14.8 - Example Problems
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Discrete Joint Probability
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Let's start with the first example involving a discrete joint probability mass function. We have probabilities for outcomes defined for pairs (X,Y): P(X=x,Y=y) = 1/8 for the pairs (0,0), (0,1), (1,0), (1,1). What do you think we need to do first?
We should calculate the marginal distributions.
Exactly! To find the marginal distribution of X, we sum the probabilities of all occurrences where X takes a specific value. Can anyone tell me what P(X=0) would be?
It's P(0,0) plus P(0,1), which gives us 1/8 + 1/8 = 1/4.
Right! Now let's calculate P(Y=0). Who can assist with that?
That would be P(0,0) plus P(1,0), which is also 1/8 + 1/8 = 1/4.
Fantastic! Now, how can we check if X and Y are independent?
We need to see if P(0,0) equals P(X=0) times P(Y=0), right?
Absolutely! In this case, since P(0,0) is 1/8 and P(X=0) times P(Y=0) equals 1/4 times 1/4, which is 1/16, they are not independent.
To summarize, we found marginal distributions and verified independence through calculations. Well done!
Continuous Joint Probability
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Now, let's move to our second example, which involves a continuous joint probability distribution defined as f(x,y) = 4xy for 0 ≤ x ≤ 1 and 0 ≤ y ≤ 1. What do you think we need to do first here?
First, we should check if it's a valid probability density function by integrating it over the defined range.
Correct! If we integrate f(x,y) over that area, what should we expect the result to be?
It should equal 1 if it's valid.
Yes! Let's perform the integration. What are the bounds?
From 0 to 1 for both x and y.
We'll integrate: ∫ from 0 to 1, ∫ from 0 to 1 of 4xy dy dx. Can anyone calculate that?
After calculating, it equals 1, so it’s valid!
Excellent! Now that we've verified it's a valid pdf, how do we find the marginal probability density functions for X and Y?
We integrate f(x,y) with respect to the other variable.
Exactly! So if we integrate f(x,y) with respect to y, what's the result for f_X(x)?
The result would be f_X(x) = 2x after integration!
Well done! How about the marginal for Y?
That would lead us to f_Y(y) = 2y after integration.
Right! Finally, how can we check if X and Y are independent?
We see if f(x,y) equals f_X(x) times f_Y(y), and if it does, they are independent.
Perfect! Since f(x,y) equals f_X(x) times f_Y(y), X and Y are independent as well. Great job, everyone!
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
Example Problems provide practical illustrations of joint probability distributions, showing how marginal distributions are calculated and how to check for independence in discrete and continuous cases. Two examples demonstrate the application of these concepts effectively.
Detailed
In this section, we explore example problems related to joint probability distributions for both discrete and continuous cases. The first example details a discrete joint probability mass function defined for a limited set of outcomes, focusing on calculating marginal distributions and checking for independence. The second example covers a continuous joint probability density function, validating its total probability and similarly deriving marginal distributions while confirming independence between the random variables. These examples reinforce key concepts of joint distributions, such as marginalization and the criteria for independence, thus providing a practical context to the theoretical foundations discussed earlier in the chapter.
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Example 1: Discrete Case
Chapter 1 of 3
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Chapter Content
Given:
1
𝑃(𝑋 = 𝑥,𝑌 = 𝑦) = for (𝑥,𝑦) ∈ {(0,0),(0,1),(1,0),(1,1)}
8
• Find marginal distributions
• Check independence
Solution:
1 1 1
• 𝑃 (0)= 𝑃(0,0)+𝑃(0,1)= + =
𝑋 8 8 4
1 1 1
• 𝑃 (0)= 𝑃(0,0)+ 𝑃(1,0) = + =
𝑌 8 8 4
1 1 1 1
• Since 𝑃(0,0) = ≠ 𝑃 (0)⋅𝑃 (0) = ⋅ = , not independent.
𝑋 𝑌
8 4 4 16
Detailed Explanation
In this problem, we are given a joint probability mass function (pmf) for two discrete random variables, X and Y. The probabilities are non-negative for each combination of (x, y). We first calculate the marginal distributions for X and Y by summing the probabilities over all values of the other variable. To check for independence, we evaluate whether the joint probability equals the product of the marginals; if they are not equal, X and Y are dependent.
