Math Problem Statement

find the mean of the following PDF graph The x y-coordinate plane is given. A curve with 4 parts is graphed. The first part is linear, enters the window on the negative x-axis, goes horizontally right, and ends at the origin. The second part is linear, begins at the origin, goes up and right, passes through the point (3, 0.1), and ends at the point (6, 0.2). The third part is linear, begins at the point (6, 0.2), goes down and right, passes through the point (8, 0.1), and ends at the point (10, 0). The fourth part is linear, begins at the point (10, 0), goes horizontally right, and exits the window on the positive x-axis. (a)

Solution

To find the mean (expected value) of the probability density function (PDF) described by the graph, we follow these steps:

1. Understand the PDF:

  • The graph consists of four linear segments:
    • Segment 1: From the negative x-axis to the origin (does not contribute to the integral).
    • Segment 2: From (0,0)(0, 0) to (6,0.2)(6, 0.2), passing through (3,0.1)(3, 0.1).
    • Segment 3: From (6,0.2)(6, 0.2) to (10,0)(10, 0), passing through (8,0.1)(8, 0.1).
    • Segment 4: From (10,0)(10, 0) to the positive x-axis (does not contribute to the integral).

2. Define the linear functions:

  • For Segment 2, the function f1(x)f_1(x) is linear and can be written as: f1(x)=0.2060x=130x for 0x6f_1(x) = \frac{0.2 - 0}{6 - 0}x = \frac{1}{30}x \text{ for } 0 \leq x \leq 6
  • For Segment 3, the function f2(x)f_2(x) is linear and can be written as: f2(x)=00.2106(x6)+0.2=120(x6)+0.2 for 6x10f_2(x) = \frac{0 - 0.2}{10 - 6}(x - 6) + 0.2 = -\frac{1}{20}(x - 6) + 0.2 \text{ for } 6 \leq x \leq 10

3. Calculate the mean (expected value):

The mean μ\mu of the PDF is given by: μ=xf(x)dx\mu = \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} x f(x) \, dx For the given PDF, we split the integral across the segments where the PDF is nonzero: μ=06x(130x)dx+610x(120(x6)+0.2)dx\mu = \int_0^6 x \left(\frac{1}{30}x\right) dx + \int_6^{10} x \left(-\frac{1}{20}(x - 6) + 0.2\right) dx

4. Evaluate the integrals:

  • First integral: 06x(130x)dx=13006x2dx=130x3306=190216=21690=2.4\int_0^6 x \left(\frac{1}{30}x\right) dx = \frac{1}{30} \int_0^6 x^2 \, dx = \frac{1}{30} \cdot \frac{x^3}{3} \bigg|_0^6 = \frac{1}{90} \cdot 216 = \frac{216}{90} = 2.4

  • Second integral: 610x(120(x6)+0.2)dx\int_6^{10} x \left(-\frac{1}{20}(x - 6) + 0.2\right) dx This integral can be split into two parts: 610x(120x+620+0.2)dx=610(120x2+(110)x)dx\int_6^{10} x \left(-\frac{1}{20}x + \frac{6}{20} + 0.2\right) dx = \int_6^{10} \left(-\frac{1}{20}x^2 + \left(\frac{1}{10}\right)x\right) dx Evaluate this integral and add it to the previous result.

5. Final Mean Calculation:

Adding both integrals gives the mean value of xx.

Let me calculate the second integral to find the mean.The mean (expected value) of the given probability density function (PDF) is approximately μ=5.33\mu = 5.33.

Would you like more details on this calculation, or do you have any other questions?

Here are some related questions for further exploration:

  1. How is the variance of a PDF calculated?
  2. What is the significance of the mean in a probability distribution?
  3. How would the mean change if the PDF graph were shifted horizontally?
  4. What if the graph were nonlinear? How would that affect the mean?
  5. How do you calculate the mean for a discrete probability distribution?
  6. Can the mean of a PDF be negative?
  7. How do you interpret the mean in the context of a real-world application?
  8. What role does symmetry in the PDF play in determining the mean?

Tip: When dealing with piecewise functions, always break down the function into manageable parts and integrate over each relevant interval.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Probability Density Function (PDF)
Integral Calculus
Linear Functions

Formulas

Mean of a Probability Density Function (PDF)

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Advanced High School or College