Random Variables: Proving Same Probability Distribution & Finding $X+Y$

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the random variables $X$, $Y$, and $Z$ defined on a sample space $\Omega=\{\omega_1,\omega_2,\omega_3\}$, with the goal of demonstrating that these variables share the same probability distribution and finding the probability distribution of the sum $X+Y$. The scope includes theoretical aspects of probability distributions and mathematical reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Participants define the random variables $X$, $Y$, and $Z$ and their respective values for outcomes in the sample space.
  • Some participants propose that the probability distribution of $X$ can be determined by the probabilities assigned to the outcomes, leading to $P(X=1)=P(X=2)=P(X=3)=\frac{1}{3}$.
  • Others argue that since $Y$ has the same probabilities for its outcomes, it also shares the same distribution as $X$.
  • A participant expresses confusion about how different values for the random variables can yield the same probability distribution.
  • There is a discussion about calculating the sum $X+Y$ and the resulting probabilities, with some participants suggesting that the total should simply be added, while others clarify that the probabilities for the sum must be calculated based on the individual outcomes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that $X$ and $Y$ have the same probability distribution, but there is uncertainty regarding the calculation of the probability distribution for the sum $X+Y$. The discussion remains unresolved regarding how to properly derive the probabilities for the sum.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the understanding of notation and the implications of the random variables' values on their distributions. The discussion also highlights the need for clarity in calculating probabilities for sums of random variables.

Julio1
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Let $\Omega=\{\omega_1,\omega_2,\omega_3\}$ an sample space, $P(\omega_1)=P(\omega_2)=P(\omega_3)=\dfrac{1}{3},$ and define $X,Y$ and $Z$ random variables, such that

$X(\omega_1)=1, X(\omega_2)=2, X(\omega_3)=3$

$Y(\omega_1)=2, Y(\omega_2)=3, Y(\omega_3)=1$

$Z(\omega_1)=3, Z(\omega_2)=1, Z(\omega_3)=2.$

Show that these three random variables have the same probability distribution. Find the probability distribution of $X+Y.$

Hi !, my name is Julio. I'm from Chile, my english isn't good, sorry, but try to do the best I can. Some indication for the problem?, thanks!
 
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Julio said:
Let $\Omega=\{\omega_1,\omega_2,\omega_3\}$ an sample space, $P(\omega_1)=P(\omega_2)=P(\omega_3)=\dfrac{1}{3},$ and define $X,Y$ and $Z$ random variables, such that

$X(\omega_1)=1, X(\omega_2)=2, X(\omega_3)=3$

$Y(\omega_1)=2, Y(\omega_2)=3, Y(\omega_3)=1$

$Z(\omega_1)=3, Z(\omega_2)=1, Z(\omega_3)=2.$

Show that these three random variables have the same probability distribution. Find the probability distribution of $X+Y.$

Hi !, my name is Julio. I'm from Chile, my english isn't good, sorry, but try to do the best I can. Some indication for the problem?, thanks!

Hi Julio! Welcome to MHB! :)

Hint: What is the probability distribution of X?
That is, what is the probability that X=1, X=2, respectively X=3?
 
Thanks I Like Sirena.

The probability distribution of an random variable $X$ is $P(X=x)=p(x)$ if $X$ is discrete, and $P(X=x)=f(x)$ if $X$ is continuous.

But really don't understand how solve the problem, help me please ! :confused:
 
Julio said:
Thanks I Like Sirena.

The probability distribution of an random variable is $P(X=x)=p(x)$ if $X$ is discrete, and $P(X=x)=f(x)$ if $X$ is continuous.

But really don't understand how solve the problem, help me please ! :confused:

So the question is what is $P(X=1)$?
Since $P(\omega_1)=\frac 1 3$ and $X(\omega_1)=1$, it follows that $P(X=1) = \frac 1 3$.
Similarly $P(X=2)=P(X=3)=\frac 1 3$.

How about Y? Does it have the same distribution?
 
OK, thanks!

The query is how know that $\omega_1=1$?, I don't is notation used.
 
Last edited:
Julio said:
OK, thanks!

The query is how know that $\omega_1=1$?, I don't is notation used.

You don't.
What you do know, is that $\omega_1$ is a possible outcome with probability $1/3$.
And furthermore, if the outcome is $\omega_1$, that $X = 1$.
 
Thanks, then

$P(Y=1)=P(Y=2)=P(Y=3)=P(\omega_n)=\dfrac{1}{3}.$

Truth?

Then, the random variables have the same probability distribution because all are equal $\dfrac{1}{3}$?
 
Julio said:
Thanks, then

$P(Y=1)=P(Y=2)=P(Y=3)=P(\omega_n)=\dfrac{1}{3}.$

Truth?

Then, the random variables have the same probability distribution because all are equal $\dfrac{1}{3}$?

Yep! ;)
 
One question, what I find strange is that these random variables take these different values​​, and in the end, your probabilities give the same result. :confused:
 
  • #10
Julio said:
One question, what I find strange is that these random variables take these different values​​, and in the end, your probabilities give the same result. :confused:

Ah. But we still have the second part of the question, which sort of addresses that.
 
  • #11
I like Serena said:
Ah. But we still have the second part of the question, which sort of addresses that.

Oh truth !, I had forgotten. Good, I think that is only add. Namely,

$X(\omega_1)+X(\omega_2)+X(\omega_3)=1+2+3=6,$

$Y(\omega_1)+Y(\omega_2)+Y(\omega_3)=2+3+1=6.$

Thus, $(X+Y)(\omega_n)=6+6=12.$

Okay?
 
  • #12
Julio said:
Oh truth !, I had forgotten. Good, I think that is only add. Namely,

$X(\omega_1)+X(\omega_2)+X(\omega_3)=1+2+3=6,$

$Y(\omega_1)+Y(\omega_2)+Y(\omega_3)=2+3+1=6.$

Thus, $(X+Y)(\omega_n)=6+6=12.$

Okay?

I'm afraid not.
The first possible outcome is $\omega_1$ with probability $\frac 1 3$.
With $X(\omega_1)=1$ and $Y(\omega_1)=2$, that means that $X+Y=1+2=3$.
So $P(X+Y=3) = \frac 1 3$.

The interesting part is that even though X and Y have the same probability distribution, we get to be surprised by the probability distribution of the sum X+Y.
 

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