Expectation of a Function of a RV in terms of PDF

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the expected value of the function cos(A+B), where A is a constant and B is a random variable with a probability density function (pdf) f(b). The integral formulation presented is \int\limits_{-\infty}^{\infty}\cos(A+b)f(b)\, db. Attempts to simplify the integral using integration by parts were unsuccessful, leading to complications with evaluating the cosine at infinity. The consensus is that the expected value will inherently involve an integral, as there are no alternative methods to derive the solution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of probability density functions (pdf)
  • Knowledge of expected value calculations in probability theory
  • Familiarity with integration techniques, particularly integration by parts
  • Basic trigonometric functions and their properties
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of expected values for functions of random variables
  • Learn advanced integration techniques, including integration by parts and handling improper integrals
  • Explore the concept of characteristic functions and their relation to expected values
  • Investigate the implications of transforming random variables and their pdfs
USEFUL FOR

Students in probability theory, mathematicians working with random variables, and anyone involved in statistical analysis requiring the calculation of expected values.

RoshanBBQ
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Homework Statement


Find the expected value of cos(A+B) where A is a constant and B is a random variable with a pdf f(b). Present the answer in terms of f(b).

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know how far I can go with the answer -- I have tried for a bit now to remove an integral with no success.

\int\limits_{-\infty}^{\infty}\cos(A+b)f(b)\, db

From here, I tried integration by parts, which ended in evaluating a cosine at infinity (for the uv term). I thought perhaps to find the pdf of the r.v. C = cos(A + B) and then integrate cf_c(c), but the issue of removing the integral seems strong as ever with that approach too.

Do you think the teacher intends for the answer to have an integral in it?
 
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RoshanBBQ said:

Homework Statement


Find the expected value of cos(A+B) where A is a constant and B is a random variable with a pdf f(b). Present the answer in terms of f(b).

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know how far I can go with the answer -- I have tried for a bit now to remove an integral with no success.

\int\limits_{-\infty}^{\infty}\cos(A+b)f(b)\, db

From here, I tried integration by parts, which ended in evaluating a cosine at infinity (for the uv term). I thought perhaps to find the pdf of the r.v. C = cos(A + B) and then integrate cf_c(c), but the issue of removing the integral seems strong as ever with that approach too.

Do you think the teacher intends for the answer to have an integral in it?

Yes, of course. There is no other way to do it.

RGV
 
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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