Expectation of Continuous Random Variable [word problem]

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the expectation of a continuous random variable, specifically focusing on the differentiation of integrals involving probability density functions (PDFs) and cumulative distribution functions (CDFs). Participants are analyzing the application of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the differentiation of integrals and the use of the product rule, questioning the correctness of their approaches and the implications of switching limits of integration. There is an exploration of the relationship between the CDF and PDF, as well as the application of a specific formula for differentiation under the integral sign.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing examination of the steps involved in differentiating the integrals, with some participants expressing confusion about certain terms and the application of the differentiation formula. While some clarity has been achieved regarding the formula used, no consensus has been reached on the overall approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through the complexities of calculus as applied to probability, with specific attention to the assumptions made about the limits of integration and the behavior of the functions involved. There is a mention of external resources that may aid understanding, but no definitive resolution has been provided.

izelkay
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Homework Statement


Here's the problem with the solution provided:
V2pcSB6.png


Homework Equations


Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (FToC)

The Attempt at a Solution


So I understand everything up to where I need to take the derivative of the integral(s).
Couple of things I know is that the derivative of the CDF, F(T) is the PDF, f(t). So naturally the integral of the PDF would be the CDF, right?

So for the first integral, ct∫f(x)dx [0,t]
I would need to use the product rule for this I think, so I'd have:

c∫f(x)dx [0,t] + ctf(t)

And since the integral of the PDF is the CDF, this would be:

cF(t) + ctf(t) right? That's what they have so far

For the second integral, -c∫xf(x)dx[0,t]

The derivative of this would just be
-ctf(t)

by the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.

The third integral, k∫xf(x)dx [t,∞]

I believe I would need to switch the limits of integration for this to be able to differentiate using the FToC:

-k∫xf(x)dx [∞,t]

Then, differentiating this:

-ktf(t)

For the fourth integral I'm not sure what they did. I thought we just needed to switch the limits of integration again to get

kt∫f(x)dx [∞,t]

And then differentiate this to get

k∫f(x)dx [∞,t] + ktf(t)
=
kF(t) + ktf(t)

so in total, I'd have:

cF(t) + ctf(t) - ctf(t) - ktf(t) + kF(t) + ktf(t)

which matches what they have except for the last two terms. I'm not sure what's going on there, can someone explain?
 
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Hm I'm looking at where I switched the limits of integration, and it doesn't really make sense to integrate something from infinity to t does it? Could that be the problem?
 
izelkay said:

Homework Statement


Here's the problem with the solution provided:
V2pcSB6.png


Homework Equations


Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (FToC)

The Attempt at a Solution


So I understand everything up to where I need to take the derivative of the integral(s).
Couple of things I know is that the derivative of the CDF, F(T) is the PDF, f(t). So naturally the integral of the PDF would be the CDF, right?

So for the first integral, ct∫f(x)dx [0,t]
I would need to use the product rule for this I think, so I'd have:

c∫f(x)dx [0,t] + ctf(t)

And since the integral of the PDF is the CDF, this would be:

cF(t) + ctf(t) right? That's what they have so far

For the second integral, -c∫xf(x)dx[0,t]

The derivative of this would just be
-ctf(t)

by the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.

The third integral, k∫xf(x)dx [t,∞]

I believe I would need to switch the limits of integration for this to be able to differentiate using the FToC:

-k∫xf(x)dx [∞,t]

Then, differentiating this:

-ktf(t)

For the fourth integral I'm not sure what they did. I thought we just needed to switch the limits of integration again to get

kt∫f(x)dx [∞,t]

And then differentiate this to get

k∫f(x)dx [∞,t] + ktf(t)
=
kF(t) + ktf(t)

so in total, I'd have:

cF(t) + ctf(t) - ctf(t) - ktf(t) + kF(t) + ktf(t)

which matches what they have except for the last two terms. I'm not sure what's going on there, can someone explain?

The exerpt you quote has a very weird way of doing the derivative, and you are over-thinking the problem. In fact, using the general result
\frac{d}{dt} \int_{a(t)}^{b(t)} h(x,t) \, dx = h(b(t),t) b&#039;(t) - h(a(t),t) a&#039;(t) <br /> + \int_{a(t)}^{b(t)} \frac{\partial}{\partial t} h(x,t) \, dt
we have
\frac{d}{dt} \int_0^t c(t-x) f(x)\, dx = c(t-x) f(x)|_{x=t} + \int_0^t \frac{\partial}{\partial t} c(t-x) f(x) \, dx\\<br /> = c \:0 \:f(t) + c \int_0^t f(x) \, dx = c F(t)
and
\frac{d}{dt} \int_t^{\infty} k(x-t) f(x) \, dx = -k(x-t) f(x)|_{x=t} <br /> + \int_t^{\infty} \frac{\partial}{\partial t} k(x-t) f(x) \, dx \\<br /> = - k \: 0 \: f(t) - k \int_t^{\infty} f(t) \, dt.
Since ##\int_t^{\infty} f(x) \, dx = 1 - F(t)##, we have
\frac{d}{dt} E C_t(X) = c F(t) - k[1-F(t)]= (c+k) F(t) - k
 
Mm okay it makes sense with the formula you used, though I've never seen that formula before.
 
Okay, thank you very much.
 

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