Integration of a pdf, expected value

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving that E[Y^4] = 3 for a standard normal random variable Y ~ N(0,1). Participants explore two main equations: E[(Y-mu)^4]/[E(Y-mu)^2]^2 = 3 and E(Y^4) = 1/sqrt(2pi) * integral(y^4 * e^(-y^2/2)). Users suggest using integration by parts and substitutions to simplify the integral, with one participant successfully applying these techniques to derive the correct result. The consensus indicates that the first equation is not necessary for solving the problem.

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alias
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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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