How is the PDF of a Non One-to-One Transformation Derived for n Dimensions?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion explores the derivation of probability density functions (pdf) for transformations of random variables in both one-dimensional and n-dimensional cases. In Case I, it outlines how to find the pdf for one-to-one and non-one-to-one transformations, emphasizing the use of the inverse function and the sum of contributions from multiple roots. Case II addresses the more complex scenario of n-dimensional transformations, questioning the existence of analogous results for non-one-to-one functions and seeking references for further insights. The conversation also touches on constructing additional functions to ensure non-zero Jacobians in transformations. Overall, the thread seeks clarity on the pdf derivation for non-one-to-one transformations across multiple dimensions.
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This is not homework. Case I is mostly for background. The real questions are in Case II.

Case I (one dimension):
a. Suppose X is a continuous r.v. with pdf fX(x), y = g(x) is one-to-one, and the inverse x = g-1(y) exists. Then the pdf of Y = g(X) is found by
f_Y(y) = f_X(g^{-1}(y) | (g^{-1})'(y) |.
All of the above is well-known (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Density_function" ).

b. Now suppose the transformation g is not one-to-one. Denote the real roots of y = g(x) by xk, i.e., y = g(x1) = ... = g(xk). Then the pdf of Y = g(X) is
f_Y(y) = \sum_k = \frac{f_X(x_k)}{|g'(x_k)|}.
Again, this is (relatively) well-known.

Case II (n dimensions):
a. The case for n functions of n random variables where g is one-to-one is well-known (see link above):
f_Y(y) = f_X(g^{-1}(y))| J_{g^{-1}}(g(x)) |.
b. What about the case for n functions of n random variables where g is not one-to-one? Is there an analogous result to that in Case Ib? Can someone provide a reference?
c. What about the case for Y = g(X1, x2, ..., xn) where g : Rn -> R? [Note: Though g might still be one-to-one, we suppose that it is not.] The approach to Case IIc with which I am familiar is to construct an additional n-1 functions (often just using the identity function, but sometimes more effort is needed to choose functions so the Jacobian is nonzero), and then use the known method of Case IIa. Is there an approach analogous to that in Case Ib or Case IIb? Can someone provide a reference?

Thanks for any insights you can provide.
 
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