Understanding Random Variable Mapping and Probability Functions

In summary, the mapping for a random variable is unique if and only if the probability function and the outcome space are given.
  • #1
mathmari
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Hey! :giggle:

What does it mean to give the mapping for a random variable? Do we have to give the outcome space and the probability function? Does it hold that $X: ( \Omega, P)\mapsto \mathbb{R}$ ? :unsure:
 
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  • #2
mathmari said:
What does it mean to give the mapping for a random variable? Do we have to give the outcome space and the probability function? Does it hold that $X: ( \Omega, P)\mapsto \mathbb{R}$ ?
Hey mathmari!

From the wiki defintion:
A random variable $X$ is a measurable function $X \colon \Omega \to E$ from a set of possible outcomes $\Omega$ to a measurable space $E$.
[...]
The probability that $X$ takes on a value in a measurable set $S\subseteq E$ is written as
$$\operatorname{P}(X \in S) = \operatorname{P}(\{ \omega \in \Omega \mid X(\omega) \in S \})$$

To give a mapping means that we need to characterize that mapping uniquely. 🤔
 
  • #3
Klaas van Aarsen said:
Hey mathmari!

From the wiki defintion:
A random variable $X$ is a measurable function $X \colon \Omega \to E$ from a set of possible outcomes $\Omega$ to a measurable space $E$.
[...]
The probability that $X$ takes on a value in a measurable set $S\subseteq E$ is written as
$$\operatorname{P}(X \in S) = \operatorname{P}(\{ \omega \in \Omega \mid X(\omega) \in S \})$$

To give a mapping means that we need to characterize that mapping uniquely. 🤔

The exercise statement is :

An urn 1 contains 2 red and 8 white balls. An urn 2 contains 4 red and 6 white balls. A ball is drawn from each urn.

(a) Give a suitable probability space.

(b) Tim receives 1 Euro if the ball from urn 1 is red. Lena receives 1 euro if the Ball from urn 2 is white. Give the mapping rule for a random variable X that describes the profit of Tim, and a random variable Y, which describes Lena's profit. Find the joint distribution of X and Y. Are X and Y independent?At (a) I have found the outcome space $\Omega =\{ (R,R), (R,W), (W,R),(W,W)\}$ and the probabilities \begin{align*}&p((R,R))=\frac{2}{10}\cdot \frac{4}{10}=\frac{2}{25} \\ &p((R,W))=\frac{2}{10}\cdot \frac{6}{10}=\frac{3}{25} \\ &p((W,R))=\frac{8}{10}\cdot \frac{4}{10}=\frac{8}{25} \\ &p((W,W))=\frac{8}{10}\cdot \frac{6}{10}=\frac{12}{25}\end{align*} At (b) we have \begin{align*}&X(R,R)=1 \\ &X(R,W)= 1\\ &X(W,R)=0 \\ &X(W,W)=0\end{align*} and so \begin{align*}&P(X=1)=P(R,R)+P(R,W)=\frac 2{25}+\frac 3{25}=\frac 15 \\ &P(X=0)=P(W,R)+P(W,W)=\frac{8}{25}+\frac{12}{25}=\frac{4}{5}\end{align*} So is the map that we are looking for the $X$, the $P$ or both of them or something completely else? :unsure:
 
  • #4
The map of the random variable $X: \Omega \to \text{Euros}$ is given by what you've already found:
\begin{align*}&X(R,R)=€ 1 \\ &X(R,W)= € 1\\ &X(W,R)=€ 0 \\ &X(W,W)=€ 0\end{align*}
This fully identifies the mapping of $X$. (Nod)

The probability map is a different map that needs to be identified separately. 🤔
 
  • #5
Klaas van Aarsen said:
The map of the random variable $X: \Omega \to \text{Euros}$ is given by what you've already found:
\begin{align*}&X(R,R)=€ 1 \\ &X(R,W)= € 1\\ &X(W,R)=€ 0 \\ &X(W,W)=€ 0\end{align*}
This fully identifies the mapping of $X$. (Nod)

The probability map is a different map that needs to be identified separately. 🤔

Ahh ok! Thank you for the clarification! 🤩
 

FAQ: Understanding Random Variable Mapping and Probability Functions

What is a random variable mapping?

A random variable mapping is a mathematical function that assigns a numerical value to each possible outcome of a random event. It is used to model uncertainty and randomness in a system.

How does a probability function relate to random variable mapping?

A probability function is used to determine the likelihood of each possible outcome of a random variable mapping. It assigns a probability value to each outcome, with the total sum of all probabilities equaling 1.

What is the difference between a discrete and continuous random variable mapping?

A discrete random variable mapping has a finite or countably infinite number of possible outcomes, while a continuous random variable mapping can take on any value within a certain range. Discrete random variables are typically used for events that can be counted, while continuous random variables are used for events that can be measured.

How is a probability distribution related to random variable mapping?

A probability distribution is a mathematical function that describes the probabilities of all possible outcomes of a random variable mapping. It can be represented graphically as a probability density curve or a probability mass function.

What are some real-world examples of random variable mapping and probability functions?

Random variable mapping and probability functions are used in many fields, such as finance, statistics, and physics. Some examples include predicting stock prices, analyzing the outcomes of medical treatments, and modeling the behavior of particles in quantum mechanics.

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