Probability: Multivariate distribution change of variables

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the probability distribution of the random variable ## U_1 = Y_1/Y_2 ##, given the joint probability density function (pdf) of ## Y_1 ## and ## Y_2 ## as ## f_{y_1, y_2} (y_1, y_2) = 8y_1 y_2 ## for the range ## 0 < y_1 < y_2 < 1 ##. The transformation to variables ## U_1 ## and ## U_2 = Y_2 ## is established, leading to the joint distribution ## f_{u_1, u_2} (u_1, u_2) = 8u_1 u_2^3 ##. The marginal distribution of ## U_1 ## can be derived by integrating with respect to ## u_2 ##, with limits determined by the inequalities from the original variables.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of joint probability density functions (pdf)
  • Familiarity with transformation of variables in probability
  • Knowledge of Jacobian determinants in multivariable calculus
  • Experience with integration techniques for marginal distributions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of Jacobians in multivariable transformations
  • Learn about marginal and conditional distributions in probability theory
  • Explore examples of multivariate distributions and their transformations
  • Practice integration techniques for finding marginal distributions
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in statistics, data science, and mathematics who are working with multivariate distributions and require a deeper understanding of probability transformations.

Master1022
Messages
590
Reaction score
116
Homework Statement
Suppose that ## Y_1 ## and ## Y_2 ## are random variables with joint pdf:
[tex] f_{y_1, y_2} (y_1, y_2) = 8y_1 y_2 [/tex] for ## 0 < y_1 < y_2 < 1 ## and 0 otherwise. Let ## U_1 = Y_1/Y_2 ##. Find the probability distribution ## p(u_1) ##.
Relevant Equations
Jacobian
Hi,

I was attempting the problem above and got stuck along the way.

Problem:
Suppose that ## Y_1 ## and ## Y_2 ## are random variables with joint pdf:
f_{y_1, y_2} (y_1, y_2) = 8y_1 y_2 for ## 0 < y_1 < y_2 < 1 ## and 0 otherwise. Let ## U_1 = Y_1/Y_2 ##. Find the probability distribution ## p(u_1) ##.

Attempt:
We are not given a ## U_2 ##, but the problem provides a hint that we can define an arbitrary value for ## U_2 ##, for example, ## Y_2 ##. Then we can use that to find ## f(u_1, u_2) ## and then integrate with respect to ## u_2 ## to get ## f(u_1)##. It is the final step where I am confused as I am not completely sure about the limits for ## u_2 ##.

The working is as follows:

1. Define ## U_2 = Y_2 ##. Both transformations are one-to-one transformations so no extra steps are needed.

2. Find y1 and y2 in terms of u1 and u2. This yields ## y_1 = u_1 u_2 ## and ## y_2 = u_2 ##

3. Find the magnitude of the Jacobian, which turns out to be ## |J| = |u_2| ##

4. Find ## f_{u_1, u_2} (u_1, u_2) = f_{y_1, y_2} (y_1, y_2)|J| = 8u_1 u_2 ^3 ##

5. Then we can integrate to find the marginal distribution of ## u_1 ##. We need to use the inequality ## 0 < y_1 < y_2 < 1 ## to find the limits. Splitting it up we get ## u_1 u_2 > 0 ## and ## u_1 u_2 < u_2 < 1 ##. At this point, I am not quite sure how to use the inequalities. Should I just be using the limits ## 0 ## to ## 1 ##? I think I may be overthinking it as I seem to think there should be some use of ## u_1 ##...

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
To find the marginal distribution of U_1, you integrate with respect to u_2. Since you have taken u_2 = y_2 its limits are indeed 0 and 1.

From 0 &lt; y_1 &lt; y_2 you can determine the possible values of U_1.
 
pasmith said:
To find the marginal distribution of U_1, you integrate with respect to u_2. Since you have taken u_2 = y_2 its limits are indeed 0 and 1.

You also have from 0 &lt; y_1 &lt; y_2 that the possible values of u_1 y_1/y_2 lie in (0,1).
Thank you @pasmith ! So that means that ## 0 < u_1 < 1 ##. Am I correct in thinking that this implies that the inequality leads to ## 0 < u_2 < 1 ## as well?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K