Chapter 5: Problem 33
Show that if \(X, Y\), and \(Z\) are rv's and \(a\) and \(b\) are constants, then \(\operatorname{Cov}(a X+b Y, Z)=a \operatorname{Cov}(X, Z)+\) \(b \operatorname{Cov}(Y, Z)\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
\(\operatorname{Cov}(aX + bY, Z) = a \operatorname{Cov}(X, Z) + b \operatorname{Cov}(Y, Z)\).
Step by step solution
01
Recall the Definition of Covariance
The covariance between two random variables \(U\) and \(V\) is defined as \(\operatorname{Cov}(U, V) = E[(U - E[U])(V - E[V])]\). We will use this formula to explore the expression \(\operatorname{Cov}(aX + bY, Z)\).
02
Substitute for Covariance
To show \(\operatorname{Cov}(aX + bY, Z)\), we substitute into the definition: \[\operatorname{Cov}(aX+bY, Z) = E[((aX + bY) - E[aX + bY])(Z - E[Z])]\].
03
Expand the Expectation
Inside the expectation, expand and rearrange: \[E[((aX + bY) - aE[X] - bE[Y])(Z - E[Z])]\]. Use distributive property to expand it:\[aE[(X - E[X])(Z - E[Z])] + bE[(Y - E[Y])(Z - E[Z])]\].
04
Factor Out Constants
Since expectation is a linear operator, factor out the constants \(a\) and \(b\):\[aE[(X - E[X])(Z - E[Z])] + bE[(Y - E[Y])(Z - E[Z])]\].This yields the expression: \(a \operatorname{Cov}(X, Z) + b \operatorname{Cov}(Y, Z)\).
05
Conclusion
We have shown that by the properties of expectation and the definition of covariance, \[\operatorname{Cov}(aX + bY, Z) = a \operatorname{Cov}(X, Z) + b \operatorname{Cov}(Y, Z)\]. This proves the required result.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Random Variables
Random variables are foundational elements in probability and statistics. A random variable, often denoted by symbols like \(X\), \(Y\), or \(Z\), is a variable whose possible values are numerical outcomes of a random phenomenon. Unlike deterministic variables, random variables can take on different values depending on the outcome of an uncertain event.
There are two primary types of random variables:
There are two primary types of random variables:
- Discrete Random Variables: These have a countable number of distinct outcomes, such as rolling a die (1 through 6).
- Continuous Random Variables: These have an infinite number of possible values within a given range, like the exact height of individuals.
Expectation
Expectation, also known as expected value, is a crucial concept in the study of random variables. It provides a measure of the "central tendency" of a random variable by calculating the average value it might take, over a large number of trials or scenarios.
Mathematically, the expectation of a random variable \(X\), denoted as \(E[X]\), is calculated as:
Mathematically, the expectation of a random variable \(X\), denoted as \(E[X]\), is calculated as:
- For Discrete Random Variables: The sum of the products of each possible value of \(X\) and their respective probabilities.
- For Continuous Random Variables: The integral of the product of the value and its probability density function.
Linear Operator
The term "linear operator" is central to mathematical transformations involving random variables. In simple terms, a linear operator is a mathematical object that satisfies two properties: additivity and homogeneity.
These properties imply:
These properties imply:
- Additivity: Applying the operator to a sum of two functions \(f\) and \(g\) results in the sum of their operator-applied results, i.e., \(L(f + g) = L(f) + L(g)\).
- Homogeneity: Applying the operator to a scaled function results in the scale multiplied by the operator-applied result, i.e., \(L(af) = aL(f)\) where \(a\) is a constant.
Properties of Expectation
The properties of expectation empower us to approach complex problems involving random variables with greater ease. Some important properties are:
- Linearity: The expectation of a sum is the sum of expectations, \(E[aX + bY] = aE[X] + bE[Y]\).
- Constants: The expectation of a constant is just the constant itself, \(E[c] = c\).
- Expectation of a Constant Times a Random Variable: You can factor out a constant, \(E[aX] = aE[X]\).