Prove convergence in probability for n * Poisson variable to zero

In summary, we have shown that Y_{n} converges in probability to 0, as n \to \infty. We have also attempted to show convergence in quadratic mean and distribution, but were unsuccessful.
  • #1
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The problem:

Let [itex]\mu_{n} = \frac{1}{n}[/itex] for [itex]n \in \mathbb{N}[/itex]. Let [itex]X_{n} \; \mathtt{\sim} \; \textrm{ Poisson}\left( \lambda_{n} \right)[/itex].

Let [itex]Y_{n} = n X_{n}[/itex]. Show that [itex]Y_{n} \xrightarrow{P} 0 [/itex].

Work I've done:

I've shown that [itex]X_{n} \xrightarrow{P} 0[/itex] by showing that [itex]\mathbb{P} \left( \left| X_{n} \right| > \epsilon \right) \; \to \; 0[/itex] as [itex]n \to \infty [/itex]. (By getting [itex] \epsilon [/itex] and [itex] \delta [/itex] so that the limit definition is satisfied.)

I've also tried to show convergence in quadratic mean (which did not converge to 0) and convergence in distribution (which I could not do).

Relevant equations:

[itex]X_{n} \xrightarrow{P} X[/itex] if for every [itex] \epsilon > 0 [/itex], [itex]\mathbb{P} \left( \left| X_{n} - X \right| > \epsilon \right) \; \to \; 0[/itex] as [itex]n \to \infty [/itex].

If the distribution converges in quadratic mean, it converges in probability.

If the distribution converges in distribution and it is a point distribution then it converges in probability.
 
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  • #2
Solution:Let \epsilon > 0 . From the definition of convergence in probability, we have that \mathbb{P} \left( \left| X_{n} - 0 \right| > \epsilon \right) \; \to \; 0 as n \to \infty . Since Y_{n} = nX_{n}, it follows that \mathbb{P} \left( \left| Y_{n} - 0 \right| > \epsilon \right) = \mathbb{P} \left( \left| nX_{n} \right| > \epsilon \right) \; \to \; 0 as n \to \infty . Therefore, Y_{n} \xrightarrow{P} 0 .
 

1. What is a Poisson variable?

A Poisson variable is a discrete random variable that represents the number of events that occur in a given time interval or space. It is often used to model the number of occurrences of rare events.

2. What is convergence in probability?

Convergence in probability is a concept in probability theory that refers to the likelihood of a sequence of random variables approaching a particular value as the number of trials or observations increases. It is a measure of the stability and consistency of a random process.

3. How do you prove convergence in probability?

To prove convergence in probability, you need to show that the probability that the difference between the random variable and the limit approaches zero as the number of trials or observations increases. This can be done using mathematical techniques such as the Central Limit Theorem or the Law of Large Numbers.

4. What is the significance of n * Poisson variable converging to zero?

When n * Poisson variable converges to zero, it means that the probability of the random variable approaching a specific value (in this case, zero) is high. This can be useful in various applications, such as in finance and data analysis, where the stability and predictability of a process are important.

5. Are there any limitations to using the Poisson distribution for modeling convergence in probability?

Yes, there are certain limitations to using the Poisson distribution for modeling convergence in probability. One limitation is that it assumes that the events occur independently of each other, which may not always be the case in real-world situations. Additionally, it is best suited for modeling rare events, so it may not be appropriate for processes that involve more frequent occurrences.

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