[PROBABILITY] Conditional probability for random variable

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two independent random variables, X and Y, both uniformly distributed between 0 and 1/2. The task is to find the density of (X + Y)² given that X - Y > 0.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the conditional probability using the definition of conditional probability but encounters difficulties in progressing further.
  • Some participants suggest using the Jacobian method for transformation and discuss the implications of choosing specific random variables for the transformation.
  • There are questions about the appropriateness of the chosen variables and the complexity of the inverse transformation.
  • Participants express concerns about the limits of integration and the conditions under which the joint density is non-zero.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various approaches being explored. Some participants have provided guidance on using the Jacobian method and integrating to find the marginal distribution, while others are questioning the setup and limits of the functions involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the constraints of working with uniform distributions and the requirement that X and Y must satisfy the condition X - Y > 0. There is also mention of the complexity involved in determining the limits for the integration process.

libelec
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Homework Statement



X and Y two independent random variables with distribution U(0, 1/2). Find the density of (X + Y)2|X - Y > 0

The Attempt at a Solution



I was hoping this would be simpler, but somehow I always end up with nothing.

The only thing I can work out just fine is that P(X - Y > 0) = 1/2.

Then I tried to find the conditional probability with P((X + Y)2|X - Y > 0) = P((X + Y)2, X - Y > 0)/P(X - Y > 0), and then stop dead.

Any guidance here? Because I have to do many of these problems.
 
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X and Y are uniformly distributed between 0 and 0.5

density of x-y>0, x>y is just 1/2*uniform density which is 1/0.5*0.5

for finding density of (x+y)^2 AND x-y>0
define one random variables
h = (x+y)^2
g = (x-y)^2

Using Jocbian find f_hg, and then using appropriate limits (x-y>0 and 0 and 0.5) find f_h

The conditional will be just be f_h/2

I am hoping that should work.
 
Last edited:
It isn't so easy to find the Jacobian, since the inverse transformation is quite complicated. Unless I can just factor like this:

g = (X+Y)2 ------> g1/2 = X+Y.

But I would lose information, wouldn't I?
 
OK, if I can do what I just did, I find that

fhg = fxy((g1/2+h1/2)/2, (g1/2-h1/2)/2)/|-1/(8(hg)1/2)| = 8 (hg)1/2, if 0<(g1/2+h1/2)/2<1/2 and 0<(g1/2-h1/2)/2<1/2.

Now, I don't understand what you say about taking apropriate limits considering x-y>0 to find f_h.
 
Also, why did you choose those two random variables to do the Jacobian? Why is g that way?
 
Two multiple random variables you need a pseudo variable to take Jacobian (pg 7 and 8):
http://www.hss.caltech.edu/~mshum/stats/lect3.pdf

That's one the methods to solve. G(x,y) can be anything. In the end you will get same f_H.

Also, Note that |J_gh| = 1/|J_xy|

When I said limits, I meant to find f_H you need to integrate f_GH and you need limits for that definite integral. That's what I meant by those limits.

There are other approaches but I only use above for majority of the times.
 
No, I know about the Jacobian method. I meant, how did you come up with h = (X-Y)2 to make the transformation one-to-one?
 
libelec said:
No, I know about the Jacobian method. I meant, how did you come up with h = (X-Y)2 to make the transformation one-to-one?

Randomly picked, h =x+y might have been easier
 
But I can't randomly pick any given variable, I could end up with a 2-to-1 or 3-to-1 function.

Anyway, I'm having troubles setting up the limits of the function f_HG (that is, where it isn't zero).

I have that h is in [0,1] and g is in [0,1/4]. Then, with the inverse transformation and considering that both X and Y are uniform in (0, 1/2):

0< (g1/2 + h1/2)/2 < 1/2
0< (g1/2 - h1/2)/2 < 1/2

Then:

0< g1/2 + h1/2 < 1
0< g1/2 - h1/2 < 1

-h1/2< g1/2 < 1 - h1/2
h1/2< g1/2 < 1 + h1/2

I can see that this ultimately tells me that

-h1/2< g1/2 < 1 + h1/2

But how do I get rid of the sqrt?
 
  • #10
Do you have the answer?
I managed to get
1/4 (1/sqrt(u)-1)
I found it bit simpler to solve without any complicated equations..

I don't understand
But I can't randomly pick any given variable, I could end up with a 2-to-1 or 3-to-1 function.
 
  • #11
rootX said:
Do you have the answer?
I managed to get
1/4 (1/sqrt(u)-1)
I found it bit simpler to solve without any complicated equations..

How did you do that?

This is what I did: I need the inverse transformation first (the one that turns h and g into x and y).

g = (X+Y)2 ----------> g1/2 = X+Y
h = (X-Y)2 ----------> h1/2 = X-Y

g1/2 + h1/2 = 2X ----------> X = (g1/2 + h1/2)/2
g1/2 - h1/2 = 2Y ----------> Y = (g1/2 - h1/2)/2

Which ends this. The Jacobian is then -1/(8h1/2g1/2) and so:

fHG(h,g) = fXY ((g1/2 + h1/2)/2, (g1/2 - h1/2)/2)*(1/(8h1/2g1/2)).

Since fXY is uniform (4), all I have is 1/(2h1/2g1/2).

And I couldn't work the limits out.

How did you get to that result so fast?
 
  • #12
libelec said:
How did you do that?

This is what I did: I need the inverse transformation first (the one that turns h and g into x and y).

g = (X+Y)2 ----------> g1/2 = X+Y
h = (X-Y)2 ----------> h1/2 = X-Y

g1/2 + h1/2 = 2X ----------> X = (g1/2 + h1/2)/2
g1/2 - h1/2 = 2Y ----------> Y = (g1/2 - h1/2)/2

Which ends this. The Jacobian is then -1/(8h1/2g1/2) and so:

fHG(h,g) = fXY ((g1/2 + h1/2)/2, (g1/2 - h1/2)/2)*(1/(8h1/2g1/2)).

Since fXY is uniform (4), all I have is 1/(2h1/2g1/2).

And I couldn't work the limits out.

How did you get to that result so fast?

Using the assumption that other random variable can be defined as x.
h = (x+y)^2
g = x

Jacobian:
|J_xy| = |-2 (x+y)|
|J_hg| = 1/ (2(x+y))

Joinit distribution:
f_gh = f_xy/[2(x+y)]
f_gh = 2/[2(x+y)] {Using 2 for f_xy, it should be 8 I believe 1/(0.5*0.5*0.5) given x>y distribution doubles}
= 1/(x+y)
= 1/sqrt(h)

Marginal distribution:
Limits:
x = v
y = sqrt(u)-v

x>y
2v>sqrt(u)
v>sqrt(u)/2
f_h = integrate f_gh from sqrt(u)/2 to 1/2
 
  • #13
rootX said:
Marginal distribution:
Limits:
x = v
y = sqrt(u)-v

x>y
2v>sqrt(u)
v>sqrt(u)/2
f_h = integrate f_gh from sqrt(u)/2 to 1/2

That I didn't understand. What did you mean with that?
 
  • #14
libelec said:
That I didn't understand. What did you mean with that?
You are not interested in f_gh but only in f_h. So, I found f_h knowing that
x = ..
y = ..
and x>y
or
in terms of u and v (used u for h and v for g)
v>sqrt(u)/2
 

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