Sum of noncentral chi-square RVs

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties and behavior of the sum of independent noncentral chi-square random variables (RVs). Participants explore definitions, characteristic functions, and implications of different variances in the context of noncentral chi-square distributions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks assistance in finding the sum of N independent noncentral chi-square RVs, providing the probability density function (pdf) for reference.
  • Another participant asserts that the sum of independent noncentral chi-square RVs remains a noncentral chi-square RV, requiring the addition of their degrees of freedom and means.
  • A participant expresses confusion regarding the definition of chi-square and relates noncentral chi-square to squared Gaussian RVs, questioning the sufficiency of the characteristic function for representing sums.
  • One reply suggests that the characteristic function approach is valid, indicating that the sum's characteristic function equals the product of individual characteristic functions.
  • Another participant discusses the implications of scaling factors in the context of sums of independent chi-square RVs, noting that different variances may affect the outcome.
  • A participant mentions finding relevant analysis in a book and shifts focus to exploring the ratio of two independent noncentral chi-square RVs.
  • One reply recommends looking into the F distribution as a potential avenue for understanding the ratio of noncentral chi-square RVs.
  • A later post raises a question about the distribution of the sum of noncentral chi-square RVs with different variances, emphasizing the independence but non-identical distribution of the underlying Gaussian variables.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the sum of independent noncentral chi-square RVs is also a noncentral chi-square RV, but there is uncertainty regarding the implications of different variances and the definition of chi-square. Multiple competing views remain about the sufficiency of characteristic functions and the nature of the distribution when variances differ.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the definitions and implications of the noncentral chi-square distribution, particularly regarding the effects of scaling factors and variance differences. There is also a lack of consensus on the application of characteristic functions in this context.

no999
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Hi guys,

i amtrying to find the sum of N random variables each follow the noncentral chi-square distribution and they are i.i.d, i.e,

sum(y_i), i=1,...N

y_i is the RV and has a noncentral chi-square pdf

f[y](y) = (exp(-(H[i, d]+y)/sigma^2)*BesselJ(0, 2*sqrt(H[i, d]*y/sigma^4))/sigma^2

please help me
regards
nidhal
 
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A sum of independent noncentral chi-square RVs is noncentral chi-square. You just add their degrees of freedom and means together. This follows directly from the definition (depending what definition you are using for chi-square, of course).
 
Hi, thanks for the info.
Actually, i cannot understand what do you mean by chi-square definition, my noncentral chi-square is a result of squared Gaussian RV with mean and segma^2.

i found an expression of the characteristic function of the noncentral chi-square but i am not sure if this expression is sufficient to represent the sums of the noncentral chi-square distribution, i am also not sure how to simulate this formula in MATLAB for example, can you help in that, or do you have any comment

Regards
 
The characteristic function approach will work: If X_1, X_2, \dots, X_n
are any independent rvs, then the characteristic function X_1 + X_2 + \dots + X_n equals the product of the individual characteristic functions: write an expression for the product of the c.v.s in your problem, note its form and what it tells you about the distribution of the corresponding sum.

I'm not sure what you mean by 'simulate in matlab'.
 
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no999 said:
Hi, thanks for the info.
Actually, i cannot understand what do you mean by chi-square definition, my noncentral chi-square is a result of squared Gaussian RV with mean and segma^2.

A sum of m independent unit variance squared Gaussian RVs added to a sum of n independent unit variance squared Gaussian RVs is clearly equal to a sum of (m+n) such squared Gaussians. So the sum of independent chi square RVs with degrees of freedom m and n respectively is a chi square with (m+n) degrees of freedom.
However, you seem to have an additional scaling factor sigma, in which case this will not hold if they have different sigmas.
 
thanks guys,
I found the analysis in one book, The Algebra of Random variables, M. D. Springer, university of Arkansas, it is a very old book but really good one one. now i am trying to find the ratio of two i.r.v each follow noncentral chi-square distribution
Any idea about that,
Regards
Nidhal
 
no999 said:
thanks guys,
I found the analysis in one book, The Algebra of Random variables, M. D. Springer, university of Arkansas, it is a very old book but really good one one. now i am trying to find the ratio of two i.r.v each follow noncentral chi-square distribution
Any idea about that,
Regards
Nidhal

Look up the F distribution. It may not be in older textbooks, but there are good descriptions on the web.
 
Hi Guys,

By definition, the sum of iid non-central chi-square RVs is non-central chi-square. what is the sum of ono-identical non-central chi-square RV.

I have a set of non zero mean complex Gaussian random variables H_i with a mean m_i and variance σ_i . i=1...N. H
the result of their square is non-central chi-square RM. Now what is the distribution of the sum of those non-central chi-square RV given that their variances are different "i.e., they are independent but non-identical distributed".

Kind Regards
 

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