Probablity Question - Joint PDF Expectation/Variance

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The discussion focuses on calculating the expected values E(X) and E(Y) from a joint probability density function (PDF) for random variables X and Y, constrained by the condition Y > X ≥ 0. The correct formulation for E(X) is E(X) = ∫ x * f_X(x) dx, where the limits are from 0 to ∞, and for E(Y), the limits are from X to ∞. Participants emphasize the importance of using distinct symbols for different distributions, such as f_X(x) for the marginal distribution of X and f_Y(y) for Y. Misunderstandings regarding integration limits and variable dependencies are clarified, reinforcing the necessity of proper notation in probability theory.

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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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