Separating the product of two probability distributions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the separation of the product of two probability distributions, specifically focusing on the distribution of rcosθ and the known distribution P(cosθ) = 2/(πsinθ). Participants are exploring how to derive P(r) based on this information, with considerations of independence between r and θ.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the method to separate the product of two probability distributions when one is known, specifically seeking to find P(r) given P(cosθ).
  • Another participant suggests that if r and θ are independent, one can set up the problem by defining w = rcosθ and integrating over the distribution of θ.
  • There is a request for clarification on what should be integrated and the implications of that integration, with a specific example involving distributions over [0,1].
  • The same participant reiterates the question about the integration process and its outcome, indicating a need for further explanation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the integration process or the specific steps needed to derive P(r). There are multiple viewpoints on how to approach the problem, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions of independence between r and θ, as well as the specific forms of the distributions involved. The integration steps and their implications are not fully clarified.

pboggler
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In general, how does one separate the product of two probability distributions with one of them known? Basically, I have the distribution of rcosθ, I know that P(cosθ) = 2/(πsinθ), and I want to find P(r). Wolfram Alpha makes me think that a delta function is involved based on what they say about uniform product distributions and normal product distributions, but I wouldn't know how to solve it in this case.

Here are the URLs to Wolfram Alpha's things. I can't include links until I make 10 posts apparently.
mathworld.wolfram.com/UniformProductDistribution.html
mathworld.wolfram.com/NormalProductDistribution.html

Thanks for any help or suggestions!
 
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Assuming r and θ are independent, you can set it up as follows (admittedly sketchy):

Let w = rcosθ, then P(r < R|cosθ) = P(w<Rcosθ|cosθ). Integrate over the distribution of θ.
 
What should I be integrating? And what will it tell me? Assuming the distributions are over [0,1], are you saying something like P(w) = \int_0^1 P(w&lt;Rcosθ|cosθ) d(cosθ)?
 
pboggler said:
What should I be integrating? And what will it tell me? Assuming the distributions are over [0,1], are you saying something like P(w) = \int_0^1 P(w&lt;Rcosθ|cosθ) d(cosθ)?

After integration you will end up with P(r<R).
 

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