Probablity Question - Joint PDF Expectation/Variance

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the expected values E(X) and E(Y) for a joint probability density function (PDF) of random variables X and Y, given the constraint Y > X ≥ 0. Participants are exploring the correct setup for the integrals involved in calculating these expectations.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the limits of integration for the expected values, with some suggesting corrections to the original attempts. There is a focus on the proper formulation of the marginal PDFs and the implications of the integration limits based on the defined region in the (x,y) space.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on each other's attempts and clarifying the correct approach to the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of different symbols for the distributions and the correct limits for integration.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the integration limits and the relationship between the variables X and Y, particularly in the context of the defined region where Y > X. Participants are also addressing the need for clarity in notation to avoid misunderstandings.

MCooltA
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Homework Statement


I have been given a joint PDF for X and Y, with ranges Y>X≥0.

I need to find the E(x) and E(y).

Homework Equations


I know E(x) = ∫(x)*(f(x,y) dx and E(y) = ∫(y)*(f(x,y)) dy

The Attempt at a Solution


For ∫x*f(x,y) dx, i used the limits = x to ∞

For ∫y*f(x,y) dy, i used the limits = 0 to y

Is this correct?
 
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MCooltA said:

Homework Statement


I have been given a joint PDF for X and Y, with ranges Y>X≥0.

I need to find the E(x) and E(y).

Homework Equations


I know E(x) = ∫(x)*(f(x,y) dx and E(y) = ∫(y)*(f(x,y)) dy


The Attempt at a Solution


For ∫x*f(x,y) dx, i used the limits = x to ∞

For ∫y*f(x,y) dy, i used the limits = 0 to y

Is this correct?

These are both wrong. EX = int x*f(x,y) dx dy, etc.

RGV
 
Im confused by what you meant above, but i meant to say;

I have found f(x) by ∫f(x,y) dy, with the limits x to ∞.

To then find the E(x) do i ∫x * f(x) dx, with the limits 0 to y?
 
MCooltA said:
Im confused by what you meant above, but i meant to say;

I have found f(x) by ∫f(x,y) dy, with the limits x to ∞.

To then find the E(x) do i ∫x * f(x) dx, with the limits 0 to y?

OK, this is equivalent to what I wrote. You really should use different symbols for the different distributions, such as g(x) = int f(x,y) dy and h(y) = int f(x,y) dx, or use f_X(x) instead of g(x) and f_Y(y) instead of h(y).

As to your second question: the region in (x,y) space is {0 <= x <= y}, so yes, for any given x, y goes from x to infinity. However, once y has been "integrated out" it is no longer present, so NO, in EX = int x*f_X(x) dx, x does NOT go from 0 to y---there is no y now!. The variable x goes from 0 to infinity: when x was 5, y went from 5 to infinity, when x was 10 million, y went from 10 million to infinity, etc.

RGV
 

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