Simplifying a Messy Question - Any Help Appreciated!

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In summary, the conversation was about a question that seemed messy and difficult to solve, but the speaker had a feeling that there was a way to simplify it. They also had no idea about part d) and asked for help in understanding how certain values of lambda could result in X and Y being independent while others did not. The expert summarizer provided a summary of the given joint distribution and explained how it is a particular case of the bivariate normal distribution. They also mentioned the useful properties of the bivariate normal distribution and how they can be used to find the marginal and conditional distributions. The expert suggested that the remaining points, c) and d), should not be difficult to solve at this point. The speaker also asked for clarification on how
  • #1
nacho-man
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Please refer to the attached image.

Is there a way to simplify this question? It looks really messy but I have a feeling there is some nifty way around it. Surely they don't want us to integrate that entire function.

I also have no idea about part d)
how can some values of lambda result in X and Y being independent, and others not?

Any help appreciated.
Thanks in advnance
 

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  • #2
nacho said:
Please refer to the attached image.

Is there a way to simplify this question? It looks really messy but I have a feeling there is some nifty way around it. Surely they don't want us to integrate that entire function.

I also have no idea about part d)
how can some values of lambda result in X and Y being independent, and others not?

Any help appreciated.
Thanks in advnance

Before to try some 'brute force approach' my be it is useful to observe that the given joint distribution...

$\displaystyle f(x,y) = \frac{1}{2\ \pi\ \lambda^{3}}\ e^{- \frac{1}{2\ \lambda^{4}}\ \{(x-\lambda)^{2} + (y-\lambda)^{2} - 2\ \sqrt{1-\lambda^{2}}\ (x-\lambda)\ (y-\lambda)\}}\ (1)$

... is a particular case of the bivariate normal distribution...

$\displaystyle f(x,y) = \frac{1}{2\ \pi\ \sigma_{x}\ \sigma_{y}\ \sqrt{1- \rho^{2}}}\ e^{- \frac{z}{2\ (1-\rho^{2})}}\ (2)$

... where...

$\displaystyle z = \frac{(x-\mu_{x})^{2}}{\sigma_{x}^{2}} + \frac{(y-\mu_{y})^{2}}{\sigma_{y}^{2}} - 2\ \frac{\rho\ (x - \mu_{x})\ (y-\mu_{y})}{\sigma_{x}\ \sigma_{y}}\ (3) $

... and $\displaystyle \mu_{x}= \mu_{y} = \sigma_{x} = \sigma_{y} = \sqrt{1-\rho^{2}} = \lambda$...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
  • #3
thanks chi

I am unsure what to do with this information, how am I supposed to utilise it?

I have a feeling that you want me to use known properties of a bivariate distribution, and that the function will have the same properties, just with some transformations?

could also you suggest what I area I study in order to solve questions like these?
 
  • #4
chisigma said:
Before to try some 'brute force approach' my be it is useful to observe that the given joint distribution...

$\displaystyle f(x,y) = \frac{1}{2\ \pi\ \lambda^{3}}\ e^{- \frac{1}{2\ \lambda^{4}}\ \{(x-\lambda)^{2} + (y-\lambda)^{2} - 2\ \sqrt{1-\lambda^{2}}\ (x-\lambda)\ (y-\lambda)\}}\ (1)$

... is a particular case of the bivariate normal distribution...

$\displaystyle f(x,y) = \frac{1}{2\ \pi\ \sigma_{x}\ \sigma_{y}\ \sqrt{1- \rho^{2}}}\ e^{- \frac{z}{2\ (1-\rho^{2})}}\ (2)$

... where...

$\displaystyle z = \frac{(x-\mu_{x})^{2}}{\sigma_{x}^{2}} + \frac{(y-\mu_{y})^{2}}{\sigma_{y}^{2}} - 2\ \frac{\rho\ (x - \mu_{x})\ (y-\mu_{y})}{\sigma_{x}\ \sigma_{y}}\ (3) $

... and $\displaystyle \mu_{x}= \mu_{y} = \sigma_{x} = \sigma_{y} = \sqrt{1-\rho^{2}} = \lambda$...

The main reason why I remember the normal bivariate distribution is that we can use its very comfortable properties...

Bivariate Normal Distribution -- from Wolfram MathWorld

Regarding the points a) we have that the marginal distribution function of the X is...

$\displaystyle f_{x} (x) = \int_{- \infty}^{+ \infty} f(x,y)\ dy = \frac{1}{\sigma_{x}\ \sqrt{2\ \pi}}\ e^{- \frac{(x - \mu_{x})^{2}}{2\ \sigma_{x}^{2}}} = \frac{1}{\lambda\ \sqrt{2\ \pi}}\ e^{- \frac{(x - \lambda )^{2}}{2\ \lambda^{2}}}\ (1)$

Now the point b) is direct consequence of (1)... why?...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
  • #5
chisigma said:
The main reason why I remember the normal bivariate distribution is that we can use its very comfortable properties...

