Integration of a pdf, expected value

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The discussion focuses on proving that E[Y^4] = 3 for a standard normal variable Y. Participants share challenges with integration techniques, particularly integration by parts, and express difficulty in simplifying the equations provided. Suggestions include exploring substitutions that relate to the gamma distribution and using derivatives of integrals to facilitate the calculation. One user reports success after making a substitution and using integration by parts, while questioning the utility of a specific formula in solving the problem. Overall, the thread emphasizes the complexities of evaluating moments of the normal distribution.
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Homework Statement


Show that E[Y^4] = 3, where Y~N(0,1)

Homework Equations


E[(Y-mu)^4]/[E(Y-mu)^2]^2 = 3
E(Y^4) = 1/sprt(2pi)*intregral (y^4)*e^(-y^2/2)

The Attempt at a Solution


I have expanded and simplified the first equation above and cannot get it to equal 3. I think it's possible to solve the second using integration by parts but I can't find what to use for
[u, du, dv, v] in order to integrate by parts. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
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Sorry, it's a definite integral in from -inf to inf.
 
alias said:

Homework Statement


Show that E[Y^4] = 3, where Y~N(0,1)

Homework Equations


E[(Y-mu)^4]/[E(Y-mu)^2]^2 = 3
E(Y^4) = 1/sprt(2pi)*intregral (y^4)*e^(-y^2/2)

The Attempt at a Solution


I have expanded and simplified the first equation above and cannot get it to equal 3. I think it's possible to solve the second using integration by parts but I can't find what to use for
[u, du, dv, v] in order to integrate by parts. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

You might have to try several things until you get something that will work. What have you tried so far? Another approach that is often useful is to look at dI(a)/da or d^2I(a)/da^2, where I(a) = integral_{y=-inf..inf} exp(-a*y^2/2) dy.

RGV
 
I tried integration by parts but the integral I end up with makes no sense to me.
 
alias said:
I tried integration by parts but the integral I end up with makes no sense to me.

If you show your work we have the basis of a discussion.

RGV
 
Just spit-balling, is there a way to use some substitutions to make this look something like the pdf of a gamma distribution? Then use what you know about that?
 
I integrated the Gaussian distribution, it took a long time but I finally got the right answer. After making a substitution, integration by parts worked. I would like to know if the formula: E[(Y-mu)^4]/[E(Y-mu)^2]^2, is useless for answering this question though. Thanks guys.
 

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