Moments of normal distribution

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the moments of a normal distribution using its characteristic function, defined as f_{X}(k)=e^{(ika-\frac{\sigma ^{2}k^{2}}{2})}. The user seeks assistance in evaluating the second moment through Taylor series expansion, specifically noting that the exponential function is inherently part of the expansion. The correct approach involves taking the n-th derivative of the Taylor series and evaluating it at zero, leading to the conclusion that f'_X(0)=iE(X), indicating a misunderstanding of the imaginary unit's role in the expected value calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of characteristic functions in probability theory
  • Familiarity with Taylor series expansion
  • Knowledge of moments in statistics
  • Basic calculus, including differentiation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of characteristic functions in probability distributions
  • Learn how to derive moments from characteristic functions
  • Explore Taylor series and their applications in statistical analysis
  • Review the role of imaginary numbers in expected value calculations
USEFUL FOR

Statisticians, mathematicians, and students studying probability theory who are interested in understanding the moments of normal distributions and the application of Taylor series in statistical contexts.

senobim
Messages
34
Reaction score
1
I have calculated characteristic function of normal distribution f_{X}(k)=e^{(ika-\frac{\sigma ^{2}k^{2}}{2})} and now I would like to find the moments, so I know that you could expand characteristic function by Taylor series

f_{X}(k)=exp(1+\frac{1}{1!}(ika - \frac{\sigma^2k^2}{2})+\frac{1}{2!}(ika - \frac{\sigma^2k^2}{2})^2+\frac{1}{3!}(ika - \frac{\sigma^2k^2}{2})^3+...)

f_{X}(k)=exp(1+\frac{(ik)}{1!}\left \langle X^1 \right \rangle+\frac{(ik)^2}{2!}\left \langle X^2 \right \rangle+\frac{(ik)^3}{3!}\left \langle X^3 \right \rangle+...)

and the moments will be
\left \langle X^n \right \rangle

Now the problem is that I completely forgot how to evaluate Taylor series.
Could you help me to calculate for example second moment? I know what the answer should be, but I couldn't get it right.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Take the n-th derivative of the taylor series and evaluate at zero.
BTW your exponential function should not appear within the taylor expansion... this expansion IS the exponential funcition.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: senobim
I am trying to calculate first derivate of term <x1>

\frac{d}{dk}(ika-\frac{\sigma^2k^{2} }{2})=(ia - \sigma ^{2}k)

now I am evaluating it at 0

f_{X}(0)= ia

And what will happen with a i term?
 
f&#039;_X(0)=iE(X), not E(X).
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: senobim
Thank you!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K