Minimum of two iid exponential distributions

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around finding the expected value of the minimum of two independent identically distributed (iid) exponential random variables, X_1 and X_2, both with mean μ. The initial approach incorrectly assumes that the conditional expectation E[X_1|X_1<X_2] equals the unconditional expectation E[X_1], leading to a flawed conclusion. It is clarified that the minimum of two exponential random variables is itself an exponential random variable with mean 1/(2μ). The participants highlight the importance of considering order statistics and the need to derive the correct conditional expectations through integration. Ultimately, the misunderstanding is resolved with an acknowledgment of the correct properties of exponential distributions.
ait.abd
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Let X_1, X_2 \sim Exp(\mu) and Y = min(X_1, X_2) then find E[Y].
My attempt is as follows:
$$E[Y] = E[Y/X_1<X_2]P(X_1<X_2) + E[Y/X_1>X_2]P(X_1>X_2) \\
= \frac{1}{2} (E[X_1/X_1<X_2] + E[X_2/X_1>X_2] ) \\
= \frac{1}{2} (1/\mu + 1/\mu) \\
= 1/\mu$$
But, we know that minimum of two exponentially distributed RVs is another exponentially distributed RV with mean 1/(2\mu). I don't understand why the above method doesn't work ?
I used the following property of exponential distribution.
P(X_1&lt;X_2) = \frac{\mu_1}{\mu_1 + \mu_2}
 
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On the first glance E(X_1|X_1&lt;X_2)≠E(X_1)=1/\mu

The instances of X_1 where it is smaller than X_2 should average lower than an unconditional X_1.
 
ait.abd said:
$$
= \frac{1}{2} (E[X_1/X_1<X_2] + E[X_2/X_1>X_2] ) \\
= \frac{1}{2} (1/\mu + 1/\mu) \\
$$

Your method assumes E[X_1|X_1&lt; X_2] = E[X_1] = E[X_1| X_1 &gt; X_2]
I don't think that's true. Could you prove it by writing out the integrals involved? The probability densities would be distributions of the "order statistics" of the exponential distribution.
 
Stephen Tashi said:
Your method assumes E[X_1|X_1&lt; X_2] = E[X_1] = E[X_1| X_1 &gt; X_2]
I don't think that's true. Could you prove it by writing out the integrals involved? The probability densities would be distributions of the "order statistics" of the exponential distribution.

Got it! Thanks!
 
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