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    Question Cumulative Distribution Function



    Please help me, I have 2 cases:

    1. n is positive constant and defined by function f(x)=1/2.n.e^(-n.x) if x>=0 and f(x)=1/2.n.e^(-n.x) if x<0. Please explain if f(x) is cumulative distribution function (cdf)!

    2. Please count E(X) and Var(X) from probability function f(x)=a.x^(a-1), 0<x<1, a>0!

    I'm new in statistic, please lead me. Thanks.

  2. #2
    Bhoot
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    Re: Cumulative Distribution Function

    Hint: Cumulative distribution function
    F(x) =  \int_{-\infty}^{x} f(t) dt

    You just need to integrate f(x)
    Last edited by vinux; 10-20-2010 at 02:29 AM. Reason: changed the limit
    In the long run, we're all dead.

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    Re: Cumulative Distribution Function

    @vinux,
    for the function:

    is integrated into:


    okay, but how can I sure that the f(x) is cdf?
    and what about case number 2?

    Thanks
    Last edited by statjunior; 10-20-2010 at 02:17 AM.

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    Bhoot
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    Re: Cumulative Distribution Function

    Do it in two ranges..

    first when x<0
    F(x) = \int_{-\infty}^{x} f_1(t) dt
    and other when x>0
    F(x) = \int_{-\infty}^{0} f_1(t) dt + \int_{0}^{x} f_2(t) dt
    when x>0

    where f1 and f2 according to the range

    ===================
    sorry .I dint see your question properly..

    f(x) is not a cdf..
    for testing a function , say g(x) is cdf?

    for g(-\infty) =0 and g(\infty) =1
    and g(x) is an increasing function.
    In the long run, we're all dead.

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    Re: Cumulative Distribution Function

    Sorry for making you confused, here it is the questions:
    1. Prove that f(x) is cumulative distribution function (cdf), where
      for and x<0, and is positive.
    2. Find E(X) and Var(X) from function:

      where 0<x<1 and a>0!

    Your clearly explanation and answer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

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    Bhoot
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    Re: Cumulative Distribution Function

    May be hint may not work for you.
    1) It is not a cdf . because f(\infty) =0

    I guess you are confused with density function and cumulative distribution function. For more understanding check this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cumulat...ution_function.

    2) E(X)= \int_{0}^{1} x f(x) dx = \int_{0}^{1} a x^a f(x) dx = \frac{a}{a+1}
    Var(X)= E(X^2)-[E(X)]^2
    E(X^2)= \int_{0}^{1} x^2 f(x) dx
    Now solve this you can calculate Var(X)
    In the long run, we're all dead.

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    Re: Cumulative Distribution Function

    uhmm sorry i'm very very new in statistic , but i'll try to understand it.
    Thank you so much for your explanation, it helps me already.
    I'll calculate it then post the final calculation here soon later.
    Many thanks

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    Re: Cumulative Distribution Function

    Here it is my calculation for question number 2:






    But I'm still confused about question number 1, confused between cdf and pdf. I thought the f(x) is pdf, but don't know what calculation I should write to prove it.
    I hope that I can understand this case, and would you mind to explain how a function can be cdf & how a function can be pdf by giving me some examples? Thank you so much.

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    Bhoot
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    Re: Cumulative Distribution Function


    Q2: is right.
    Q1. pdf is the probability density function. Usually we write in small letter ( say f(x))
    property of f(x) is f(x) \geq 0 , \int_{Range } f(x) dx=1

    The cdf is the cumulative version of pdf. denoted by Capital letter ( say F(x) )

    F(x) = P[X \leq x] = \int_{\infty}^{x}f(t) dt

    for example refer http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Probabi...nsity_function


    Thumb rule is look at the shape of the curve.. if it is increasing non negative function with 1 is the suprimum.. then it is a cdf

    or look at that graph ... if it is non negative function with area is one... then it is a pdf.
    In the long run, we're all dead.

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