Chapter 5: Problem 28
Which of the following are characteristic functions: (a) \(\phi(t)=|-| t \mid\) if \(|t| \leq 1, \phi(t)=0\) otherwise, (b) \(\phi(t)=\left(1+t^{4}\right)^{-1}\) (c) \(\phi(t)=\exp \left(-t^{4}\right)\), (d) \(\phi(t)=\cos t\) (c) \(\left.\phi(t)=2(1-\cos t) / t^{2}\right\\}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Only function (c) is a characteristic function.
Step by step solution
01
Introduction to Characteristic Functions
A characteristic function \( \phi(t) \) of a random variable \( X \) is defined as \( \phi(t) = E[e^{itX}] \), where \( t \) is a real number.
02
Analyze Function (a)
The function \( \phi(t) = |-| t \mid \) does not satisfy the properties of a characteristic function because it is not continuous at \( t = 0 \) and is not non-negative definite.
03
Analyze Function (b)
For the function \( \phi(t) = (1 + t^4)^{-1} \), the function is not necessarily a characteristic function since its Laplace transform does not necessarily guarantee positivity and unit value at \( t = 0 \).
04
Analyze Function (c)
The function \( \phi(t) = e^{-t^4} \) is continuous and has \( \phi(0) = 1 \). Its form \( e^{-at^4} \) is a typical example of a characteristic function due to its non-negative definiteness.
05
Analyze Function (d)
The function \( \phi(t) = \cos t \) is not a characteristic function. Even though it is continuous and \( \cos(0) = 1 \), it does not satisfy non-negative definiteness across all \( t \).
06
Analyze Function (e)
The function \( \phi(t) = \frac{2(1 - \cos t)}{t^2} \) does not meet the characteristics of a characteristic function. It is not continuous at \( t = 0 \) and does not exhibit non-negative definiteness.
07
Conclusion
Characteristic functions must be non-negative definite, continuous at \( t = 0 \), and have \( \phi(0) = 1 \). Based on the analysis, function (c) is the only characteristic function.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Random Variable
A random variable is a fundamental concept in probability theory. It's essentially a numerical representation of the outcome of a random event. Think of it as a variable whose possible values are outcomes of a random phenomenon.
To break it down further, here are some key points about random variables:
To break it down further, here are some key points about random variables:
- Types: They can be discrete or continuous. Discrete random variables have distinct values like 0, 1, 2, etc., often counted. Continuous ones can take any value within a range, resembling measurements like height or temperature.
- Function of outcomes: Random variables are typically denoted by letters such as X or Y, and they can be functions depending on the context and the outcomes of a probabilistic scenario.
- Probability distribution: Every random variable has an associated probability distribution that provides probabilities of its possible values or ranges of values.
Laplace Transform
The Laplace transform is a powerful mathematical tool primarily used for transforming a function of a real variable (usually time) into a function of a complex variable (frequency). It's especially useful in solving differential equations and analyzing linear time-invariant systems.
Let's explore some basics of the Laplace transform:
Let's explore some basics of the Laplace transform:
- Definition: The Laplace transform of a function \( f(t) \), where \( t \) ≥ 0, is given by the integral \( \, L\{f(t)\} = \int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-st} f(t) \, dt \), provided the integral converges.
- Applications: It simplifies solving differential equations by converting them into algebraic equations that are easier to manipulate.
- Relation to characteristic functions: Characteristic functions are a specific type of transform similar to the Laplace transform, but they focus on probability distributions instead of general functions of time.
Non-negative Definiteness
Non-negative definiteness is a concept related to functions or matrices that this function or matrix should not produce negative values in a specific context.For characteristic functions, non-negative definiteness ensures that the sum of the function's weighted terms is non-negative.In simpler terms:
- Complex weights: If a function is non-negatively definite, then for any set of complex weights \( a_1, a_2, \ldots, a_n \), the weighted sum \( \Sigma_{i,j} a_i \overline{a_j} \phi(t_i - t_j) \) is non-negative.
- Importance: This property is essential for characteristic functions because it maintains the probability's non-negative nature, ensuring that probabilities do not contradict basic probability rules.
- Evaluation: To assess this in potential characteristic functions, test for positivity in the resulting sums across all t-values.
Continuity at Zero
Continuity at zero is a critical property for characteristic functions. It guarantees that the function does not have any sudden jumps or breaks, specifically at the point where \( t = 0 \).
The significance of continuity at zero includes:
The significance of continuity at zero includes:
- Definition: A function \( \phi(t) \) is continuous at zero if for all \( \epsilon > 0 \), there exists a \( \delta > 0 \) such that whenever \( |t| < \delta \), it follows that \( |\phi(t) - \phi(0)| < \epsilon \).
- Implication for characteristic functions: At \( t = 0 \), a characteristic function \( \phi(t) \) must be equal to 1, that is \( \phi(0) = 1 \). Continuity at zero ensures smoothness around this critical point.
- Role in probability theory: This property helps ensure the consistency and reliability of the probability distribution being modeled by the characteristic function.