Expected Value and integration

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the expected value E(X) for a probability density function (pdf) f(Y) = 3y² over the interval [0, 1], specifically for observations falling within the range (0.5, 1). The correct approach involves integrating the pdf over the specified interval, resulting in E(X) = ∫(0.5 to 1) 3x² dx, which yields an expected value of 0.75. The confusion arises from the interpretation of the expected value in relation to the total number of observations (15), leading to the conclusion that the expected number of observations in the interval (0.5, 1) is 11.25.

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rhyno89
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Homework Statement



Suppose that 15 observations are chosen at random for the pdf f(Y) = 3y^2 on the interval 0 to 1. Let X denote the number that lie in the interval (.5,1). Find E(X)

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Ok so to get the expected value u integrate the pdf times the random variable.
Doing this is the integral 3y^3 and it turns to .75y^4

This is where I get confused. First of all I thought that it would have summed to 1 so that the number of X on that range would be 15, but it can't be it would be 11.25

Aside from that, to find the number over this range i kno is 15x the expected value but i can't figure out the bounds. Is it the value of 0,1 - the value of .5,1 or something else all together

Thanks in advance
 
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rhyno89 said:

Homework Statement



Suppose that 15 observations are chosen at random for the pdf f(Y) = 3y^2 on the interval 0 to 1. Let X denote the number that lie in the interval (.5,1). Find E(X)

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Ok so to get the expected value u integrate the pdf times the random variable.
Doing this is the integral 3y^3 and it turns to .75y^4

This is where I get confused. First of all I thought that it would have summed to 1 so that the number of X on that range would be 15, but it can't be it would be 11.25

Aside from that, to find the number over this range i kno is 15x the expected value but i can't figure out the bounds. Is it the value of 0,1 - the value of .5,1 or something else all together

Thanks in advance
Try to be more consistent in your use of variables. You are using x and y interchangeably, and that's bound to lead to confusion.

E(x) = \int_{0.5}^1 3x^2 dx

You got the right antiderivative, but you should be working with a definite integral. Since you're concerned only with the interval [0.5, 1], you should expect the expected value to be a number somewhere in that interval.
 

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