Marginal Probability function?Anyone

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around finding the marginal probability mass functions for two discrete random variables, X and Y, given their joint probability mass function. The initial calculations for the marginals lead to incorrect results, prompting a reevaluation of the original function. The correct approach suggests that the joint function should be adjusted to ensure the total probability sums to one, specifically by replacing e^-5 with e^-42. The participants emphasize the importance of using the correct parameters in the probability function for valid results. Overall, the thread highlights the complexities involved in deriving marginal probabilities from joint distributions.
Mathemag1c1an
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Marginal Probability function?Anyone

I have this question which I cannot seem to solve:
The joint probability mass function p(x, y) of two discrete random variables X and Y is given by.
p(x,y) = ([5^x][7^y][e^-5])/x!(y-x)!
x and y are non-negative integers and x <= y
(i) Find the marginal probability mass functions of X and Y.
 
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Sum p(x,y) over x from 0 to y to get the marginal for Y. Sum p(x,y) over y from x to oo to get the marginal for X.
 


but how do we integrate the x!(y-x)!
 


Mathemag1c1an said:
but how do we integrate the x!(y-x)!


Remember we are dealing with integers, so we have to carry out summations.

x summation to get marginal for Y: x terms are 5^x/[!(y-x)!] the sum from 0 to y can be gotten from the binomial expansion of (1+5)^y = sum 5^x[yCx], where yCx is the combinatorial symbol =y!/[x!(y-x)!].
Put this together and you have P(Y=y) = (e^-5)(42^y)/y!
This is wrong, since the total probability is not 1. I suggest you examine your original description.

y summation to get marginal for X: sum from x to oo of 7^y/(y-x)!
which is simply (7^x)(e^7).
This leads to P(X=x) = (e^2)(35^x)/x!. This also is wrong.

These could be corrected if e^-5 is replaced by e^-42.
 


I knew something was wrong with the question:
 
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Thanks alot
 


p(x,y) = ([5^x][7^y][e^-5])/x!(y-x)!

If you write it in the form p(x,y) = ([a^x][b^y][e^-c])/x!(y-x)!, you need b(a+1)=c for it to be valid.
 

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