How Do You Calculate the Conditional Distribution P(X = x | Y = y)?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the conditional distribution P(X = x | Y = y), the relationship between the two variables X and Y must be established, as they are dependent. The formula P(X = x | Y = y) = P(X = x, Y = y) / P(Y = y) is central to this calculation. The first deck consists of N cards, while the second deck's size is determined by the value of the first card drawn, making the probabilities interrelated. The user seeks clarification on how to compute P(X = x, Y = y) and the general meaning of P(x, y). Understanding these probabilities is essential for solving the problem effectively.
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Homework Statement



A card is picked at random from N cards labeled 1,2,...,N and the number that appears is X. A second card is picked at random from cards numbered 1,2,..., X and its number is Y. Find the conditional distribution of X given Y = y.

Homework Equations



P(X = x | Y = y) = \frac{P(X = x , Y = y)}{P(Y = y)}


The Attempt at a Solution



From what I understand, there are two decks. The first deck has N cards, while the second deck has X cards, which depends on the value of the card chosen from the first deck, hence x and y are not independent.

I know that P(Y = y) = \frac{1}{x}

I'm not sure how to find P(X = x , Y = y).

Any help would be greately appreciated. Thank you.
 
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