Find the PDF of W = X + Y + Z on a Uniform Distribution

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the probability density function (PDF) of the random variable W, defined as the sum of three independent uniformly distributed random variables X, Y, and Z, each on the interval (0,1). Participants explore the convolution of PDFs and the integration required to derive the PDF of W.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, Derek, expresses confusion about calculating the PDF of W and describes their progress in finding the PDF of S (the sum of X and Y), noting specific intervals for W.
  • Another participant suggests using the convolution of PDFs to find the PDF of S and subsequently for W, referencing the mathematical definition of convolution.
  • Derek reiterates their findings about the PDF of S, confirming the piecewise nature of the function for different intervals.
  • A later post provides a link to further work done on the topic, indicating an attempt to engage with a broader audience or seek additional insights.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct approach to derive the PDF of W, and there are indications of confusion and uncertainty regarding the integration intervals and the appropriate PDFs to use.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion, including unresolved mathematical steps related to the integration process and the specific definitions of the PDFs for the random variables involved.

Dwolfson
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I am stumped.

I have that W=X+Y+Z and that S=X+Y

These are all X, Y, & Z and Independent and Uniformly Distributed on (0,1)

I found the pdf of S to be (Assume all these < rep. less than or equal to):

S when 0<S<1
2-S when 0<S<1

So I continued:

To do pdf of S+Z=W

I figured there will be 3 intervals:

when 0<W<1, 1<W<2, and 2<W<3:

I Have figured out the one from 0<W<1

to be integral from 0 to W pdf(w)=S(pdf(W-S))ds

= W^2/2

For the other two intervals I am struggling on which pdf of S to use and what is the interval of integration..

Thank you in advance for your help,
--Derek
 
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so the sum of 2 RVs is given by their convolution, in particular the square pulse integral
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convolution

so for S = X+Y, with [itex]p_X(X=x), \ p_Y(Y=y)[/itex]
[tex]p_S(s) = \int dx p_X(x) p_Y(s-x)[/tex]

similarly, it should just follow that for W = S + Z
[tex]p_W(w) = \int dz p_Z(z) p_S(w-z)[/tex]
 
Dwolfson said:
I am stumped.

I have that W=X+Y+Z and that S=X+Y

These are all X, Y, & Z and Independent and Uniformly Distributed on (0,1)

I found the pdf of S to be (Assume all these < rep. less than or equal to):

S when 0<S<1
2-S when 0<S<1

and i assume you mean
2-S when 1<S<2
 

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