Help with cumulative distributions

  • Thread starter Thread starter sneaky666
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Distributions
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around computing probabilities using the given cumulative distribution function (CDF) Fy(y) defined piecewise for the intervals [0, 1/2) and [1/2, 1]. The calculations for P(1/3<Y<3/4) are presented, but there are concerns about the validity of Fy as a CDF, as it should be a non-decreasing function. Additionally, the area under the curve must equal 1 for it to be a valid probability density function, which is questioned in the thread. The values calculated for P(Y=1/3) and P(Y=1/2) are also discussed, but the overall consensus is that the problem may contain errors. It is recommended to consult the instructor for clarification on the CDF definition and the problem's setup.
sneaky666
Messages
64
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



suppose Fy(y)=y^3 for 0<=y<1/2 and Fy(y)=1-y^3 for 1/2<=y<=1. Compute these.

1.
P(1/3<Y<3/4)
2.
P(Y=1/3)
3.
P(Y=1/2)

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution




Is this right for the 1. ?
P(1/3<Y<3/4)
P(1/3<Y<1/2) + P(1/2<=Y<3/4)
( Fy(1/2-) - Fy(1/3) ) + ( Fy(3/4-) - Fy(1/2-) )
Fy(1/2-) - Fy(1/3) + Fy(3/4-) - Fy(1/2-)


Now I have to use
Fy(y)=y^3 for 0<=y<1/2 and Fy(y)=1-y^3 for 1/2<=y<=1

1/8 - 1/27 + 37/64 - 1/8
=935/1728

for 2 i am getting 1/27
for 3 i am getting 7/8

I think there's something wrong, but I don't know what.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Is Fy supposed to be the cumulative distribution function? If it is, you must have written down the wrong function because the cdf should be an increasing function. If it's supposed to be a probability density function, there's also a problem because the area under the curve from -∞ to +∞ isn't equal to 1.
 
the exact question was:

Suppose Fy(y)=y^3 for 0<=y<1/2, and Fy(y)=1-y^3 for 1/2<=y<=1. Compute each of the following:
a) P(1/3<Y<3/4)
b) P(Y=1/3)
c) P(Y=1/2)

the section name is cumulative distribution function
chapter name is random variables and distribution
 
I think you need to go ask your instructor about this problem because it doesn't make sense.
 
Back
Top