Rank-n Probability: Find Probability of x at k Position

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the probability of a random variable x appearing in a specific position k when drawn from a normal distribution, alongside other variables y1,...,yn from another normal distribution. The conversation explores theoretical aspects, mathematical formulations, and implications of distribution parameters.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for the probability of x appearing in the k position when ordered with y1,...,yn, suggesting that the answer depends on the parameters of the distributions.
  • Another participant notes that if all distributions are the same, the probability is uniform across positions.
  • It is proposed that if x has a higher mean than the yi, the resulting distribution of positions may be exponential.
  • A formula is presented for the probability of x appearing in the k-th position, expressed in terms of combinations and probabilities of x being greater or less than yi.
  • One participant challenges the simplicity of the proposed formula, stating that it leads to a normal distribution rather than a uniform one when parameters are the same, which they confirmed through simulation.
  • Another participant suggests that the events {X>Yi} are conditionally independent, and provides an integral formulation that accounts for the conditionality, noting that it simplifies to 1/(n+1) when distributions are identical.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the correct formulation for the probability, with participants presenting competing views and formulas. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of distribution parameters on the probability calculation.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the independence of events and the impact of distribution parameters on the resulting probabilities. The discussion highlights the complexity of deriving a definitive formula.

hugomcp
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Hello
Let y1,..yn be drawn from a normal distribution width known parameters.
Let x be drawn from another normal distribution with known parameters.
If the set {y1,...,yn, x} is ordered, what is the probability that x appears in the "k" position?
 
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It depends very much on the parameters of these distributions. You need to be a little more specific. The simplest example is all having the same distribution, then the probability is the same for all positions.
 
mathman said:
It depends very much on the parameters of these distributions. You need to be a little more specific. The simplest example is all having the same distribution, then the probability is the same for all positions.

I know that the probability depends on the parameters of both distributions. If both have the same distribution, it will give an uniform. If x has a higher mean, it will give an exponential distribution.

I am looking for a formula that, taking into account the gaussian parameters of both distributions, computes the desired probability.
 
P(X appears in kth position) where k is an element from {0,1,2,...,n}
= P(X higher than k number of Yi)
= (n C k) [P(X> Yi)]k[P(X< Yi)]n-k
 
ych22 said:
P(X appears in kth position) where k is an element from {0,1,2,...,n}
= P(X higher than k number of Yi)
= (n C k) [P(X> Yi)]k[P(X< Yi)]n-k

Thanks for your answer, but it may not be that simple. If that formula was true, then such probability for distributions with the sama parameters will give a normal, instead of a uniform, which I actually confirmed by simulation
 
Have you found the answer then?
 
ych22 said:
P(X appears in kth position) where k is an element from {0,1,2,...,n}
= P(X higher than k number of Yi)
= (n C k) [P(X> Yi)]k[P(X< Yi)]n-k

Not quite correct - the events {X>Yi} are only conditionally independent, however conditioning on X will get a similar expression

P(X higher than k number of Yi)
[tex]=\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}f(x)(^nC_k)F(x)^k(1-F(x))^{n-k}dx[/tex]
where F is the cdf of the Yi and f is the pdf of X, which reduces to 1/(n+1) when X has the same distribution as Y.
 

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