Joint PMF of x and y: Calculating c, Marginal PMFs, and Expected Values

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion focuses on calculating the joint probability mass function (pmf) of two discrete random variables, x and y, defined as p(x,y) = c(x² + y²) for x, y = 1, 2, 3. The user seeks assistance in determining the normalization constant c, the marginal pmfs of x and y, and the expected values e(x) and e(3x - 2y). The correct value of c is derived as 1/84 after summing the probabilities and setting them equal to 1.

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  • Familiarity with expected value calculations
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Homework Statement



Hi, if you could offer help to any of these questions, it would be great, i was unable to attend my lectures this week and I had no idea how to do these.

The joint pmf of x and y is p x,y = c(x^2 + y^2) x,y = 1,2,3 Find:

a. c and the marginal pmfs of x and y
b. e(x)
c. the pmf of 3x-2y
d. e(3x-2y) in two ways


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


From first investigation, I think that I have to create a table with
1,1 1,2 1,3
2,1 2,2, 2,3
3,1 3,2 3,2
and x^2 + y^2 = 1 and the p = 1/9 since there's only 9 options.

i have no idea how to continue.
 
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" p = 1/9 since there's only 9 options." I have no idea what you mean by this. "p" is a function, not a number. Did you mean "c= 1/9"?

No, x^2+ y^2 is NOT 1. x^2+ y^2= 1+ 1= 2 when x= y= 1, x^2+ y^2= 4+ 1= 5 when x= 2, y= 1, etc.

Start by actually filling in your table: What is p(1, 1), p(1, 2), etc.? Those will have a c in them. Then find c by using the fact that the sum of all the probabilities must be 1.
 
Thanks for your reply,

I'll give it a shot now.


x,y 1 2 3
1 2c 5c 10c
2 5c 8c 13c
3 10c 13c 18c
is this right so far?
if so, then is it just 83c = 1? c=1/84


i hope it is...
 

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