What is the convention for denoting functions of two variables in statistics?

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The discussion clarifies the notation conventions for denoting functions of two variables in statistics, specifically f(x, a) and f(x; a). The notation f(x; a) is commonly used in mathematical statistics to indicate that a function depends on a parameter, such as in the case of a normal distribution where the density is expressed as f(x; θ). This notation signifies that varying the parameter θ results in a family of distributions, emphasizing the relationship between the function and its parameters.

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Homework Statement



Quick question...

I have seen both being used : f(x,a) and f(x;a). What is the usual convention? Are both acceptable to denote functions of 2 variables (in this case f is a function of both x and a). Or are there vital differences between the two that I don't know about?

Thanks! :)

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I don't recall ever seeing this notation -- f(x; a) -- being used.
 
notation like [tex]f(x;a)[/tex] is used in mathematical statistics when you want to show that a distribution depends on a parameter (real or vector-valued). for example, if you are talking about a normal distribution with some mean and standard deviation, writing
[tex]\theta = (\mu, \sigma)[/tex] the density would be indicated [tex]f(x;\theta)[/tex]

it indicates that the function depends on [tex]x[/tex] and involves a parameter [tex]\theta[/tex] (so, as we say in statistics, by varying [tex]\theta[/tex] we obtain not one but a family of normal distributions.
 

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