Examples & Analogies
Think of X and Y as two different types of dice—X could represent the outcome of a die that only shows even numbers (0,2), while Y shows odd numbers (1,3). The joint pmf describes the likelihood of rolling specific pairs of these dice. If you look at just one die (get the marginal distribution), it could just be viewed on its own. However, the relationship between the two shows whether the dice influence each other or if they roll independently.
Example 2: Continuous Case
Chapter 2 of 3
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Chapter Content
Let:
𝑓(𝑥,𝑦) = 4𝑥𝑦 for 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 1, 0 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 1
• Check validity
• Find marginal distributions
Solution:
• Check total probability:
1 1
∬𝑓(𝑥,𝑦) 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦 = ∫ ∫ 4𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦 = 1 ✓
0 0
• Marginal of 𝑋:
1 1
𝑓 (𝑥) = ∫ 4𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑦 = 4𝑥⋅ = 2𝑥
𝑋 2
0
• Marginal of 𝑌:
1 1
𝑓 (𝑦) = ∫ 4𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑥 = 4𝑦 ⋅ = 2𝑦
𝑌 2
0
• Since 𝑓(𝑥,𝑦) = 𝑓 (𝑥)⋅𝑓 (𝑦), 𝑋 and 𝑌 are independent.
𝑋 𝑌
Detailed Explanation
In this continuous case example, we start with a joint probability density function (pdf). To ensure that it forms a valid probability distribution, we integrate the joint pdf over the entire range and confirm that the total probability equals 1. Next, we find the marginal distributions for X and Y by integrating the joint pdf with respect to the other variable. Finally, we check for independence by confirming whether the joint pdf can be expressed as a product of the marginal pdfs.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you have a garden where x represents the amount of sunlight and y represents the amount of water each plant receives. The joint pdf represents how these two factors interact to affect plant growth. By assessing the total influence and then breaking down how much each individual factor contributes, we can understand if one factor can be changed independently of the other or whether adjusting one inevitably affects the other.
Summary of Example Problems
Chapter 3 of 3
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Chapter Content
• Joint Probability Distributions help us analyze the relationship between two or more random variables.
• The joint PMF (for discrete) or joint PDF (for continuous) defines the likelihood of outcomes for pairs of random variables.
• Marginal distributions give the distribution of a single variable irrespective of the other.
• Conditional distributions help in understanding dependencies.
• Independence implies the joint distribution is the product of the marginals.
Detailed Explanation
The examples show how joint probability distributions can express relationships between variables, be they discrete or continuous. Marginal distributions reflect individual behaviors regardless of the relationship; conditional distributions indicate how one variable can impact another. Independence simplifies analysis, allowing separation of the randomness associated with each variable.
Examples & Analogies
In a weather forecasting scenario, consider temperature and humidity. The joint distribution offers insights into various combinations of numbers, but we can separate them to consider only temperatures or humidities (marginals). Recognizing whether the temperature affects humidity (conditional) or if they are entirely independent simplifies our models and predictions significantly.
Key Concepts
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Joint Probability Distribution: A way to describe the relationship between two or more random variables.
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Marginal Distribution: The probability distribution of a single variable irrespective of others.
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Independence of Random Variables: If two variables are independent, knowing the value of one provides no information about the other.
Examples & Applications
Example 1 illustrates calculating marginal distributions from a discrete joint PMF and checking for independence.
Example 2 shows validating a continuous joint PDF and computing its marginal distributions while confirming independence.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
If PMF you must employ, marginal luck will you enjoy!
Stories
Once upon a time, two random friends, X and Y, met at a probability party. They learned that if they shared their info too closely, they couldn't be independent, revealing more about each other than they'd like!
Memory Tools
Remember 'MIG' for: Marginal = Integrate for Joint distributions!
Acronyms
JIM for Joint Independence Marginal
Just check their compatibility!
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Joint Probability Mass Function (PMF)
A function that gives the probability that two discrete random variables equal specific values.
- Joint Probability Density Function (PDF)
A function that describes the likelihood for continuous random variables to occur at a given point in the defined range.
- Marginal Distribution
The probability distribution of a subset of a collection of random variables.
- Independence
Two random variables are independent if the joint probability or density function equals the product of their individual distributions.
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