Probability density function ?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a joint probability density function where X selects an integer from the set S = {0,1,...,9} and Y selects an integer from {0,...,x^2}. Participants are tasked with finding the joint probability density function, the marginal for Y, and specific conditional probabilities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to define the joint probability density function and marginal distribution but expresses confusion about the summation limits and the uniformity of the distributions.
  • Some participants question the assumptions regarding the uniform probability of X and Y and seek clarification on the definitions and relationships between the variables.
  • There is discussion about how to apply the marginal distribution to the conditional probabilities.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering clarifications and exploring the implications of their interpretations. Some guidance has been provided regarding the setup of the marginal distribution and how to approach the conditional probabilities, but no consensus has been reached on the correct formulations.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the definitions of the variables and the limits of summation for the marginal distribution. The original poster's reference to the problem statement suggests potential ambiguity in the setup.

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Homework Statement


Suppose X selects an integer from the set S = {0,1,...,9} and Y selects an integer from {0,...,x^2}. Find:
(a) f(x,y) [joint prob density func]
(b) fY(y) [marginal for Y]
(c) Probability (Y <= 10 | X = 5)
(d) Probability (Y <= 10 | X <= 5)

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I'm confused how to start this problem (finding the j.p.d.f.). My teacher's notes are kind of all over the place so this is what I attempted to put together:

(a) f(x,y) = Prob(X=x, Y=y) = f(y|x)f(x)
f(x) = 1/10
f(x,y) = 1/(x2+1) * (1/10)

(b) I'm guessing.. f(y) = Ʃ [ 1/(x^2+1) * (1/10) ]
I'm confused about what the summation is over. In the book it says "probability distribution h(y) of Y alone is obtained by summing f(x,y) over values of X". So does this mean f(y) = Ʃ [ 1/(x^2+1) * (1/10) ] from x=0 to x=9? Or is it from x=y0 (some fixed y) to x=9? If it is the latter case, how do I go about solving this?

Sry, i don't know if I mentioned it but (b) is supposed to be the marginal for Y (and Y alone)
 
Last edited:
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First you don't give a probability function for X or Y alone. Should we assume uniform probability?

You say "Suppose X selects an integer from the set S = {0,1,...,9} and Y selects an integer from {0,...,x^2}." Do you mean Suppose X selects an integer, x, from the set S = {0,1,...,9} and Y selects an integer from {0,...,x^2}? If not, what is x?
 
Sorry, the full problem says X uniformly selects an integer, x, from S={1,...,9}, and then Y uniformly selects an integer from {0,...,x^2}

Also, once I have (b), how do I apply that to (c) and (d)?
 
Last edited:
f_y(y) will be a function of both x and y (but treats x as a constant parameter). Set x= 5 in (c). For (d), set x= 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 and sum.
 
Thanks for your help... I'm starting to see it now somewhat. One last question: is my fY(y) = (1/10) Ʃ (1/(x2+1)) from x=y0 to x=9 correct?

I got
(c) 42.3%
(d) ?
 
Last edited:

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