Finding expected value from the moment generating function

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the expected value (E[X]) from the moment generating function (MGF) mx(t) = (e^t - 1)/t. The correct approach involves using the formula E{X^n} = lim(t → 0) (d^n mx(t)/dt^n). For the given MGF, the first derivative evaluated at t=0 yields E[X] = 1/2. Participants confirm the validity of using the series expansion of e^t to derive the expected value, reinforcing the correctness of the calculations presented.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding moment generating functions (MGFs)
  • Knowledge of derivatives and limits in calculus
  • Familiarity with series expansions, particularly for e^t
  • Basic probability theory concepts, especially expected value
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of moment generating functions in probability theory
  • Learn about Taylor series expansions and their applications
  • Explore advanced calculus techniques for evaluating limits and derivatives
  • Investigate other methods for calculating expected values in different distributions
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Students and professionals in statistics, mathematicians, and data scientists seeking to deepen their understanding of moment generating functions and expected value calculations.

oyth94
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Suppose I have the MGF moment generating function mx(t) = (e^t -1)/t
How can I find EX?
 
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oyth94 said:
Suppose I have the MGF moment generating function mx(t) = (e^t -1)/t
How can I find EX?

If a r.v. X has m.g.f. $\displaystyle m_{X} (t) = E \{e^{t\ X}\}$, then... $\displaystyle E\{X^{n}\} = \lim_{t \rightarrow 0} \frac{d^{n} m_{X} (t)}{d t^{n}}\ (1)$

In Your case is...

$\displaystyle E\{X\} = \lim_{t \rightarrow 0} \frac{t\ e^{t} - e^{t} + 1}{t^{2}} = \frac{1}{2}\ (2)$ Kind regards $\chi$ $\sigma$
 
chisigma said:
If a r.v. X has m.g.f. $\displaystyle m_{X} (t) = E \{e^{t\ X}\}$, then... $\displaystyle E\{X^{n}\} = \lim_{t \rightarrow 0} \frac{d^{n} m_{X} (t)}{d t^{n}}\ (1)$

In Your case is...

$\displaystyle E\{X\} = \lim_{t \rightarrow 0} \frac{t\ e^{t} - e^{t} + 1}{t^{2}} = \frac{1}{2}\ (2)$ Kind regards $\chi$ $\sigma$

Thank you for your help. For how I did it was I used the series expansion for e^t which is the summation of (t)^k / k!
so
$$[(t^k / t!) - 1 ] / t$$ = [(1 + t/1 + t^2 / 2! + t^3 / 3! + ...) - 1] / t
then the 1s cancel out and I can factor out the t so it becomes
= 1 + t/2! + t^2 / 3! + ...
so when i use the moment generating function
mx^(k) (0) = EX
do i sub in t=0 and then the answer will be 1?
how do I go on from there? or is the answer e?
Confused!
How do you solve it using the series expansion?
 
oyth94 said:
Thank you for your help. For how I did it was I used the series expansion for e^t which is the summation of (t)^k / k!
so
$$[(t^k / t!) - 1 ] / t$$ = [(1 + t/1 + t^2 / 2! + t^3 / 3! + ...) - 1] / t
then the 1s cancel out and I can factor out the t so it becomes
= 1 + t/2! + t^2 / 3! + ...
so when i use the moment generating function
mx^(k) (0) = EX
do i sub in t=0 and then the answer will be 1?
how do I go on from there? or is the answer e?
Confused!
How do you solve it using the series expansion?

The result You have obtained...

$\displaystyle \frac{e^{t}-1}{t} = 1 + \frac{t}{2!} + \frac{t^{2}}{3!} + ...\ (1)$

... is absolutely correct... what is the matter?...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
chisigma said:
The result You have obtained...

$\displaystyle \frac{e^{t}-1}{t} = 1 + \frac{t}{2!} + \frac{t^{2}}{3!} + ...\ (1)$

... is absolutely correct... what is the matter?...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$

okay so i forgot to mention i have to take the derivative after i factor/cancel out the t right. so then it becomes
1 + t/2! + t^2 /3! + ...
derivative --> 1/2 + 2t/6 + ...
and then after i take the derivative i set t=0 because mx1(0) = EX
so from there i will get
EX = 1/2 as you said before.
 

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