Uniform distribution of two random variables

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on evaluating the probability P[x+y<=z] using a double integral of the joint density function for two uniform random variables X and Y, each ranging from 0 to 1. The user is confused about the integration limits and how the result of \(\frac{z^2}{2}\) is derived, particularly for values of z between 0 and 1, and how to handle cases where z exceeds 1. Participants suggest sketching the region in the plane [0, 1] x [0, 1] to better understand the integration process and highlight the need for careful consideration of integration limits to avoid exceeding the bounds of the uniform distribution. They emphasize that the integral should yield the cumulative distribution function (CDF) rather than the probability density function (PDF), indicating a misunderstanding in the user's approach.
DottZakapa
Messages
239
Reaction score
17
Homework Statement
given X an Y uniformly distributed on [0,1] independent find the density of S=X+Y
Relevant Equations
Fs(Z)=P[X+Y<=Z]
i did not get how the professor came to such result. In particular:

in order to evaluate
P[x+y<=z] solved a double integral of the joint density. What i am not getting is did i choose the extreme of integration in order to get as result ##\frac {z^2} {2}##
 
Physics news on Phys.org
DottZakapa said:
a double integral
Please show your work
 
in order to evaluate
##P\left[x+y<=z\right] ##solved a double integral of the joint density.

X is gong from 0 to 1 and same holds for Y.
integrating x from 0 to z and y from 0 to z-x i get

##\frac {z^2} {2}##

i think the reasoning should be this.
 
he divided the problem in two parts the above is for z between 0 and 1. the other is for z between 1 and 2, for which an other integral has been computed
i do not understand how this 2 came out
 
DottZakapa said:
he divided the problem in two parts the above is for z between 0 and 1. the other is for z between 1 and 2, for which an other integral has been computed
i do not understand how this 2 came out
If both x and y are numbers in the interval [0, 1], then z = x + y will be in the interval [0, 2]. Is that what you're asking? The double interval arises by working with the region in the plane [0, 1] X [0, 1].
 
DottZakapa said:
a double integral
what integral ?
 
You might think about it by considering the joint distribution ##f_{X,Y}(x,y) = f_X(x)f_Y(y)##. You want $$P(Z \leq z) = P(X + Y \leq z) = P(Y \leq z - X)$$ You can try sketching this on the plane ##[0,1] \times [0,1]##, and calculate this probability using a double integral or much more simply by considering areas (be careful about different cases!). Then convert cdf ##\rightarrow## pdf. I have the feeling that this is what your professor was driving at.

Alternatively, you can use the idea of a convolution $$f_Z(z) = \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} f_X(z-y) f_Y(y) dy$$but I think this approach has more room for error.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
DottZakapa said:
in order to evaluate
##P\left[x+y<=z\right] ##solved a double integral of the joint density.

X is gong from 0 to 1 and same holds for Y.
integrating x from 0 to z and y from 0 to z-x i get

##\frac {z^2} {2}##

i think the reasoning should be this.
That is outlining your work, not showing it. There is not enough here to say for sure what you are doing wrong. We need to see the actual integral you wrote down.
At a guess, you wrote ##\int_{x=0}^z\int_{y=0}^{z-x}1.dxdy##.
One problem with that is, e.g., for z>1 and x<z-1 your y integral range goes above 1.
A more fundamental problem is that it will give you the CDF, not the PDF.
 
  • Like
Likes etotheipi

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
4K
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K