Exploring the CDF and MGF Relationship for Random Variables

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter EngWiPy
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Cdf Relation
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the relationship between the Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF) and the Moment Generating Function (MGF) of a random variable, particularly focusing on the implications of these relationships when considering the reciprocal of the random variable. The scope includes theoretical aspects and mathematical reasoning related to probability distributions.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose a relation between the CDF of a random variable X and its reciprocal, suggesting that the MGF may also have a corresponding relationship.
  • One participant mentions a specific relation between the MGF and the CDF, stating that M_X(s) can be expressed in terms of the Laplace transform of the CDF, though they note it yields no results.
  • Another participant provides the CDF and MGF for a uniformly distributed random variable on [0,1], questioning how this relates to the primary inquiry about the reciprocal.
  • Complex mathematical expressions for the MGF of X and its reciprocal are shared, but the derivation of these relations is unclear to some participants.
  • There is a clarification regarding the conditions under which the original statements about reciprocals hold, specifically that X must be non-negative.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationships between the CDF and MGF, particularly concerning the implications of taking reciprocals. There is no consensus on the derivation of the proposed relations or their validity under certain conditions.

Contextual Notes

Some statements depend on specific assumptions about the values of X and x, particularly regarding their non-negativity. The discussion includes unresolved mathematical steps and varying interpretations of the relationships discussed.

EngWiPy
Messages
1,361
Reaction score
61
Hello,

Suppose that the Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF) of a random variable X is [tex]F_X(x)[/tex], which is by definition is:

[tex]F_X(x)=\text{Pr}\left[X\leq x\right]=\text{Pr}\left[\frac{1}{X}\geq \frac{1}{x}\right]=1-\text{Pr}\left[\frac{1}{X}\leq \frac{1}{x}\right]=1-F_{1/X}\left(1/x\right)[/tex]

Considering this relation between the CDF of X and the CDF of its reciprocal, what is the relation between the Moment Generating Function (MGF) of X and its reciprocal?

Any help will be highly appreciated.

Thanks in advance
 
Physics news on Phys.org
A good starting point would be to think of a relation between the CDF of X and the MGF of X, wouldn't it?
 
Pere Callahan said:
A good starting point would be to think of a relation between the CDF of X and the MGF of X, wouldn't it?

Yes right, and I know what is the relation between them, but I want to see if another one has another idea. Anyway, the relation is:

[tex]M_X(s)=s\mathcal{L}\left\{F_X(x)\right\}[/tex]

I have tried this, and it yields no where.

Regards
 
What would the CDF and MGF look like if X is uniform on [0,1] ?
 
bpet said:
What would the CDF and MGF look like if X is uniform on [0,1] ?

The CDF of a uniformly distributed random variable X is:

[tex]F_X(x)=\begin{cases}0&x<0\\\frac{x-a}{b-a}&a\leq x<b\\1&x\ge b\end{cases}[/tex]

Here, it may easier to derive the MGF from the PDF, not from the CDF. The PDF of X will be:

[tex]f_X(x)=\begin{cases}\frac{1}{b-a}&a\leq x\leq b\\0&\mbox{elsewhere}\end{cases}[/tex]

Then the MGF of X is:

[tex]\mathcal{M}_X(s)=E_X\left[\text{e}^{sx}\right]=\int_a^b\text{e}^{sx}f_X(x)\,dx=\frac{\text{e}^{bs}-\text{e}^{as}}{s\left(b-a\right)}[/tex]

But, what is the relation of this to the primary question?

Anyway, I have found the following relations between the MGF of X and the MGF of its reciprocal:

[tex] \mathcal{M}_X(s)=\int_s^{\infty}\int_0^{\infty}J_0\left(2\,\sqrt{u\,p}\right)\mathcal{M}_{1/X}(s)\,du\,dp\\[/tex]
[tex]\mathcal{M}_{1/X}(s)=1-\sqrt{s}\int_0^{\pi/2}\frac{\sec^2 (\zeta)}{\sqrt{\tan (\zeta)}}J_1\left(2\,\sqrt{s\tan (\zeta)}\right)\mathcal{M}_X\left(\tan (\zeta)\right)\,d\zeta[/tex]

where [tex]J_v(.)[/tex] is the vth order bessel function of the first kind. I do not know how they got there. Does anybody know how to derive these relations?

Thanks in advance
 
S_David said:
Hello,

Suppose that the Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF) of a random variable X is [tex]F_X(x)[/tex], which is by definition is:

[tex]F_X(x)=\text{Pr}\left[X\leq x\right]=\text{Pr}\left[\frac{1}{X}\geq \frac{1}{x}\right]=1-\text{Pr}\left[\frac{1}{X}\leq \frac{1}{x}\right]=1-F_{1/X}\left(1/x\right)[/tex]

Considering this relation between the CDF of X and the CDF of its reciprocal, what is the relation between the Moment Generating Function (MGF) of X and its reciprocal?

Any help will be highly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

If X < 0 and x > 0, your statement about reciprocals doesn't hold.
 
mathman said:
If X < 0 and x > 0, your statement about reciprocals doesn't hold.

Yes , I forgot to mention that [tex]0\leq X, x<\infty[/tex]. Then, is there any problem?

Regards
 
S_David said:
Yes , I forgot to mention that [tex]0\leq X, x<\infty[/tex]. Then, is there any problem?

Regards
Not in your original statement.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K