Chapter 1: Problem 96
Let \(X\) be a random variable such that \(R(t)=E\left(e^{t(x-b)}\right)\) exists
for \(-h
Short Answer
Expert verified
\R^{(\infty)}(0)\ is equal to the m-th moment of the distribution about the point \(b\)
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Problem
We are given that X is a random variable such that \(R(t)=E\left(e^{t(x-b)}\right)\) exists for \(-h<t<h\). We are tasked with showing that \(R^{(\infty)}(0)\) is equal to the m-th moment of the distribution about the point \(b\), where \(m\) is a positive integer. We need to apply the mathematical logic used in calculating moments of a distribution.
02
Identify the m-th moment
The m-th moment of the distribution about the point \(b\) is given by \(E\left[(X-b)^m\right]\).
03
Work with the function \(R(t)\)
We notice that \(R(t)\) can be expressed as a Taylor series about \(t=0\), i.e, \(R(t) = R(0) + R'(0)t + \frac{R''(0)t^2}{2!} + \cdots = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{R^{(n)}(0)t^n}{n!} \) for \(-h<t<h\).
04
Calculate \(R^{(\infty)}(0)\)
Taking the m-th derivative of \(R(t)\) yields \(R^{(m)}(t) = E\left[ (x-b)^m e^{t(x-b)} \right]\). Setting \(t=0\) gives us \(R^{(m)}(0) = E\left[ (x-b)^m \right]\). Hence, \(R^{(\infty)}(0)\) is equal to the m-th moment of the distribution about point \(b\).
05
Result
Hence, we have shown as required that \(R^{(\infty)}(0)\) is equal to the m-th moment of the distribution about the point \(b\).
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Random Variables
In probability theory, a random variable is a fundamental concept that represents a variable whose value is subject to randomness. Think of it as a bridge connecting abstract probability events to tangible outcomes. Random variables can take on different types of values—discrete or continuous.
- Discrete random variables: These have specific, countable outcomes. For instance, the number of heads when flipping a coin three times.
- Continuous random variables: These can take on any value within a given range. For example, the exact height of students in a class.
Exponential Function in Statistics
The exponential function, denoted as \(e^x\), is a critical component in probability and statistics due to its unique mathematical properties. It is frequently used when dealing with continuous growth or decay processes.
- Natural exponential: The base \(e\) (approximately 2.718) is an essential constant that appears naturally in many mathematical contexts.
- Moment generating functions: A function of the form \(E[e^{t(X-b)}]\) is pivotal in finding statistical moments, where \(E\) denotes the expected value.
Taylor Series in Probability
The Taylor series is a mathematical tool that allows us to approximate functions as power series. In probability and statistics, the Taylor series is often used to approximate moment generating functions.
- Basic form: A Taylor series expands a function \(f(t)\) about a point, typically \(t=0\), as \(f(t) = f(0) + f'(0)t + \frac{f''(0)t^2}{2!} + \ldots\)
- Connecting to moments: In our problem, this concept helps us express \(R(t)\) as a series, allowing us to extract moments by evaluating derivatives at \(t=0\).