Probability that X is less than a set

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of notation in the context of transformations of random variables, specifically regarding the cumulative distribution function (cdf) of a transformed variable. Participants are examining the implications of defining a random variable's relationship to a set and the clarity of notation used in the textbook "Statistical Inference" by Casella and Berger.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the notation ##P(X\leq g^{-1}(y))=P(\{x\in S_x | g(x)\leq y\}## defines the meaning of ##X## being less than or equal to a set.
  • Another participant confirms that the notation is non-standard and expresses that the original poster is not missing intuition regarding sets.
  • A participant clarifies that if there is more than one ##x## for which ##g(x)=y##, then ##g^{-1}(y)## is indeed a set.
  • There is a request for supplementary resources to better understand the notation used in the textbook.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the notation is non-standard and potentially confusing, but there is no consensus on how to best interpret it or on the implications of defining a random variable in relation to a set.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the limitations of the notation used in the textbook, which may lead to misunderstandings about the relationships between random variables and sets. The participants express uncertainty regarding the clarity and standardization of the notation.

showzen
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Hi everyone, I am currently working through the textbook Statistical Inference by Casella and Berger. My question has to do with transformations.

Let ##X## be a random variable with cdf ##F_X(x)##. We want to find the cdf of ##Y=g(X)##. So we define the inverse mapping, ##g^{-1}(\{y\})=\{x\in S_x | g(x)=y\}##. Now, ##F_Y(y)=P(Y\leq y)=P(g(X)\leq y)=P(X\leq g^{-1}(y))##.

My textbook then states ##P(X\leq g^{-1}(y))=P(\{x\in S_x | g(x)\leq y\}##.

The issue I have is with this last equality. Are we defining the meaning of ##X## less than or equal to a set here, or am I missing some intuition on sets?
 
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showzen said:
Are we defining the meaning of XX less than or equal to a set here, or am I missing some intuition on sets?
It looks like the former. You are not missing any intuition on sets. It is non-standard notation, which I have not encountered before. But if you have to use that book then you'll need to bear with their notation.
 
showzen said:
Hi everyone, I am currently working through the textbook Statistical Inference by Casella and Berger. My question has to do with transformations.

Let ##X## be a random variable with cdf ##F_X(x)##. We want to find the cdf of ##Y=g(X)##. So we define the inverse mapping, ##g^{-1}(\{y\})=\{x\in S_x | g(x)=y\}##. Now, ##F_Y(y)=P(Y\leq y)=P(g(X)\leq y)=P(X\leq g^{-1}(y))##.

My textbook then states ##P(X\leq g^{-1}(y))=P(\{x\in S_x | g(x)\leq y\}##.

The issue I have is with this last equality. Are we defining the meaning of ##X## less than or equal to a set here, or am I missing some intuition on sets?
The notation is a little confusing. ##g^{-1}(y)## is a number, ##g^{-1}(\{y\})## is a set.
 
If there is more than one ##x## for which ##g(x)=y## then ##g^{-1}(y)## is a set.
 
andrewkirk said:
It looks like the former. You are not missing any intuition on sets. It is non-standard notation, which I have not encountered before. But if you have to use that book then you'll need to bear with their notation.

Is there any supplementary resource that you would recommend?
 

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