Multivariable Probability Distribution

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the normalization constant \( k \) for the multivariable probability density function \( f(x,y) = ke^{-x-y} \) defined over the region where \( 0 < x < \infty \), \( 0 < y < \infty \), and \( x < y \). Participants are also interested in determining the marginal distributions of \( X \) and \( Y \) once \( k \) is established.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the setup of the double integral to find \( k \) and question the bounds of integration. There is uncertainty about whether the integration limits are correctly defined given the condition \( x < y \). Some participants suggest that the integral should be set equal to 1 to find \( k \). Others express confusion regarding the evaluation of integrals and the correct formulation of marginal distributions.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the correct bounds for integration and the formulation of marginal distributions. Some participants have provided guidance on the integration process and have pointed out errors in previous attempts, but there is no explicit consensus on the final forms of the marginal distributions or conditionals yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need to adhere to specific homework rules regarding notation, such as using indicator functions for the defined ranges of \( x \) and \( y \). There is also a recognition of the complexity involved in transitioning from single-variable to multivariable probability distributions.

mathmajor23
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f(x,y) = ke^(-x-y), 0<x<∞ , 0<y<∞ , and x<y

Find k to make this a PDF.

So I set up: ∫(from 0 to ∞)∫(from 0 to ∞) [ke^(-x-y)]dxdy. Is this integral right?

I also need to find the marginals of X and Y but my k has to be right first.
 
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mathmajor23 said:
f(x,y) = ke^(-x-y), 0<x<∞ , 0<y<∞ , and x<y

Find k to make this a PDF.

So I set up: ∫(from 0 to ∞)∫(from 0 to ∞) [ke^(-x-y)]dxdy. Is this integral right?

I also need to find the marginals of X and Y but my k has to be right first.

I am not familiar with multi-variable, but if it is like single, you would need to set the integral = 1 and you could find your k.
 
Dustinsfl said:
I am not familiar with multi-variable, but if it is like single, you would need to set the integral = 1 and you could find your k.

Yes, it's the same as single variable. I'm just unsure on my bounds of my integrals.
 
mathmajor23 said:
Yes, it's the same as single variable. I'm just unsure on my bounds of my integrals.

[0,Infinity) seem reasonable.
 
mathmajor23 said:
f(x,y) = ke^(-x-y), 0<x<∞ , 0<y<∞ , and x<y

Find k to make this a PDF.

So I set up: ∫(from 0 to ∞)∫(from 0 to ∞) [ke^(-x-y)]dxdy. Is this integral right?

I also need to find the marginals of X and Y but my k has to be right first.

Your integration is over the two-dimensional set {(x,y}: 0 ≤ x < ∞, 0 ≤ y < ∞}, but you told us that f is defined only for x < y.

RGV
 
Ray Vickson said:
Your integration is over the two-dimensional set {(x,y}: 0 ≤ x < ∞, 0 ≤ y < ∞}, but you told us that f is defined only for x < y.

RGV

Oops! So it should be ∫from 0 to ∞ ∫ from 0 to x [f(x,y)dxdy] ?
 
mathmajor23 said:
Oops! So it should be ∫from 0 to ∞ ∫ from 0 to x [f(x,y)dxdy] ?

Yes, or the other way if you prefer (y from 0 to ∞ and x from 0 to y).

RGV.
 
What's the integral of the inner part evaluate to? I tried using integration by substitution but it's not working.
 
mathmajor23 said:
What's the integral of the inner part evaluate to? I tried using integration by substitution but it's not working.

Are you saying you don't know how to do the integral [itex]\int_0^x e^{-y} \, dy?[/itex] I hope you are joking.

RGV
 
  • #10
I got that k=2, and checked it by seeing it integrated to 1.

For the Marginal Distributions of X and Y, I got :
f(x) = 2[e^(-x)-e^(-2x)] I [0,infinity) (x)
f(y) = 2[e^(-y)-e^(-2y)] I [0,infinity) (y)

Then, for the conditionals, I got:
f(x|y) = e^(-x) / [1-e^(-y)] I[0,infinity) (x)
f(y|x) = e^(-y) / [1-e^(-x)] I[0,infinity) (y)

Can someone check those? Thanks!
 
  • #11
mathmajor23 said:
I got that k=2, and checked it by seeing it integrated to 1.

