Probability - continuous random variables

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around two questions related to probability and continuous random variables. The first question involves modeling nicotine levels in smokers using a normal distribution and calculating the probability that at most one out of twenty smokers has a nicotine level exceeding a certain threshold. The second question pertains to finding constants and marginal probability density functions for a joint distribution defined by a specific function.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the probability of smokers exceeding a nicotine level, discussing the use of binomial distribution and the calculation of probabilities for different scenarios.
  • There is confusion regarding the limits of integration for finding constants and marginal distributions, with participants questioning the correct setup for double integrals.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the limits of integration for the marginal distributions and confirmed the correctness of certain approaches. However, there is still some uncertainty regarding the application of the binomial distribution and the integration limits for the joint distribution.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the depth of solutions provided. The discussion reflects a collaborative effort to clarify concepts and assumptions related to probability theory.

Kate2010
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Homework Statement



Ok, I have 2 questions:

1. Nicotine levels in smokers can be modeled by a normal random variable with mean 315 and variance 1312. What is the probability, if 20 smokers are tested, that at most one has a nicotine level higher than 500?

2. fX,Y (x,y) = xe-x-y 0<x<y<[tex]\infty[/tex]
Find c.
Find the marginal probability density functions.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



1. I have worked out that each smoker individually has a 0.079 probability of having a nicotine level higher than 500, but I'm not sure about the at most one section. Would I need to work out 1-P(at least 2 have a nicotine level higher than 500) where P(at least 2 have a nicotine level higher than 500) = P(2 have a nicotine level higher than 500) + P(3 do) + P(4 do) + ... + P(20 do). In this case would it be a geometric sum with a = 0.0792, r = 0.079 and n = 19?

2. It is the limits of integration that I am finding confusing here. I know to find c I need to do the double integral equal to one, but is it [tex]\int[/tex][tex]^{infinity}_{0}[/tex][tex]\int[/tex][tex]^{y}_{0}[/tex] fX,Y (x,y) dx dy (i.e. integrating x between 0 and y and y between 0 and infinity)?

Similarly for the marginal distributions would the limits when integrating with respect to y be 0 and infinity and x be 0 and y?
 
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Kate2010 said:

Homework Statement



Ok, I have 2 questions:

1. Nicotine levels in smokers can be modeled by a normal random variable with mean 315 and variance 1312. What is the probability, if 20 smokers are tested, that at most one has a nicotine level higher than 500?

2. fX,Y (x,y) = xe-x-y 0<x<y<[tex]\infty[/tex]
Find c.
Find the marginal probability density functions.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



1. I have worked out that each smoker individually has a 0.079 probability of having a nicotine level higher than 500, but I'm not sure about the at most one section. Would I need to work out 1-P(at least 2 have a nicotine level higher than 500) where P(at least 2 have a nicotine level higher than 500) = P(2 have a nicotine level higher than 500) + P(3 do) + P(4 do) + ... + P(20 do). In this case would it be a geometric sum with a = 0.0792, r = 0.079 and n = 19?

P(at most 2) = P(0) + P(1). And if your p = .079 is correct and X is the number with nicotine over 500, then isn't X binomial(20,p)?

2. It is the limits of integration that I am finding confusing here. I know to find c I need to do the double integral equal to one, but is it [tex]\int[/tex][tex]^{infinity}_{0}[/tex][tex]\int[/tex][tex]^{y}_{0}[/tex] fX,Y (x,y) dx dy (i.e. integrating x between 0 and y and y between 0 and infinity)?

Similarly for the marginal distributions would the limits when integrating with respect to y be 0 and infinity and x be 0 and y?

Your limits are correct. Click on the expression below to see how to render it in tex:

[tex]\int_0^\infty \int_0^y f(x,y)dxdy[/tex]
 
Kate2010 said:
the limits when integrating with respect to y be 0 and infinity and x be 0 and y?


I didn't notice this final question. For the marginals your limits are determined by the non-zero region. So when integrating in the x direction you will go from 0 to y and when integrating in the y direction, it will go from x to infinity. Your nonzero domain is in the first quadrant above the line y = x.
 
Thanks a lot, really helpful :)
 
Ah ok, so fX(x) = [tex]\int_x^\infty f(x,y) dxdy[/tex] not fX(x) = [tex]\int_0^\infty f(x,y) dxdy[/tex]?
 
Kate2010 said:
Ah ok, so fX(x) = [tex]\int_x^\infty f(x,y) dxdy[/tex] not fX(x) = [tex]\int_0^\infty f(x,y) dxdy[/tex]?
Probably just a typo, but you shouldn't have dx in the integrals because you're only integrating over y. And yes, the limits on your first integral is what LCKurtz meant.
 

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