Guassian Probability density function

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Gaussian probability density function (PDF) and involves solving for a constant C in the PDF equation, as well as calculating the probability of a specific value of x. The scope includes homework-related problem-solving and mathematical reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the PDF of a Gaussian variable and seeks help in finding the constant C and the probability for x≥2.
  • Another participant proposes that C is the standard deviation and calculates it to be 3, based on the exponent's denominator.
  • A participant mentions substituting x=2 into the PDF to find the probability and provides a calculated value.
  • Further contributions include attempts to plot the function and confirm the calculated probability using software tools.
  • Another participant discusses using the Q(x) function as an alternative method for finding probabilities related to the Gaussian distribution.
  • There are also technical notes on using LaTeX for mathematical expressions in the forum.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no explicit consensus on the methods or calculations presented, as participants offer different approaches and insights without resolving the overall problem.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the standard form of the Gaussian distribution and the use of specific functions (like Q(x)) remain unverified within the discussion. The steps for integrating the PDF to find probabilities are not fully detailed.

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Homework Statement



The PDF (probability density function) of a Gaussian variable x is given by.

$$p_x(x)=\frac{1}{C \sqrt{2 \pi}} e^{\frac{-(x-4)^2}{18}}$$

a) Find C
b)find the probability of x≥2 --> ##P(x≥2)##

Homework Equations



$$ \frac{dF_X(x)}{dx} x=P(x<X≤x+Δx)$$

The Attempt at a Solution



So i get stuck on how to solve the above for C. I have an example of a similar problem that my professor did in class but it skips a lot of steps that I need to see to fully understand. It seems like he started with taking the integral of the signal by using an integral table?

In my textbook I do see that the above is a standard of a gaussian or normal probability density. It looks something like this.

$$p_X(x)=\frac{1}{\sqrt{2 \pi}} e^{-x^2}{2}$$
$$F_X(x)=\frac{1}{\sqrt{2 \pi}} \int_{-\infty}^{x} e^{\frac{-x^2}{2}}dx$$

Any hints on where to start?

Any help is much appreciated! Thank you!
 
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The parameter C is the standard deviation.
The denominator of the power of the exponent is equal to 2(C^2).
Hence C = 3, as 2 times 9 is 18.

p_x(x)=\frac{1}{3 \sqrt{2\pi}}e^{\frac{-(x-4)^2}{18}}

My approach to this was to look at the formula given on this wikipedia page:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_distribution

To find the probability of x=2 I think maybe we could substitute.

p_x(2)=\frac{1}{3 \sqrt{2\pi}}e^{\frac{-(2-4)^2}{18}}
 
Last edited:
x^2\sqrt{x}[\tex]<br /> was trying some latex here. semi-success.
 
Substituted the value for x=2 in my Casio and I get 0.1064826685.
Will try and plot in Mathematica for confirmation.
 
Have plotted them :)

The files are attached to this post. Need to work out how to get them to flash up here.
 

Attachments

Plotted :)

Not sure quite how to embed the image so that it appears in this post. But its attached & the hand-calculated value looks reasonable :)

GaussianPhysForum.gif


GaussianPhysForumzoom.gif


yes! Think this is how its done.
 
Wow it was really that simple! I had that equation written down right on the scratch pad where I was working this problem and didnt see that I guess.

To find the probability I followed that other example that simply used the ##Q(x)## function. And then take the result and look up the probability in the table that goes along with that function.

For reference the function looks like this (from my text) ## Q(x)= \frac{1}{x \sqrt{2 \pi}} e^{\frac{-x^2}{2}}##

Thanks for the help AugustCrawl!
 
Oh btw a little note. Your latex code looks ok. If you use those tage be sure to use "[\itex]" i think your just leaving out the i. Or you can use two dollar signs $$ before and after for a separate line of code or two hash tags ## for code to be on the same line.
 

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