Second moment of the Poisson random variable

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SUMMARY

The second moment of a Poisson random variable is calculated using the relationship \(E[X^2] = var(X) + E^2[X] = \lambda(1 + \lambda)\), where both the expected value and variance equal \(\lambda\). The characteristic function for the Poisson distribution is given by \(\phi_X(\omega) = \exp(\lambda (e^{i \omega}-1))\). A discrepancy in results arises from using an incorrect characteristic function, which must be corrected to obtain consistent results.

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  • Understanding of Poisson random variables
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  • Basic calculus for differentiation
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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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