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

  • Thread starter hugomcp
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Probability
In summary, the conversation discusses the probability of a value appearing in a certain position in an ordered set of values drawn from normal distributions with known parameters. The formula for this probability is dependent on the parameters of both distributions, and if they are the same, it results in a uniform distribution. However, this formula may not hold true for all cases and may require further conditioning.
  • #1
hugomcp
3
0
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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
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.
 
  • #3
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.
 
  • #4
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
 
  • #5
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
 
  • #6
Have you found the answer then?
 
  • #7
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.
 

1. What is Rank-n Probability?

Rank-n Probability is a statistical concept used to determine the likelihood of a specific value (x) appearing at a certain rank (k) within a set of data. It is often used in fields such as finance, marketing, and sports to analyze trends and make predictions.

2. How is Rank-n Probability calculated?

The Rank-n Probability is calculated by dividing the number of times the desired value (x) appears at the specific rank (k) by the total number of observations in the data set. It is expressed as a decimal or percentage.

3. Can Rank-n Probability be greater than 1?

No, Rank-n Probability cannot be greater than 1. This value represents the maximum likelihood of the desired value (x) appearing at the specific rank (k) and therefore cannot exceed 100%.

4. How is Rank-n Probability different from other probability measures?

Rank-n Probability differs from other probability measures as it specifically looks at the likelihood of a value (x) appearing at a certain rank (k) within a set of data, rather than the overall probability of the value occurring. It also takes into account the order of the data, rather than just the frequency of the value.

5. What can Rank-n Probability be used for?

Rank-n Probability can be used for a variety of purposes, such as identifying the most common values within a data set, predicting future trends based on past patterns, and comparing the likelihood of certain outcomes in different scenarios. It is a useful tool for making informed decisions and understanding the significance of data.

Similar threads

  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
7
Views
346
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
10
Views
967
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
30
Views
2K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
6
Views
1K
Back
Top