How to solve for probability given density function

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the probability associated with a given probability density function (PDF) for a random variable y. The PDF is defined as f(y) = 100ye^{-10y} for y > 0, and the problem specifically asks for the probability that 45y is less than or equal to 10.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the integration of the PDF to find the cumulative distribution function (CDF) and question the validity of their approaches. Some express uncertainty about how to handle the condition 45y <= 10 and whether the distribution is normal.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of methods to compute the probability, with some participants suggesting the use of integration techniques. A few have indicated that they arrived at similar results, but the discussion remains open without a definitive conclusion.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the PDF provided is not a normal distribution, which raises questions about the assumptions underlying the problem. There is also mention of needing to compute the CDF and the implications of integrating over specific bounds.

eric.mercer92
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Homework Statement


The probability density function of a random variable y is:
f(y) = 100ye[itex]^{-10y}[/itex], if y>0
f(y) = 0 otherwise

What is the probability that 45y <= 10?



Homework Equations


E(y) = ∫yf(y)dy
Var(y) = ∫(y-E(y))f(y)dy



The Attempt at a Solution


I solved for the expected value of y and got E(y) = 0.2
I then got Var(y) = 0.02
I don't think this is a normal distribution because the PDF is not a normal
PDF. I don't know how to solve for the probability of 45y <= 10

Any help will be greatly appreciated!
 
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Not quite sure, but maybe you do ∫f(y) dy from 0 to 10/45?
 
I thought about that, but it just didn't seem right, after all, if one of the y's is over 10/45, the other y's can be less than that to make up for it.
 
eric.mercer92 said:

Homework Statement


The probability density function of a random variable y is:
f(y) = 100ye[itex]^{-10y}[/itex], if y>0
f(y) = 0 otherwise

What is the probability that 45y <= 10?

Homework Equations


E(y) = ∫yf(y)dy
Var(y) = ∫(y-E(y))f(y)dy

The Attempt at a Solution


I solved for the expected value of y and got E(y) = 0.2
I then got Var(y) = 0.02
I don't think this is a normal distribution because the PDF is not a normal
PDF. I don't know how to solve for the probability of 45y <= 10

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Homework Statement


Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


You shouldn't be worrying about what sort of distribution this represents. You're already given a pdf. Compute the cdf (cumulative distribution function). If the pdf is [itex]f(y)[/itex], the cdf is [itex]\int_{-\infty}^y f(y)dy[/itex]. Remember that from -∞ to 0, f(y) = 0, so break it up into two integrals, one from -∞ to 0 (which vanishes), and the other from 0 to y.

Do the integration by parts and work out the definite integral in terms of y. Then it's as simple as substituting y = 10/45 into that.

The answer I get lies between 0.6 and 0.7, if you wish to check yours.
 
Ahh yes, I see, thank you very much. I got the same answer.
Thanks again!
 
eric.mercer92 said:
Ahh yes, I see, thank you very much. I got the same answer.
Thanks again!

No problemo. :smile:
 

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