Chapter 8: Problem 13
Let \(W\) have a \(U(\pi, 2 \pi)\) distribution. What is larger: \(\mathrm{E}[\sin (W)]\) or \(\sin (\mathrm{E}[W])\) ? Check your answer by computing these two numbers.
Short Answer
Expert verified
\(\mathrm{E}[\sin(W)]\) is larger than \(\sin(\mathrm{E}[W])\).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Distribution
We are given that the random variable \(W\) follows a uniform distribution on the interval \([\pi, 2\pi]\). This means that any value within this interval is equally likely to occur.
02
Compute the Expected Value of W
For a uniform distribution \(U(a, b)\), the expected value \(\mathrm{E}[W]\) is calculated as the midpoint of the interval. Thus, \(\mathrm{E}[W] = \frac{\pi + 2\pi}{2} = \frac{3\pi}{2}\).
03
Compute \(\sin(\mathrm{E}[W])\)
Substitute \(\mathrm{E}[W] = \frac{3\pi}{2}\) into the sine function: \(\sin(\mathrm{E}[W]) = \sin\left(\frac{3\pi}{2}\right) = -1\).
04
Compute \(\mathrm{E}[\sin(W)]\)
The expectation \(\mathrm{E}[\sin(W)]\) for a uniform distribution can be calculated by integrating the sine function over the interval \([\pi, 2\pi]\). We find:\[\mathrm{E}[\sin(W)] = \frac{1}{2\pi - \pi} \int_{\pi}^{2\pi} \sin(x) \, dx\]Evaluate the integral:\[ = \frac{1}{\pi} \left[-\cos(x) \right]_\pi^{2\pi}\]\[ = \frac{1}{\pi} \left[ -\cos(2\pi) + \cos(\pi) \right]\]\[ = \frac{1}{\pi} \left[ -(1) + (-1) \right] = -\frac{2}{\pi}\]
05
Compare the Two Values
We found that \(\mathrm{E}[\sin(W)] = -\frac{2}{\pi}\) and \(\sin(\mathrm{E}[W]) = -1\). Since \(-\frac{2}{\pi} \approx -0.6366\), which is greater than \(-1\), we conclude that \(\mathrm{E}[\sin(W)]\) is larger than \(\sin(\mathrm{E}[W])\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Expected Value
When dealing with probability distributions, the Expected Value is a key concept. It represents the average or mean of a random variable over a vast number of trials. For a uniform distribution, this is calculated as the midpoint of the interval. This is because each outcome within the interval is equally likely. So, if a random variable, say \(W\), ranges from \(\pi\) to \(2\pi\), its Expected Value would be:
The Expected Value is useful because it simplifies comparisons. For example, when analyzing transformations of variables, like applying a sine function to our uniform distribution, knowing the expected value beforehand makes the computation easier.
- The midpoint: \(\frac{\pi + 2\pi}{2} = \frac{3\pi}{2}\)
The Expected Value is useful because it simplifies comparisons. For example, when analyzing transformations of variables, like applying a sine function to our uniform distribution, knowing the expected value beforehand makes the computation easier.
Sine Function
The Sine Function is a trigonometric function that can be represented as \(\sin(x)\), where \(x\) is an angle measured in radians. The sine function has an output range from -1 to 1, making it periodic with a cycle repeating every \(2\pi\). Knowing how it behaves is crucial when dealing with angles that return values outside the basic sine cycle.
For example, \(\sin\left(\frac{3\pi}{2}\right) = -1\). This can be visualized on the sine curve where \(\frac{3\pi}{2}\) corresponds to the lowest point on the curve, giving the minimum value of -1. The sinusoidal nature of this function often makes it challenging yet interesting to interact with in probability and calculus, especially when integrated.
For example, \(\sin\left(\frac{3\pi}{2}\right) = -1\). This can be visualized on the sine curve where \(\frac{3\pi}{2}\) corresponds to the lowest point on the curve, giving the minimum value of -1. The sinusoidal nature of this function often makes it challenging yet interesting to interact with in probability and calculus, especially when integrated.
Integration
Integration is a fundamental concept in calculus used for finding areas under curves, among other applications. When working with random variables, integration helps determine the expected values of more complex transformations.
- In the given problem, integrating the sine function from \(\pi\) to \(2\pi\) helps compute the expectation: \(\mathrm{E}[\sin(W)]\).
- \( \int_{\pi}^{2\pi} \sin(x) \, dx \)