Bivariate Normal Distribution -- from Wolfram MathWorld

Regarding the points a) we have that the marginal distribution function of the X is...

$\displaystyle f_{x} (x) = \int_{- \infty}^{+ \infty} f(x,y)\ dy = \frac{1}{\sigma_{x}\ \sqrt{2\ \pi}}\ e^{- \frac{(x - \mu_{x})^{2}}{2\ \sigma_{x}^{2}}} = \frac{1}{\lambda\ \sqrt{2\ \pi}}\ e^{- \frac{(x - \lambda )^{2}}{2\ \lambda^{2}}}\ (1)$

Now the point b) is direct consequence of (1)... why?...

The knowledge of $\displaystyle f_{x} (x)$ and the following useful article...

http://mpdc.mae.cornell.edu/Courses/MAE714/biv-normal.pdf

... permits us to find the conditional distribution...

$\displaystyle f_{Y|X=x} (y) = \frac{f(x,y)}{f_{x}(x)} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2\ \pi}\ \sigma_{y}\ \sqrt{1 - \rho^{2}}}\ e^{- \frac{1}{2\ \sigma_{y}^{2}\ (1-\rho^{2})}\ \{y - \mu_{y} - \rho\ \frac{\sigma{y}}{\sigma_{x}}\ (x-\mu_{x})\}^{2}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2\ \pi}\ \lambda^{3}}\ e^{- \frac{1}{2\ \lambda^{4}}\ \{y - 2\ \lambda - \lambda\ (x-\lambda)\}^{2}}\ (1)$

Now the (1) is a standard normal ditribution with mean $\displaystyle \mu_{y} + \rho\ \frac{\sigma_{y}}{\sigma_{x}}\ (x - \mu_{x})$ and variance $\displaystyle (1- \rho^{2})\ \sigma_{y}^{2}$ so that is... $\displaystyle E \{Y|X=x\} = \lambda + \sqrt{1 - \lambda^{2}}\ (x - \lambda)\ (2)$

... and the point b) is answered... the remaining point c) and d) shouldn't be too difficult to attack at this point... expecially the point d)!...Kind regards $\chi$ $\sigma$
 
  • #6
point of clarification - how would you describe the parameters of our joint PDF in terms of the bivariate normal distribution?

also, is it independent for $\lambda$ = 1? for part d)

Paramaters of distributions always confuse me, I lost a huge bulk of marks on my mid-term because I don't understand what is trying to be said/communicated.

Would you be able to explain that?
Thanks!

edit: also for part a) when finding the marginal distributions, is it sufficient for us to say $ f_{X}(x) = \int...dy = ...$ or do we actually have to show the integration? ie, is this just a property we can use, or one which we must derive?

for part b)
i got a different answer from you, and i don't know what I did wrong

so $f_{X}(x)$ = $\frac{1}{\lambda \sqrt{2\pi}}$ $e^{(\frac{-(x-\lambda)^2)}{2(\lambda)^2}} $

and $f_{X,Y}(x,y)$ = $\frac{1}{2 \pi (\lambda)^3}$ $e^{...}$

and
$\frac{f_{X,Y}(x,y)}{f_X(x)}$ should at least have $(\lambda)^2 $in the denominator, as opposed to a $\lambda^4$ ?
additionally, my exponential was a different power from yours, i don't know how you simplified yours
 
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FAQ: Simplifying a Messy Question - Any Help Appreciated!

What is the best way to simplify a messy question?

The best way to simplify a messy question is to break it down into smaller, more specific questions. Identify the main question and then try to understand what information is needed to answer it. Once you have a clear understanding of the main question and its components, you can rephrase it in a more concise and organized manner.

How can I determine if a question is too complicated or messy?

A question can be considered too complicated or messy if it is difficult to understand or if it contains multiple ideas or concepts. If you find yourself struggling to understand the question or if it seems to cover too many topics, then it may need to be simplified.

Can simplifying a question change its meaning?

Yes, simplifying a question can change its meaning. When simplifying a question, it is important to make sure that the simplified version still captures the essence of the original question and that it asks for the same information or clarification.

Are there any tools or techniques that can help with simplifying a messy question?

Yes, there are several tools and techniques that can help with simplifying a messy question. One approach is to use the "Five W's and One H" method (Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How) to break down the question into its essential components. Another technique is to use mind maps or diagrams to visualize and organize the information. Additionally, seeking feedback from others can also help in simplifying a question.

Why is it important to simplify a messy question?

Simplifying a messy question is important because it helps to clarify the main purpose and focus of the question. It also makes it easier for the person being asked the question to understand and provide a clear and concise answer. Simplifying a question can also save time and prevent confusion or misunderstandings.

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