How Does the MGF Indicate Equal Likelihood in Variable Distribution?

In summary, the Unconditional mgf of X is the same as the mgf of a random variable that is equally likely to take any of the values 1, 2, ..., n. This is due to the fact that a mgf completely specifies a distribution, and if two random variables have the same mgf, they have the same distribution. Therefore, X is equally likely to take on any of the values 1, 2, ..., n.
  • #1
fisher garry
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upload_2017-9-20_13-11-9.png


I don't understand what they are doing here. They start with the mgf for the binomial which I understand. But what is ##E[e^{tX}]##? The average of the binomial mgf? And finally why does this explain that X is equally likely to take on any of the values 0,1,..,n?
 
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  • #2
##E[e^{tX}]## is the Unconditional mgf of ##X##. Contrast that with the first line in the proof, which gives the Conditional mgf of ##X##.

The above shows that the Unconditional mgf is identical to the mgf of a random variable that is equally likely to take any of the values 1, 2, ..., n.

It is a theorem of probability theory that a mgf is a complete specification of a distribution, so if two random variables have the same mgf, they have the same distribution.

Hence, ##X## has the distribution of a random variable that is equally likely to take on any of the values 1, 2, ..., n. Hence, ##X## is equally likely to take on any of the values 1, 2, ..., n.
 

FAQ: How Does the MGF Indicate Equal Likelihood in Variable Distribution?

1. What is Mgf for conditional variable?

Mgf stands for moment generating function, which is a mathematical function used to describe the probability distribution of a random variable. For a conditional variable, the Mgf is a function that describes the distribution of a variable given that another variable has a specific value.

2. How is Mgf used in conditional variable analysis?

Mgf is used to calculate the moments of a conditional variable, such as the mean and variance. This information can then be used to make inferences and predictions about the conditional variable, such as the probability of certain outcomes.

3. Can Mgf be used for any type of conditional variable?

Yes, Mgf can be used for any type of conditional variable, including discrete and continuous variables. However, the form of the Mgf may vary depending on the type of variable.

4. What are the benefits of using Mgf for conditional variable analysis?

Mgf allows for a concise and efficient way to describe the distribution of a conditional variable. It also allows for easy calculation of moments and other statistical properties, as well as making it possible to perform various types of statistical tests and analyses.

5. Are there any limitations to using Mgf for conditional variable analysis?

While Mgf is a useful tool for conditional variable analysis, it does have some limitations. For example, the Mgf may not exist for some types of distributions, and it may be difficult to interpret for complex or non-linear relationships between variables.

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