Mixed random variable distribution question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a mixed random variable distribution problem involving both continuous and discrete components. Participants are examining the continuous distribution function (CDF) and its implications for calculating probabilities and expected values.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to differentiate the CDF piecewise to derive the density function and are exploring the implications of discrete probability masses at specific points. There are questions about how to correctly apply the expectation formula for mixed distributions and how to combine the continuous and discrete components in calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on integrating the density function and considering cases for discrete probability masses. There is an ongoing exploration of how to express the expected value in terms of the unknown constant c, with various approaches being discussed. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being considered, and participants are sharing their calculations and findings.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of ensuring that the sum of probabilities equals one and are grappling with the definitions and calculations related to mixed distributions. There is a mention of specific values derived from calculations, but consensus on correctness has not been established.

King_Silver
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Homework Statement


See attached image (See below)

Homework Equations


Differential equations.
And a combination of discrete & continuous distributions

The Attempt at a Solution


The Continous Distribution Function (CDF) is given in the question. So I differentiated it with respect to x piecewise (See below). That is what I got

I can also see that there is a uniform distribution between 0 and 1 but also there are discrete points that have assigned probability. For example; those points could be 0,1 and 2? maybe?
I want to be able to find the value of c while remembering the sum of the probabilities must add up and equal to 1.

How do I go about solving for c? this is where I am stuck. I cannot seem to figure out where to go from here. Thanks!

Question:
2b.png
Differentiated with respect to xpiecewise.png
(When I differentiated it)
 

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The calculation of the density function ##f## is not quite correct. The density is infinite at ##x=0,2## and also possibly at 1 (depending on the value of ##c##), because the CDF jumps up discontinuously at those points. We say there is a 'discrete probability mass' at those infinite-density points, meaning there is a non-zero probability of X having exactly that value.

You need to use the additional fact that ##E[X]=1##. Using the formulas you got for ##f##, corrected to also include the points of discrete probability mass at 0 and 2, write an expression for ##E[X]## in terms of ##c##. Equating that expression to 1 will give you an equation you can solve to find ##c##. The expression will be a sum of integrals and isolated discrete terms.

There are two cases to consider here - (1) where there is a discrete probability mass at ##x=1## and (2) where there is not. I suggest trying case (1) first. If that does not give an acceptable solution, try case (2).
 
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andrewkirk said:
The calculation of the density function ##f## is not quite correct. The density is infinite at ##x=0,2## and also possibly at 1 (depending on the value of ##c##), because the CDF jumps up discontinuously at those points. We say there is a 'discrete probability mass' at those infinite-density points, meaning there is a non-zero probability of X having exactly that value.

You need to use the additional fact that ##E[X]=1##. Using the formulas you got for ##f##, corrected to also include the points of discrete probability mass at 0 and 2, write an expression for ##E[X]## in terms of ##c##. Equating that expression to 1 will give you an equation you can solve to find ##c##. The expression will be a sum of integrals and isolated discrete terms.

There are two cases to consider here - (1) where there is a discrete probability mass at ##x=1## and (2) where there is not. I suggest trying case (1) first. If that does not give an acceptable solution, try case (2).

Thank you for that. I figured it might have had something to do with the expectation formula. E[X] = 1 in terms of c. There are definitions for the expectation of continuous random variables and for discrete ones as well. For a mixed distribution you would need to mix both definitions together right?
I'm having a lot of trouble trying to figure out how to mix these two expectation formulas
 
King_Silver said:
I'm having a lot of trouble trying to figure out how to mix these two expectation formulas
Just integrate ##xf(x)## over the domain excluding the discrete mass points, and add the sum across each of those points of (probability of landing on the point) x (value of x at that point).
 
andrewkirk said:
Just integrate ##xf(x)## over the domain excluding the discrete mass points, and add the sum across each of those points of (probability of landing on the point) x (value of x at that point).

This is what I did but I don't think I'm going in a correct direction. C = constant whereas c = the value I'm looking for.
1.png
 

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King_Silver said:

Homework Statement


See attached image (See below)

Homework Equations


Differential equations.
And a combination of discrete & continuous distributions

The Attempt at a Solution


The Continous Distribution Function (CDF) is given in the question. So I differentiated it with respect to x piecewise (See below). That is what I got

I can also see that there is a uniform distribution between 0 and 1 but also there are discrete points that have assigned probability. For example; those points could be 0,1 and 2? maybe?
I want to be able to find the value of c while remembering the sum of the probabilities must add up and equal to 1.

How do I go about solving for c? this is where I am stuck. I cannot seem to figure out where to go from here. Thanks!

Question:
View attachment 213731 View attachment 213732(When I differentiated it)

For a non-negative random variable ##X##, whether continuous, discrete or mixed, if ##F(x) = P(X \leq x)## is the CDF and ##G(x) = P(X > x) = 1 - F(x)## is the complementary CDF, then we have that
$$ EX = \int_0^{\infty} G(x) \, dx $$
You can do the integral in terms of ##c## and so get an equation for ##c##.
 
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Ray Vickson said:
For a non-negative random variable ##X##, whether continuous, discrete or mixed, if ##F(x) = P(X \leq x)## is the CDF and ##G(x) = P(X > x) = 1 - F(x)## is the complementary CDF, then we have that
$$ EX = \int_0^{\infty} G(x) \, dx $$
You can do the integral in terms of ##c## and so get an equation for ##c##.

I got a c value of 1/3 by doing this (1 = c/2 + ½ -c + 2/3 )
Then for part (i): Probability = 1/6th or 16.67%
(ii) Probability = 2/3rds or 66.67%
(iii) Probability = 1/3rd or 33.3%
(iv) Probability = 1/2 or 50%

I think I've got it now providing those are the right answers!
 
King_Silver said:
I got a c value of 1/3 by doing this (1 = c/2 + ½ -c + 2/3 )
Then for part (i): Probability = 1/6th or 16.67%
(ii) Probability = 2/3rds or 66.67%
(iii) Probability = 1/3rd or 33.3%
(iv) Probability = 1/2 or 50%

I think I've got it now providing those are the right answers!

The first two are; I have not checked the other two.

However, in English, "1/6" is already pronounced as "one-sixth", so when you write 1/6th you are really writing "one-sixth-th". Thus, the The first two answers are just 1/6 and 2/3 (not "two-thirds-irds").
 
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