Probability paradox: P(X=x)=1/n >1

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The discussion centers on the probability paradox involving a random variable X uniformly distributed in the range (0, n) where n < 1. The equation P(X=x) = 1/n > 1 is identified as a violation of the fundamental law of probability, which states that probabilities must not exceed 1. Participants clarify that P(X=x) represents a probability density function, which can exceed 1, while the integral of this function must remain at or below 1. The correct interpretation is that P(X=x) is always zero, and the density function should be understood in terms of intervals rather than point probabilities.

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Trollfaz
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I have a random variable X in range(0,n) where n<1, with a uniform distribution
Then the probability of sample space S=n x P(X=x) x<=n which must be 1
Manipulating the equation P(X=x)=1/n >1
Then this violates the fundamental law of probability which says that any probability must be at most 1.
How do we resolve this paradox here
 
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Are you assuming that the maximum value a probability density function may take is ##1##?

That's certainly not the case.
 
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Trollfaz said:
Then this violates the fundamental law of probability which says that any probability must be at most 1.
You are confusing a probability density with a probability. The function you are describing is the probability density function and it can be arbitrarily large. The integral of a probability density is a probability. So only its integral must be no greater than 1, which is the case.
 
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Just to say it explicitly, P(X=x) is always zero. ##P(|X-x|<\epsilon)\approx 2\epsilon f(x)## is the right interpretation of the density function
 
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Trollfaz said:
I have a random variable X in range(0,n) where n<1, with a uniform distribution

If you had a uniform rod of mass 1 kg and length 1/2 meter, the density of the rod would be 2 kg per meter, even though the rod only has mass 1 kg. As the others pointed out, probability density is not the the same concept as probability.
 
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An off-topic discussion has been deleted, and since the OP's question has been answered, this thread is now closed. Thanks folks.
 
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