Probability Generating Function / Geometric

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the probability generating function (PGF) for two different probability mass functions: one defined for non-negative integers and another for all integers using absolute values. Participants are exploring the mathematical properties and calculations related to these functions.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to derive the PGF for the given distributions, with some expressing uncertainty about the second case involving negative integers. There are discussions about the implications of absolute values in the probability definitions and how they affect the PGF calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided attempts at solutions, particularly for the first case, while others are questioning their understanding of the second case. There is an ongoing exploration of how to correctly formulate the PGF for both cases, with no clear consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need to clarify assumptions regarding the definitions of the probability functions, particularly how negative values are treated in the second case. There is also mention of writing out terms to better understand the series involved in the PGF calculations.

spitz
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Homework Statement



a) [itex]P(X=x)=pq^x,\,x\geq 0[/itex]

Find the PGF.

b) [itex]P(X=x)=pq^{|x|},\,x\,\epsilon\,\text{Z}[/itex]

Find the PGF.

2. The attempt at a solution

a) [itex]G_X(s)=E(s^X)=\displaystyle\sum_{x\geq 0}pq^x s^x=p\displaystyle\sum_{x\geq 0}(qs)^x=\frac{p}{1-qs}[/itex]

b) Not sure about this one... Is it: as above for [itex]x\geq0[/itex]. And for [itex]x<0[/itex]:

[itex]G_X(s)=E(s^X)=\displaystyle\sum_{x>0}pq^{-x} s^{-x}=p\displaystyle\sum_{x\geq 0}(qs)^{-x}=\ldots[/itex]
 
Last edited:
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Since |-x|= |x| the negative values of x just double the value.
 
Oh, okay I see. I got it totally mixed up.

Is it: [itex]p+p\displaystyle\sum_{x\geq0}(qs)^{2x}=\ldots[/itex]
 
spitz said:

Homework Statement



a) [itex]P(X=x)=pq^x,\,x\geq 0[/itex]

Find the PGF.

b) [itex]P(X=x)=pq^{|x|},\,x\,\epsilon\,\text{Z}[/itex]

Find the PGF.

2. The attempt at a solution

a) [itex]G_X(s)=E(s^X)=\displaystyle\sum_{x\geq 0}pq^x s^x=p\displaystyle\sum_{x\geq 0}(qs)^x=\frac{p}{1-qs}[/itex]

b) Not sure about this one... Is it: as above for [itex]x\geq0[/itex]. And for [itex]x<0[/itex]:

[itex]G_X(s)=E(s^X)=\displaystyle\sum_{x>0}pq^{-x} s^{-x}=p\displaystyle\sum_{x\geq 0}(qs)^{-x}=\ldots[/itex]

In (b), try writing out a few terms:
[tex]G = p + pq^1 s^1 + pq^{|-1|} s^{|-1|} + pq^2 s^2 + pq^{|-2|} s^{|-2|} + \cdots .[/tex]

RGV
 
[itex]p+2p\displaystyle\sum_{x>0}(qs)^{x}=p+\frac{2(p+qs-1)}{1-qs}[/itex]

C'est correct?
 
Last edited:

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