Is it Possible for a Random Variable to Have a Variance of Zero?

  • MHB
  • Thread starter Euge
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    2015
In summary, a random variable can have a variance of zero, meaning that all of its values are the same and do not deviate from the mean. This is different from a variance of one, which indicates some degree of variation. A random variable with a variance of zero can still be considered random if its values are determined by a random process. Real-world examples of random variables with a variance of zero include biased coin flips that always land on the same side.
  • #1
Euge
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MHB
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Let $X$ be random variable whose variance is zero. Prove that with probability one, $X = \Bbb E[X]$.

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Remember to read the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to http://www.mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
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  • #2
No one answered this week's problem correctly. Here is my solution:

For convenience, let $\mu = \Bbb E[X]$. The sequence of events $(|X - \mu| > 1/n)$, $n\in \Bbb N$, increases to the event $(X \neq \mu)$, so $P(X\neq \mu) = \lim\limits_{n\to \infty} P(|X - \mu| > 1/n)$. By Markov's inequality and the assumption $\operatorname{Var}(X) = 0$, we have $$P(|X - \mu| > 1/n) = P(|X - \mu|^2 > 1/n^2) \le n^2 \operatorname{Var}(X) = 0$$ for all $n\in \Bbb N$. Therefore, $P(X\neq \mu) = 0$. In other words, $X = \mu$ with probability one.
 

1. Can a random variable have a variance of zero?

Yes, it is possible for a random variable to have a variance of zero.

2. What does it mean for a random variable to have a variance of zero?

When a random variable has a variance of zero, it means that all of its values are the same and do not deviate from the mean.

3. How is a variance of zero different from a variance of one?

A variance of zero means that the values of the random variable do not vary, whereas a variance of one means that the values have some degree of variation around the mean.

4. Can a random variable with a variance of zero still be considered random?

Yes, a random variable with a variance of zero can still be considered random as long as its values are determined by a random process.

5. Are there any real-world examples of random variables with a variance of zero?

Yes, there are real-world examples of random variables with a variance of zero, such as the outcomes of a coin flip if the coin is biased and always lands on the same side.

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