MHB Second moment of the Poisson random variable

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For a Poisson random variable, the expected value and variance are both equal to λ, leading to the second moment expressed as E[X²] = λ(1 + λ). The characteristic function for the Poisson distribution is correctly given by φ_X(ω) = exp(λ(e^(iω) - 1)). A discrepancy arises in the calculation of the second moment, suggesting that the original characteristic function used may be incorrect. The correct method to find the second moment involves using the second derivative of the characteristic function evaluated at ω = 0. Accurate calculations are essential for obtaining consistent results in probability theory.
Dustinsfl
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With a Poission random variable, we know that \(E[X] = var(X) = \lambda\). By definition of the variance, we can the second moment to be
\[
var(x) = E[X^2] - E^2[X]\Rightarrow E[X^2] = var(X) + E^2[X] = \lambda(1 + \lambda).
\]
The characteristic equation for the Poisson distribution is \(\phi_X(\omega) = \exp(\lambda e^{i\omega - 1})\) and we can find the second moment by
\[
i^{-2}\frac{d^2\phi}{d\omega^2}\bigg|_{\omega = 0} = -e^{\lambda e^{-1} - 2}\lambda(e + \lambda)
\]
Why am I not getting the same answer?
 
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I think the problem is that your characterisic function is wrong, it has to be:
$\phi_X(\omega) = \exp(\lambda (e^{i \omega}-1))$.
 

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