How to use monte carlo method : importance sampling ?

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem with applying a Monte Carlo method and calculating a double integral. The speaker asks for help and is given guidance on how to approach the problem. The use of Importance Sampling and Monte Carlo integration in 2D and 3D is also mentioned.
  • #1
cristinelm
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Hello.I have a little problem with applying a Monte Carlo method : Importance Sampling.I need to calculate :

integral(0 to infinity) integral(0 to infinity) 1/(2 * pi * sqrt((1 + x^2 + y^2)^3))dxdy

Can somebody help me ? Thanks in advance.
 
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  • #2
cristinelm said:
Hello.I have a little problem with applying a Monte Carlo method : Importance Sampling.I need to calculate :

integral(0 to infinity) integral(0 to infinity) 1/(2 * pi * sqrt((1 + x^2 + y^2)^3))dxdy

Can somebody help me ? Thanks in advance.
Is this just a thought experiment, or have you booked computer time to actually carry it out? :smile:

Start by looking at the 3D shape whose volume you are wanting to estimate. Also, the result at the very foot of this wolfram alpha presentation seems almost the answer you should be aiming towards. :wink:

Monte Carlo integration in 2D is easy to grasp, along with the concept of Importance Sampling. I think I can see how it would apply to 3D.
 
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FAQ: How to use monte carlo method : importance sampling ?

What is the Monte Carlo method?

The Monte Carlo method is a computational technique used to approximate the value of a complex mathematical problem by using random sampling. It involves simulating multiple scenarios and calculating the average outcome to estimate the true value.

What is importance sampling in Monte Carlo methods?

Importance sampling is a variation of the Monte Carlo method that aims to improve the accuracy of the estimation by focusing on the most important areas of the problem. This is achieved by assigning higher probabilities to samples that are more likely to contribute to the final result.

How do you use importance sampling in Monte Carlo methods?

To use importance sampling, you first need to identify the important regions of the problem. Then, you need to design a sampling distribution that assigns higher probabilities to those regions. Finally, you can use this distribution to generate samples and calculate the final estimation.

What are the advantages of using importance sampling in Monte Carlo methods?

Importance sampling can greatly improve the accuracy and efficiency of Monte Carlo methods. By focusing on the important regions, it reduces the number of samples needed to reach a desired level of accuracy. This can save computational time and resources.

Are there any limitations to using importance sampling in Monte Carlo methods?

One limitation of importance sampling is that it requires prior knowledge of the important regions of the problem. This may not be possible in some cases, making it difficult to design an effective sampling distribution. Additionally, if the distribution is not well-designed, it may result in biased estimations.

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