Normal and exponential-normal (?) distribution

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This discussion centers on the probability density function (p.d.f.) of the expression ln(x) - ln(y) when x and y are normally distributed random variables. It highlights the challenge of defining the logarithm for negative values and suggests that both x and y should be positive to avoid undefined scenarios. The conversation also emphasizes the need for additional assumptions to derive the p.d.f. of the ratio X/Y, which remains a random variable under certain conditions. Key insights include the importance of ensuring that Y is non-zero to maintain valid probability calculations.

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mahtabhossain
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Dear Users,

For normally distributed random variables x and y's p.d.f.:
\frac{1} {\sqrt{2\pi \sigma_x^2}}\exp\left\{- \frac{(x - \mu_x)^2}{2 \sigma_x^2}\right\}
and
\frac{1} {\sqrt{2\pi \sigma_y^2}}\exp\left\{- \frac{(y - \mu_y)^2}{2 \sigma_y^2}\right\}

What will be the p.d.f. of ln(x) - ln(y)? Is there any method to find it?

I think the followings are the p.d.f.s of u=ln(x) and v=ln(y) given x and y are normally distributed:
\frac{1} {\sqrt{2\pi \sigma_x^2}}\exp\left\{u - \frac{(e^u - \mu_x)^2}{2 \sigma_x^2}\right\}
and
\frac{1} {\sqrt{2\pi \sigma_y^2}}\exp\left\{v - \frac{(e^v - \mu_y)^2}{2 \sigma_y^2}\right\}

I am trying to find the p.d.f. of ln(x)-ln(y). Any suggestions?
 
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What should the difference or even ##\dfrac{X}{Y}## be? These isn't a random variable anymore.
 
There is a formula for the general distribution of a function of a random variable which is itself a random variable.
 
But how we can achieve finite distribution integrals if one variable is in the denominator? And ##ln(X)-ln(Y)## can literally take any values.
 
mahtabhossain said:
I think the followings are the p.d.f.s of u=ln(x) and v=ln(y) given x and y are normally distributed:

If x and y are normally distributed, they can take on negative values with non-zero probability. The expressions ln(x) and ln(y) are not defined for negative values.
 
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Like Stephen said, ln(x) will not be defined at the left end. Maybe you're considering ln (|x|)-ln(|y|)? Or maybe your mean is large-enough that those values are far at the tail end to not worry about them?
 
Or you can just add the assumption that ##X## and ##Y## are both positive.
 
fresh_42 said:
What should the difference or even ##\dfrac{X}{Y}## be? These isn't a random variable anymore.

Assuming ##Y\neq0## everywhere ##X/Y## is still a random variable.
 
Math_QED said:
Assuming ##Y\neq0## everywhere ##X/Y## is still a random variable.
It is still the wrong direction and requires additional assumptions. Instead of asking what ##\log \dfrac{X}{Y}##means, one should start whether a random variable ##Z## with properties ##\ldots## can be described by a pdf ##\ldots##
 
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fresh_42 said:
It is still the wrong direction and requires additional assumptions. Instead of asking what ##\log \dfrac{X}{Y}##means, one should start whether a random variable ##Z## with properties ##\ldots## can be described by a pdf ##\ldots##
Why? Use that ## P(Z:=X/Y < w )=P(X< yw) ; y \in Y## so that ##\int_{- \infty}^{\infty}ydy\int _{-\infty}^{yw} xdx ##defines a distribution for ##Z ## under some reasonable conditions like ## y \neq 0 ## and others. Instead of ##yw## as an integration limit, you can use any function of either, including log. Please double-check, I am on my phone here.
 
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