Marginal Distribution of X w/ Lambda Parameter: Probability Help

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the marginal distribution of a Poisson random variable X with a parameter λ that follows an exponential distribution. Participants are exploring the application of probability theory, specifically the integration of dependent distributions and the use of Bayes' rule.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about their probability skills and seeks assistance with the marginal distribution of X and the conditional density of λ given X.
  • Another participant suggests using Bayes' rule and asks about the results obtained so far.
  • A participant shares their attempt at calculating the marginal distribution using an integral, but initially doubts its correctness due to the complexity of the output from Mathematica.
  • The same participant later revises their stance, indicating that the integral is manageable with some manipulation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the correctness of the initial approach to the integral, and participants are still exploring the problem without a clear resolution.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the mathematical steps involved in the integration, and there may be dependencies on specific definitions or assumptions regarding the distributions.

ryzeg
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I am a little shaky on my probability, so bear with me if this is a dumb question...

Anyway, these two random variables are given:

X : Poisson (\lambda)
\lambda : Exponential (\theta)

And I simply need the marginal distribution of X and the conditional density for \lambda given a value for X

I have all the equations for dependent distributions, but do not know how to apply them to this ostensibly easy problem...

Any help?
 
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You'll need Bayes' rule for this. What results have you got so far?
 


I was doing this, but I think it is wrong:

<br /> f_X(x) = \int^{\lambda=\infty}_{\lambda=0} \frac{\lambda^{x}}{x!} e^{-\lambda} \times \theta e^{-\theta \lambda} d \lambda<br />

Plugging this integral into Mathematica gives a really nasty output with a incomplete gamma function, and my TI-89T cannot evaluate it.
 


I take that back; the integral is doable with a little manipulation. Damn machines...
 

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