Finding the distribution of random variables

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the distribution of random variables, specifically in the context of a problem involving two randomly drawn tickets with values ranging from 0 to 9. Participants are exploring the probabilities associated with the maximum and minimum values drawn.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss creating tables to analyze the occurrences of maximum and minimum values. There are questions about the correctness of methods and calculations, particularly regarding the probabilities adding up to more than 1. Some participants express confusion about the logic behind the distributions and seek clarification on the assumptions made.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the problem, with some participants attempting to clarify their understanding of the distributions involved. While some have indicated a better grasp of part b, others are still questioning the validity of their approaches and the assumptions regarding equal probabilities.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the distribution of values for X and Y should be reconsidered, particularly in light of the fact that the maximum value has different probabilities based on the combinations of numbers drawn. There is acknowledgment of confusion surrounding the setup and calculations, as well as the need for clearer explanations of the logic used in their reasoning.

LokLe
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Homework Statement
In a box of ten tickets numbered 0, 1, 2,...,9. You pick at random 2 tickets from this box. Let
X is the larger number in these two tickets, and Y be the smaller one.
(a) Find the distributions of X, Y and their joint distribution.
(b) Find the distribution of Z=X-Y.
(c) Compute E(X), Var(X), E(Z) and Var(Z).
Relevant Equations
None
Hi. I have found the answer to a and c (I don't know whether it is correct) but I do not know what I should find in question b.

capture.jpeg


Is my method correct and how should I solve part b?

Thank you for your help!
 
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I made a 10x10 table and counted the occurrence of each max and min. There is a simple pattern.
I don't get the same answers in (a). Can you explain what your logic is? I have trouble reading your work, but it looks like your probabilities add up to more than 1. [EDIT: It looks like I agree with the numbers at the top but not with the numbers in the box.]
 
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I also made a table with number Z in the cells.
220319.png
 
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FactChecker said:
I made a 10x10 table and counted the occurrence of each max and min. There is a simple pattern.
I don't get the same answers in (a). Can you explain what your logic is? I have trouble reading your work, but it looks like your probabilities add up to more than 1.
Sorry I am really confused about this topic.
Capture.PNG
I tried to correct the mistakes by making a 10x10 table.

We have the same chance of getting a number from 0 to 9, so the distribution of (X=x) should be 1/10.
Since we have already picked a number for X, (Y=y) should be 1/(10-1) = 1/9?
 
anuttarasammyak said:
I also made a table with number Z in the cells.View attachment 298596
I understand part b now. Thank you!
 
LokLe said:
I tried to correct the mistakes by making a 10x10 table.

We have the same chance of getting a number from 0 to 9, so the distribution of (X=x) should be 1/10.
Since we have already picked a number for X, (Y=y) should be 1/(10-1) = 1/9?
You pick up two tickets AT A TIME. Then you read them to call larger one Y and smaller one X.
All the possible cells in the table have an equal probability.
 
anuttarasammyak said:
You pick up two tickets AT A TIME. Then you read them to call larger one Y and smaller one X.
All the possible cells in the table have an equal probability.
Oh so X=x and Y=y have an equal distribution. I will correct it. Thank you.
 
LokLe said:
Oh so X=x and Y=y have an equal distribution. I will correct it. Thank you.
I would say all the cells (x,y) x<y are equal in probability or in distribution.
 
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anuttarasammyak said:
Then you read them to call larger one Y and smaller one X.
You got that backwards.
 
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LokLe said:
Sorry I am really confused about this topic.View attachment 298597I tried to correct the mistakes by making a 10x10 table.

We have the same chance of getting a number from 0 to 9, so the distribution of (X=x) should be 1/10.
Since we have already picked a number for X, (Y=y) should be 1/(10-1) = 1/9?
Your distribution of Y adds up to more than 1, so we can see it must be wrong. Furthermore, it does not make sense that the probabilities of the X values are equal. Can the maximum being 1 (only two ways to get that) really be as likely as the maximum being 9 (more than two ways to get that)?
I would start with a 10x10 table of the two numbers drawn. In each cell, I would put the Y,X values and see the pattern. Each combination of two numbers has equal probability, so we can just count how many of the cells are in particular events like X=3 or Y=5. I think you had the right pattern in the top section of your original post, but it is hard to read and unexplained.
New OpenDocument Spreadsheet.jpg
 
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