Show the gamma density function integrates to 1

In summary, the gamma density function integrates to 1 by using the substitution technique and the laws of exponents to simplify the integration.
  • #1
Catchfire
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Homework Statement


Show the gamma density function integrates to 1.

Homework Equations


Assume α > 0, λ > 0, t > 0
g(t) = [itex]\frac{λ^α}{\Gamma (α)} t^{α-1}e^{-λt}[/itex]
[itex]\Gamma (α)= \int_0^∞ t^{α-1} e^{-t} dt [/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



Show [itex]\int_0^∞ \frac{λ^α}{\Gamma (α)} t^{α-1}e^{-λt} dt = 1[/itex]

[itex]\int_0^∞ \frac{λ^α}{\Gamma (α)} t^{α-1}e^{-λt} dt[/itex]
= [itex]\frac{λ^α}{\Gamma (α)} \int_0^∞ t^{α-1}e^{-λt}dt[/itex]
= [itex]\frac{λ^α}{\Gamma (α)} \int_0^∞ t^{α-1}e^{-t}e^λdt[/itex]
= [itex]\frac{λ^αe^λ}{\Gamma (α)} \int_0^∞ t^{α-1}e^{-t}dt[/itex]
= [itex]\frac{λ^αe^λ \Gamma (α)}{\Gamma (α)}[/itex]
= [itex]λ^αe^λ[/itex]

...where did I lose the plot?
 
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  • #2
Catchfire said:

Homework Statement


Show the gamma density function integrates to 1.

Homework Equations


Assume α > 0, λ > 0, t > 0
g(t) = [itex]\frac{λ^α}{\Gamma (α)} t^{α-1}e^{-λt}[/itex]
[itex]\Gamma (α)= \int_0^∞ t^{α-1} e^{-t} dt [/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



Show [itex]\int_0^∞ \frac{λ^α}{\Gamma (α)} t^{α-1}e^{-λt} dt = 1[/itex]

[itex]\int_0^∞ \frac{λ^α}{\Gamma (α)} t^{α-1}e^{-λt} dt[/itex]
= [itex]\frac{λ^α}{\Gamma (α)} \int_0^∞ t^{α-1}e^{-λt}dt[/itex]
= [itex]\frac{λ^α}{\Gamma (α)} \int_0^∞ t^{α-1}e^{-t}e^λdt[/itex]
= [itex]\frac{λ^αe^λ}{\Gamma (α)} \int_0^∞ t^{α-1}e^{-t}dt[/itex]
= [itex]\frac{λ^αe^λ \Gamma (α)}{\Gamma (α)}[/itex]
= [itex]λ^αe^λ[/itex]

...where did I lose the plot?

You lost it when you said ##e^{-λt}=e^{-t}e^λ##. That's not true. I would try the variable substitution ##u=λt##.
 
Last edited:
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  • #3
Looks like I need to refresh myself on the laws of exponents.

That substitution did the trick, thanks.
 

Related to Show the gamma density function integrates to 1

1. What is the gamma density function?

The gamma density function is a probability distribution that is often used to model the waiting time for a certain number of events to occur. It is a continuous function that takes in two parameters: shape (α) and scale (β).

2. How is the gamma density function related to integration?

The gamma density function can be represented as an integral, which is a mathematical concept used to calculate the area under a curve. In this case, the integral represents the total probability for a given range of values.

3. Why is it important for the gamma density function to integrate to 1?

Integrating to 1 ensures that the total probability for all possible values of the gamma density function is equal to 1. This is a fundamental property of probability distributions and allows for accurate calculations of probabilities.

4. How is the integration of the gamma density function calculated?

The integration of the gamma density function can be calculated using calculus, specifically the gamma function and the properties of integrals. The specific formula for the integration depends on the values of the shape and scale parameters.

5. What does it mean when the gamma density function integrates to 1?

When the gamma density function integrates to 1, it means that the total probability for all possible values of the function is equal to 1. This represents the idea that the sum of all possible outcomes must equal 100% in a probability distribution.

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