Joint Probability of Sum Normal

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the joint probability of three random variables, specifically the sum of two standard normal random variables, X and Y, and their relationship with a third variable Z defined as Z = X + Y. Participants explore the complexities of calculating the joint probability P(X>a and Y>b and Z>c) and the implications of the correlations between these variables.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant introduces the problem of calculating the joint probability P(X>a and Y>b and Z>c) and notes the independence of X and Y.
  • Another participant suggests using the relationship P(X>a and Y>b and Z>c) = P(Z>c | X>a and Y>b)P(X>a and Y>b) to approach the problem.
  • A subsequent reply acknowledges the suggested relationship but expresses confusion about determining P(Z>c | X>a and Y>b), particularly under conditions where a+b>c and a+b
  • Another participant provides a geometric interpretation of the problem, indicating that if c < a+b, the probability simplifies to P(X>a, Y>b). They also describe the need for a double-integral approach when c > a+b, involving the joint probability density function of X and Y.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on how to express the conditional probability P(Z>c | X>a and Y>b) under various conditions, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific mathematical formulation needed.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on the method for calculating the conditional probability, and there are unresolved aspects regarding the mathematical steps involved in the joint probability calculation.

zli034
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Don't know there are anyone can help me out with this. This is just something I asking myself, not a homework I must say.

Let's define X and Y are 2 standard normal random variables. And random variable Z=X+Y.

For real number a, we know P(X>a), the probability of X is greater than the real number a.
For real number b, we know P(Y>b), the probability of Y is greater than the real number b.
For real number c, we know P(Z>c), the probability of Z is greater than the real number c.

These are simple things.

We also can determine a joint probability P(X>a and Y>b), the probability of X is greater than a, also Y is greater than b. Since X and Y are independent, this joint probability is still simple to know.

What about joint probability P(X>a and Y>b and Z>c)? Because Z is correlated with both X and Y, I don't know how to do this. Thanks for help
 
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I think you can use the relationship P(X&gt;a \text{ and } Y&gt;b \text{ and }Z&gt;c) = P(Z&gt;c | X&gt;a \text{ and }Y&gt;b)P(X&gt;a \text{ and }Y&gt;b)
 
wayneckm said:
I think you can use the relationship P(X&gt;a \text{ and } Y&gt;b \text{ and }Z&gt;c) = P(Z&gt;c | X&gt;a \text{ and }Y&gt;b)P(X&gt;a \text{ and }Y&gt;b)

This relationship is certainly true. However I still don't get this part, P(Z>c| X>a and Y>b).
when a+b>c, then P(Z>c|X>a and Y>b)=1. And how about a+b<c? How do I express this step function? Or there is just no such function exist.
 
Put y on the vertical axis, x on the horizontal.

y = b is a horizontal line.
x = a is a vertical line.
x+y = c is a downward-sloping line from (x,y) = (0,c) to (c,0).

As long as x > a and y > b, x+y > c is satisfied if c < a+b. For those values, Prob(x>a, y>b, z>c) = Prob(x>a, y>b).

If c > a+b, you need to figure in the additional constraint z>c. In this region {x>a, y>b, z>c given c > a+b}, Prob(x>a, y>b, z>c) is given by the double-integral of the joint pdf of X and Y, f(x,y) = f(x)f(y), first w/r/t x, from x = max(a, c - y) to infinity, then w/r/t y, from y = b to infinity.
 
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