Finding PDF of Y if X is a Gaussian PDF

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the probability density function (PDF) of a random variable Y derived from a Gaussian random variable X. Participants explore different relationships between X and Y, specifically considering cases where Y = X^2 and Y = |X|. The discussion includes requests for help with mathematical expressions and sketches of the PDF and cumulative distribution function (CDF) for Y.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for help in finding the PDF of Y given that X is a Gaussian PDF, expressing the PDF in terms of the CDF of X.
  • Another participant points out that a relationship between X and Y has not been provided initially.
  • It is clarified that Y = X^2, prompting a suggestion to replace X^2 in the formulas to find the PDF.
  • Another participant introduces the case where Y = |X|, leading to questions about how to derive the PDF for this scenario.
  • A participant discusses the use of the CDF of X to derive the CDF of Y, providing a mathematical formulation involving the standard Gaussian CDF.
  • There is a request for clarification on how to sketch the PDF and CDF for Y, with suggestions to graph the density once it is derived.
  • Participants discuss the need to take the derivative of the CDF G(y) with respect to y to find the density of Y.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the methods for deriving the PDF for different forms of Y (Y = X^2 vs. Y = |X|), and multiple approaches are presented without resolution of which is correct.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the relationships between X and Y, and the discussion includes various mathematical formulations that may depend on specific definitions or assumptions about the random variables involved.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in probability theory, particularly those studying transformations of random variables and their distributions, may find this discussion relevant.

Satwant
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A question which I amnot able to do...please help:
Find the PDF of Y if X is a Gaussian PDF:
fx(x) = (1e-x^2/2)/(2pi)^1/2 ; -infnity<x<+infinity

Express your answer in terms of CDF of X gven by

Fi(x) = Integral -infnty to + infnity((1e-x^2/2)/(2pi)^1/2)

b) Sketch both the PDF, fY(y) and CDF, FY(y) for randon variable Y
 
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Satwant said:
A question which I amnot able to do...please help:
Find the PDF of Y if X is a Gaussian PDF:
fx(x) = (1e-x^2/2)/(2pi)^1/2 ; -infnity<x<+infinity

Express your answer in terms of CDF of X gven by

Fi(x) = Integral -infnty to + infnity((1e-x^2/2)/(2pi)^1/2)

b) Sketch both the PDF, fY(y) and CDF, FY(y) for randon variable Y

You haven't given a relationship between X and Y have you?
 
Sorry, it is Y = X^2
 
Then just replace X^2 in the formulas by Y!
fx(Y) = e^{-Y/2}/(2\pi)^{1/2}
0\le Y&lt; \infty

Fi(x) = \int_{-\infty}^\infty (e^{-Y/2}/(2\pi)^{1/2})dy
 
but if Y = modX
 
Also, to find PDF of Y of a Gaussian PDF, do I need to find mean and variance?
 
xx yyy
 
I don't know what you mean by "modX" or by "find PDF of Y of a Gaussian PDF".
 
I mean
Y = |X|
 
  • #10
you told me how to do it for Y = X^2 but in another part, how to do it for
Y = |X|
 
  • #11
Try this. For the distribution function of X write

<br /> F(x) = \Pr(X \le x) = \Phi(x)<br />

Here \Phi(x) is the usual notation for the CDF of the standard Gaussian.
I'll use G(y) as the CDF for your new random variable.

<br /> \begin{align*}<br /> G(y) &amp; = \Pr(Y \le y) = P(X^2 \le y) \\<br /> &amp; =\Pr(-\sqrt{y} \le X \le \sqrt{y}) \\<br /> &amp; = \Phi(\sqrt{y}) - \Phi(-\sqrt{y})<br /> \end{align*}<br />

Since the standard Gaussian is symmetric around 0,

<br /> \Phi(-a) = 1 - \Phi(a)<br />

for any number a. From the place where I left off:

<br /> \begin{align*}<br /> G(y) &amp;= \Phi(\sqrt{y}) - \Phi(-\sqrt{y}) = \Phi(\sqrt{y}) - (1- \Phi(\sqrt{y}))\\<br /> &amp; = 2\Phi(\sqrt{y}) - 1<br /> \end{align*}<br />

Now use these facts:

* The density of Y is the derivative of G(y)
* You need to use the chain rule when you take the derivative of \Phi(\sqrt{y})
* The derivative of \Phi(x) is the density of the standard Gaussian
* The random variable Y is defined on (0, \infty)
* The distribution of Y is one you should be able to recognize

Edited to add:
the method for your second question is similar:
<br /> \Pr(|X| \le y) = \Pr(-y \le X \le y)<br />

go from here. (I have a second \le between X and y above, but it isn't showing.)
 
  • #12
thanks!
 
  • #13
Any idea how to sketch the PDF, fY(y) and CDF, FY(y) for randon variable Y for this problem?

Thank you.
 
  • #14
once you have the expression for the density - graph it as any other function.
You'll need a technology aid to graph the CDF.
 
  • #15
When finding the density of Y by taking the derivative of G(y) as described earlier, we want to take the derivative of G(y) in respect to y correct? Or is it in respect to phi?

Thank you for all the help
 
  • #16
<br /> g(y) = \frac{dG}{dy}<br />
 
  • #17
Thanks
 

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