Chapter 11: Problem 50
If a continuous random variable \(X\) has mean \(5,\) then what is the mean of \(X+100 ?\) Of \(2 X ?\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Mean of \(X+100\) is 105; mean of \(2X\) is 10.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Mean of Transformed Variables
If a random variable \( X \) has a mean \( \mu_X \), then the mean of the random variable \( X + c \) (where \( c \) is a constant) is given by \( \mu_{X+c} = \mu_X + c \). Similarly, the mean of the random variable \( aX \) (where \( a \) is a constant) is \( \mu_{aX} = a \cdot \mu_X \). These transformations follow from the properties of expected values in probability theory.
02
Calculate the Mean of X + 100
Using the property \( \mu_{X+c} = \mu_X + c \), where \( \mu_X = 5 \) and \( c = 100 \), we find the mean of \( X + 100 \) as follows: \[ \mu_{X+100} = 5 + 100 = 105. \]
03
Calculate the Mean of 2X
Using the property \( \mu_{aX} = a \cdot \mu_X \), where \( \mu_X = 5 \) and \( a = 2 \), we determine the mean of \( 2X \) by calculating: \[ \mu_{2X} = 2 \cdot 5 = 10. \]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding the Mean of Transformed Variables
When working with a random variable, transforming it can be crucial for various applications in statistics and probability. The mean or expected value provides a central measure for the random variable. However, what happens if we transform the variable? Various rules apply:
- If you add a constant \( c \) to the random variable \( X \), the mean of this new variable, \( X + c \), will simply be the mean of \( X \) plus the constant \( c \). Mathematically, denoted as \( \mu_{X+c} = \mu_X + c \).
- If you multiply the random variable \( X \) by a constant \( a \), the mean of this new variable, \( aX \), will be \( a \) times the mean of \( X \). Mathematically, this is written as \( \mu_{aX} = a \cdot \mu_X \).
Exploring Expected Value Properties
Expected value, or mean, holds several unique properties that simplify mathematical computations. The expected value is essentially a weighted average of all possible values a random variable can take, weighted by their probabilities.
- Linearity of Expectation: One of the core properties is that expected value is linear. This means \( E[X + Y] = E[X] + E[Y] \) no matter if \( X \) and \( Y \) are dependent or independent.
- Expected Value of a Constant: Another property is that the expected value of a constant is just the constant itself. Therefore, \( E[c] = c \).
- Multiplication by a Scalar: For any constant \( a \), \( E[aX] = a \cdot E[X] \). This property is crucial for scaling variables.
Basics of Continuous Random Variables
Continuous random variables are those that can take an infinite number of values within a given range. Unlike discrete random variables, which have specific values (like integers), continuous ones deal with ranges of values.
- A continuous random variable is often represented by a probability density function (PDF), which describes the likelihood of the variable taking on a specific value.
- The area under the PDF curve represents probability, with the total area equating to 1.
- Mean or expected value of a continuous random variable is computed using the integral of the product of the variable and its probability density function over its entire range.