Probability density function of uniform distribution

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the probability density function of a random variable Y derived from a uniformly distributed random variable X on the interval [0,1]. The transformation involves Y = √X + 1, prompting participants to explore the implications of this transformation on the probability density function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the steps to derive the cumulative distribution function F_Y(y) and its relationship to the original variable X. There are questions about the correctness of transformations and the implications of the uniform distribution on the derived function.

Discussion Status

Several participants are actively engaging with the mathematical reasoning behind the transformation and questioning the assumptions made in the derivation. Some guidance has been offered regarding the correct formulation of F_Y(y) and the need for range constraints in the final expression for f_Y(y).

Contextual Notes

There are noted errors in the transformation steps that participants are encouraged to correct. The range of Y is also under discussion, as it is derived from the range of X, which may affect the final probability density function.

diracdelta
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Homework Statement


Random variable X is uniformly distributed on interval [0,1]:
f(x)=\begin{cases} 1 & \text{ if } 0\leq x\leq 1\\ 0 & \text{ else} \end{cases}

a) Find probability density function ρ(y) of random variable Y=\sqrt{X} +1

I tried like this. Is it good, if no why not?

F_{Y}(y)=P(Y\leq y)=P(x^{2}+1\leq y)=P(x\leq y^{2}+1)=F_{x}(y^{2}+1) \\ f_{X}(x)=F_{X}'(y^{2}+1)=f_{X}(y^{2}+1)* \left | \frac{d}{dy} (y^{2}+1)\right |=f_{X}(y^{2}+1)*2y \\ f_{Y}(y)=\begin{cases} 2y & \text{ if } 1\leq x\leq 2\\ 0 & \text{ else} \end{cases}
 
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diracdelta said:

Homework Statement


Random variable X is uniformly distributed on interval [0,1]:
f(x)=\begin{cases} 1 & \text{ if } 0\leq x\leq 1\\ 0 & \text{ else} \end{cases}

a) Find probability density function ρ(y) of random variable Y=\sqrt{X} +1

I tried like this. Is it good, if no why not?

F_{Y}(y)=P(Y\leq y)=P(x^{2}+1\leq y)=P(x\leq y^{2}+1)=F_{x}(y^{2}+1) \\ f_{X}(x)=F_{X}'(y^{2}+1)=f_{X}(y^{2}+1)* \left | \frac{d}{dy} (y^{2}+1)\right |=f_{X}(y^{2}+1)*2y \\ f_{Y}(y)=\begin{cases} 2y & \text{ if } 1\leq x\leq 2\\ 0 & \text{ else} \end{cases}
How did \sqrt{X}+ 1 become X^2+ 1? If you intended the inverse function then it should be X= (Y- 1)^2
 
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Hmm, i see.
Ok then, i get this
F_{Y}(y)=P(Y\leq y)=P(x^{1/2}+1\leq y)=P(x\leq (y+1)^{2}) =F_{x}(y+1)^{2} \\ f_{X}(x)=F_{X}'(y+1)^{2}=f_{X}(y+1)^{2}* \left | \frac{d}{dy} (y+1)^{2})\right |=f_{X}(y+1)^{2})*2y \\ f_{Y}(y)=\begin{cases} 2y & \text{ if } 1\leq x\leq 2\\ 0 & \text{ else} \end{cases}[/QUOTE]

But what about y's probability density function ?
Is it ok?
 
diracdelta said:
##F_{Y}(y)=P(Y\leq y)=P(x^{\frac 12}+1\leq y)##
That should really be
##F_{Y}(y)=P(Y\leq y)=P(X^{\frac 12}+1\leq y)##
diracdelta said:
##=P(x\leq (y+1)^{2}) ##
Check that step.
diracdelta said:
##f_{X}(x)=F_{X}'(y+1)^{2}=f_{X}(y+1)^{2}* \left | \frac{d}{dy} (y+1)^{2})\right |##
##F_{X}'((y+1)^{2})## just means the derivative wrt x of FX(x) evaluated at x = (y+1)2
##f_{X}(x)=F_{X}'((y+1)^{2})=f_{X}((y+1)^{2})##
 
diracdelta said:
Hmm, i see.
Ok then, i get this
F_{Y}(y)=P(Y\leq y)=P(x^{1/2}+1\leq y)=P(x\leq (y+1)^{2}) =F_{x}(y+1)^{2} \\ f_{X}(x)=F_{X}'(y+1)^{2}=f_{X}(y+1)^{2}* \left | \frac{d}{dy} (y+1)^{2})\right |=f_{X}(y+1)^{2})*2y \\ f_{Y}(y)=\begin{cases} 2y & \text{ if } 1\leq x\leq 2\\ 0 & \text{ else} \end{cases}

But what about y's probability density function ?
Is it ok?[/QUOTE]

How do you get from ##x^{1/2}+1 \leq y## to ##x \leq (y+1)^2##? (I don't.)

Anyway, since ##X## ranges from 0 to 1, so does ##\sqrt{X}## and that means that ##Y = 1 + \sqrt{X}## ranges from 1 to 2. So, you ought to have ##F_Y(1) = 0## and ##F_Y(2) = 1##. Do you have that?
 
Last edited:
diracdelta said:
F_{Y}(y)=P(Y\leq y)=P(x^{1/2}+1\leq y)=P(x\leq (y+1)^{2}) =F_{x}(y+1)^{2}
Up to here it's OK, except for the two errors pointed out by haruspex. Fix those and you will have a correct formula for ##F_Y(y)## in terms of ##F_X## applied to some function of ##y##.

Next you can use the fact that ##F_X(x)=\int_0^x f_X(u)du=\int_0^x du=x## to write a formula for ##F_{Y}(y)## in terms of ##y##.

Forget about everything you wrote below your first line, as that heads off on a goose chase involving ##f_X## and there is no need to refer to ##f_X## any further.

Differentiating your formula for ##F_Y(y)## will give you a formula for ##f_Y(y)##.

To complete the answer you need to put range constraints into your expression for ##f_Y##, along the lines suggested by Ray.
 

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