited:
Hello again
Can you give tips on also distribution of:
sum or difference on random variables that are
-possibly dependent
-non Gaussian
Thank you
 
  • #10
I got it, it is
Z=X+Y
[tex]f_Z(z)=\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}f(x,z-x)dx [\tex]<br /> <br /> where f is the joint dist[/tex]
 
  • #11
PlasticOh-No said:
I got it, it is
Z=X+Y
[tex]f_Z(z)=\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}f(x,z-x)dx[/tex]
where f is the joint dist

corrected Latex
 
  • #12
Arrg. Thanks Matey

[tex]f_Z(z)=\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}f(x,z-x)dx[/tex]

Shiver me timbers
How does one edit an old post? thanks
 

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