Finding the PDF of Z = arctan(x) from a Gaussian Distribution

In summary, the pdf fZ(z) of Z = arctan(x) can be expressed as (1+tan^2(z)) * (1/sigma * sqrt(2*pi)) * e^(-tan^2(z) / 2*sigma^2). This function integrates to one between the bounds (-pi/2, pi/2) and is multivalued unless the range of the function is restricted to this interval.
  • #1
cepheid
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Homework Statement



If X is represented by the Gaussian distribution, that is,

[tex] f_{X}(x) = \frac{1}{\sigma\sqrt{2\pi}} \exp{(-\frac{x^2}{2\sigma^2})} [/tex]

find an expression for the pdf fZ(z) of Z = arctan(x).

The Attempt at a Solution



If Z =g(X), then g(X) is multivalued unless the range of the function is restricted to [itex] Z \in \left(-\frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{\pi}{2}\right) [/itex]

Under this condition, the function is one to one, and so the probability that z will be in some interval (z, z + dz) is equal to the probability that x will be in the corresponding interval (x, x + dx). In other words,

[tex] |f_Z(z) dz| = |f_X(x) dx| [/tex]

[tex] f_Z(z) = \left| \frac{dx}{dz} \right| f_X(x) [/tex]

[tex] = \frac{d}{dz} (\tan z) f_X(x) [/tex]

[tex] = (\sec^2(z)) f_X(x) [/tex]

[tex] = (1+\tan^2(z)) \frac{1}{\sigma\sqrt{2\pi}} \exp{(-\frac{\tan^2(z)}{2\sigma^2})} [/tex]​

Am I doing this right?
 
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  • #2
I don't see a problem; but you'll need to verify that it integrates to one between the bounds.
 

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