Normalizing a Probability Distribution with Integral Calculations

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves normalizing a probability distribution defined by the function p(x,y) = 6(1-x-y) within the constraints x ≥ 0, y ≥ 0, and x + y ≤ 1. The original poster attempts to show that this distribution is normalized by calculating an integral, but questions arise regarding the limits of integration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the limits of integration for the variable y, with some suggesting that the original poster's choice of limits may not align with the given constraints. There is confusion about the relationship between x and y, particularly regarding whether y should be integrated from x or from 0.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants questioning the validity of the integral limits chosen by the original poster. Some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of the constraints, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach to the integral.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the implications of the constraints x + y ≤ 1 and y ≥ 0, and how these affect the limits of integration. There is also mention of a potential misunderstanding regarding the relationship between y and x, particularly the assertion that y ≥ x - 1.

Cosmossos
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Homework Statement


The probability is given by:
p(x,y)=6(1-x-y)
x>=0
y>=0
x+y<=1

Show that p is normilized.
calculate <x>

Homework Equations


I found that p is normilized using the integral:
untitled.JPG


and It's equal to 1.
are the limits of the integral correct?
 
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Why are you integrating [itex]y[/itex] from [itex]x[/itex] to [itex]1-x[/itex]? Are you told that [itex]y\geq x[/itex]? If not, you should be integrating from [itex]0[/itex] to [itex]1-x[/itex] instead.
 
I know that y>=x-1
and if I do it for 0 to 1 I don't get in the end that the probability =1
 
You were given [itex]x+y \le 1[/itex], so, moving the x over to the other side, you get [itex]y \le 1-x[/itex], right?
 
right... so that's why I chose the integral limits for dy to be from x to 1-x.
Is it wrong?
 
Cosmossos said:
right... so that's why I chose the integral limits for dy to be from x to 1-x.
Is it wrong?

Again, why are you using [itex]x[/itex] as your lower limit? You are told that [itex]y\geq0[/itex], not [itex]y\geq x[/itex]
 
Cosmossos said:
I know that y>=x-1
and if I do it for 0 to 1 I don't get in the end that the probability =1

Cosmossos said:
right... so that's why I chose the integral limits for dy to be from x to 1-x.
Is it wrong?
Your response to gabbagabbahey's question was confusing. In your previous post, you answered, it was because you knew [itex]y \ge x-1[/itex]. The "x-1" suggested to me you somehow got that condition from the constraint [itex]x+y \le 1[/itex], and my point was that the constraint can only lead to [itex]y \le 1-x[/itex], the upper limit of the integral. There's no way you can get [itex]y \ge x-1[/itex] from it.

Even if you did have [itex]y \ge x-1[/itex], your answer didn't make sense. Why would the lower limit of the integral be x? Shouldn't it be x-1 if your inequality were true?
 

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