Chapter 8: Problem 32
Give an example of: A density function that is greater than zero on \(0 \leq x \leq\) 20 and zero everywhere else.
Short Answer
Expert verified
The pdf is \(f(x) = \frac{1}{20}\) for \(0 \leq x \leq 20\) and \(f(x) = 0\) otherwise.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Problem
We need to find a function that acts as a probability density function (pdf) which is greater than zero within the interval
\(0 \leq x \leq 20\) and zero outside this interval.
02
Ensure Basic Properties of a Density Function
A probability density function must satisfy two conditions:1. The function must be non-negative for all \(x\); meaning \(f(x) \geq 0\).2. The integral of \(f(x)\) over its entire range should equal 1. If the domain is \(0 \leq x \leq 20\), then: \[\int_0^{20} f(x) \, dx = 1.\]
03
Choosing a Suitable Function
We can pick a constant function because it's simple to calculate and analyze. Let's define \(f(x) = c\) on the interval \(0 \leq x \leq 20\). Since \(f(x)\) needs to be zero outside this interval, \(f(x) = 0\) when outside \(0 \leq x \leq 20\).
04
Determine the Constant 'c'
Since the function \(f(x) = c\) must integrate to 1 over the interval \(0 \leq x \leq 20\), we calculate:\[\int_0^{20} c \, dx = 20c = 1.\]Thus, \(c = \frac{1}{20}\).
05
Finalizing the Density Function
The density function we have determined is:\[f(x) = \begin{cases} \frac{1}{20}, & \text{for } 0 \leq x \leq 20, \0, & \text{otherwise.} \end{cases}\]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Integration
Integration is a crucial mathematical concept used extensively in various fields, including probability. In probability theory, it helps us calculate the probabilities for continuous random variables. A Probability Density Function (pdf) uses integration to ensure the function sums to 1 across its defined range.
For example, in our current exercise, integrating the function across the interval \(0 \leq x \leq 20\) ensures it acts as a proper pdf. This involves calculating an integral of the form \int_0^{20} c \, dx = 1. The objective is straightforward: find an area under the curve, represented by the integral, that equals 1.
For example, in our current exercise, integrating the function across the interval \(0 \leq x \leq 20\) ensures it acts as a proper pdf. This involves calculating an integral of the form \int_0^{20} c \, dx = 1. The objective is straightforward: find an area under the curve, represented by the integral, that equals 1.
- Integration allows us to evaluate the total probability over an interval.
- It's fundamental in transitioning from discrete to continuous probability models.
Constant Function
A constant function is one that assigns the same value to every element in its domain. It's represented mathematically as \(f(x) = c\) where \(c\) is constant for a given interval.
In the context of a probability density function, a constant function provides simplicity while satisfying the necessary condition for the function to be greater than zero on the specified interval.
This means, \(f(x)\) remains \(rac{1}{20}\) for every value of x between 0 and 20.
Benefits of using a constant function for pdf include:
In the context of a probability density function, a constant function provides simplicity while satisfying the necessary condition for the function to be greater than zero on the specified interval.
This means, \(f(x)\) remains \(rac{1}{20}\) for every value of x between 0 and 20.
Benefits of using a constant function for pdf include:
- Simplicity in calculation as the function value does not change.
- It clearly fulfills the requirement of non-negativity over the desired interval.
Non-negative Function
A non-negative function is a fundamental requirement of any probability density function. In simple terms, this means the function never takes negative values.
For our exercise, ensuring non-negativity is straightforward with a constant function, \(f(x) = \rac{1}{20}\ ext{ for } 0 \leq x \leq 20.\) Non-negativity ensures:
Ensuring non-negativity confirms that every x-value has a valid probability density, normalizing the entire function to portray real-world probabilities.
For our exercise, ensuring non-negativity is straightforward with a constant function, \(f(x) = \rac{1}{20}\ ext{ for } 0 \leq x \leq 20.\) Non-negativity ensures:
- Probabilities are always positive or zero, aligning with true probability concepts.
- No part of the function suggests impossibility through negative values.
Ensuring non-negativity confirms that every x-value has a valid probability density, normalizing the entire function to portray real-world probabilities.
Definite Integral
In the realm of probability and calculus, a definite integral calculates the accumulated value of a function over a specific interval. For a probability density function, the definite integral between given bounds equals 1, making it invaluable for normalizing the pdf.
Consider the definite integral calculation in our exercise: \int_0^{20} \rac{1}{20} \, dx = 1. This calculation involves determining the constant \(c\) such that the definite integral from 0 to 20 equals 1.
Consider the definite integral calculation in our exercise: \int_0^{20} \rac{1}{20} \, dx = 1. This calculation involves determining the constant \(c\) such that the definite integral from 0 to 20 equals 1.
- The definite integral finds the total area under the curve, which represents probability mass in the case of a pdf.
- This ensures the function properly fits the framework of a pdf, confirming that the total probability across the interval is exactly 1.