Probability Generating Function / Geometric

In summary, the PGF for both a) and b) is calculated using the formula 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}. However, for b), the negative values of x are accounted for by doubling the value of the PGF.
  • #1
spitz
60
0

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:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Since |-x|= |x| the negative values of x just double the value.
 
  • #3
Oh, okay I see. I got it totally mixed up.

Is it: [itex]p+p\displaystyle\sum_{x\geq0}(qs)^{2x}=\ldots[/itex]
 
  • #4
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
 
  • #5
[itex]p+2p\displaystyle\sum_{x>0}(qs)^{x}=p+\frac{2(p+qs-1)}{1-qs}[/itex]

C'est correct?
 
Last edited:

1. What is a probability generating function?

A probability generating function (PGF) is a mathematical function that is used to describe the probability distribution of a discrete random variable. It is defined as the sum of the probabilities of all possible outcomes multiplied by their respective values.

2. What is the purpose of a probability generating function?

The main purpose of a probability generating function is to simplify the process of calculating probabilities for a given discrete random variable. It allows for the determination of the probability distribution, moments, and other characteristics of the variable in a more efficient manner.

3. How is a probability generating function related to the geometric distribution?

The probability generating function for a geometric distribution is simply the function (1-p)/(1-q), where p is the probability of success and q is the probability of failure. This function can be derived from the formula for the geometric distribution, which is used to calculate the probability of obtaining a specific number of failures before a success in a series of independent trials.

4. What are the key properties of a probability generating function?

There are several key properties of a probability generating function, including:

  • The PGF is always non-negative for all values of the variable.
  • The sum of all probabilities calculated using the PGF is equal to 1.
  • The first derivative of the PGF at 1 is equal to the mean of the distribution.
  • The second derivative of the PGF at 1 is equal to the variance of the distribution.

5. How is a probability generating function used in practical applications?

A probability generating function is commonly used in fields such as statistics, economics, and engineering to analyze and model data. It is particularly useful in situations where the probability distribution of a discrete random variable is unknown or difficult to determine. By using the PGF, important characteristics of the variable can be calculated and used in decision-making processes.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
250
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
587
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
608
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
223
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
548
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
808
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
246
Back
Top