For the Marginal Distributions of X and Y, I got :
f(x) = 2[e^(-x)-e^(-2x)] I [0,infinity) (x)
f(y) = 2[e^(-y)-e^(-2y)] I [0,infinity) (y)

Then, for the conditionals, I got:
f(x|y) = e^(-x) / [1-e^(-y)] I[0,infinity) (x)
f(y|x) = e^(-y) / [1-e^(-x)] I[0,infinity) (y)

Can someone check those? Thanks!

Your marginal for y is correct but your marginal for x is incorrect. Do NOT use the same f for three different functions. You already used f for f(x,y), so call the marginals something different, like g(x) and h(y), or fX(x) and fY(y).

RGV
 
Last edited:
  • #12
Was my conditional of f(x|y) correct?

Hmm is this the MD of x then?

Integral from 0 to infinity [2e^(-x-y)dy]
= -2(e^(-x-y)] from y=0 to y=infinity
=2[1+e^(x)] I [0,infinity) (x)
 
Last edited:
  • #13
mathmajor23 said:
Was my conditional of f(x|y) correct?

Hmm is this the MD of x then?

Integral from 0 to infinity [2e^(-x-y)dy]
= -2(e^(-x-y)] from y=0 to y=infinity
=2[1+e^(x)] I [0,infinity) (x)

There is no point in answering questions about conditional densities until you get both marginal densities correct. The integral above is wrong.

RGV
 
  • #14
Which part of f(x) = 2[e^(-x)-e^(-2x)] I [0,infinity) (x) is wrong?
 
  • #15
mathmajor23 said:
Which part of f(x) = 2[e^(-x)-e^(-2x)] I [0,infinity) (x) is wrong?

All of it. You seem to have claimed
[tex]\int_x^{\infty} e^{-x-y}\, dy = e^{-x} - e^{-2x}.[/tex]
but this is absolutely not correct.

RGV
 
  • #16
Let's start over.

I originally had for the marginal of X:
∫ from 0 to x of [2e^(-x-y)]dy
=-2[e^(-x-y)], evaluated from y=0 to y=x
= 2[e^(-x)-e^(-2x)] I[0,∞) (x)

To check this, I integrated this and it came out to 1, so I'm not sure why this is wrong.
 
  • #17
mathmajor23 said:
Let's start over.

I originally had for the marginal of X:
∫ from 0 to x of [2e^(-x-y)]dy
=-2[e^(-x-y)], evaluated from y=0 to y=x
= 2[e^(-x)-e^(-2x)] I[0,∞) (x)

To check this, I integrated this and it came out to 1, so I'm not sure why this is wrong.

It is wrong because you integrated y from 0 to x instead of from x to infinity.

RGV
 
  • #18
Ray Vickson said:
It is wrong because you integrated y from 0 to x instead of from x to infinity.

RGV
Ok, hopefully here's the final check:

fx(x) =
∫ from x to infinity [2e^(-x-y)]dy
=-2[e^(-x-y)] from y=x to y=∞
= 2e^(-2x) I[0,∞) (x)

fy(y) = 2[e^(-y)-e^(-2y)] I [0,infinity) (y)

f(x|y) = 2e^(-x-y) / 2[e^(-y)-e^(-2y)]
= [e^(-x)] / (1-e^(-y)) I[0,∞) (x)

f(y|x) = 2e^(-x-y) / 2e^(-2x)
= e^(-y) / e^(-x) I[0,∞) (y)
 
  • #19
mathmajor23 said:
Ok, hopefully here's the final check:

fx(x) =
∫ from x to infinity [2e^(-x-y)]dy
=-2[e^(-x-y)] from y=x to y=∞
= 2e^(-2x) I[0,∞) (x)

fy(y) = 2[e^(-y)-e^(-2y)] I [0,infinity) (y)

f(x|y) = 2e^(-x-y) / 2[e^(-y)-e^(-2y)]
= [e^(-x)] / (1-e^(-y)) I[0,∞) (x)

f(y|x) = 2e^(-x-y) / 2e^(-2x)
= e^(-y) / e^(-x) I[0,∞) (y)

These look OK now, except you should get rid of those annoying I[0,∞)(x), etc., symbols. Just say in words that x and y are >= 0.

RGV
 
  • #20
Thanks a bunch!

I, too, hate the annoying indicator functions, but my professor seems the need to "require" us to use them.
 

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