Math Problem Statement
Suppose X1,X2,...,Xn are independent random variables with (finite) mean µ and
variance 1. Let n be a “very large”1 number.
(a) What distribution would you expect the random variable 1 n ∑n i=1(Xi - µ) to approximately have? [Hint: What do the random variables 1 n ∑n i=1(Xi -µ) converge to as n → ∞?]
Solution
To determine the approximate distribution of the random variable
we can analyze it using the Central Limit Theorem (CLT). Here's the breakdown:
Step 1: Analyze the random variable
The given random variable is
Since , the term represents the deviation of from its mean. The expectation and variance of this random variable are:
-
Mean: By linearity of expectation: [ \mathbb{E}\left[\frac{1}{n} \sum_{i=1}^n (X_i - \mu)\right] = \frac{1}{n} \sum_{i=1}^n \mathbb{E}[X_i - \mu] = \frac{1}{n} \cdot 0 = 0. ]
-
Variance: Since are independent and have variance 1:
Thus, the random variable has mean 0 and variance .
Step 2: Central Limit Theorem Application
As , the Central Limit Theorem states that the sum (or average) of a large number of independent and identically distributed random variables converges in distribution to a normal (Gaussian) distribution.
- The scaled sum: converges in distribution to a standard normal distribution as .
Step 3: Convergence of the Original Random Variable
The random variable therefore converges to a normal distribution with mean 0 and variance .
Hence, as becomes "very large," the random variable is approximately:
Final Answer:
The distribution of is approximately:
5 Related Questions:
- How does the variance of the sample mean change as increases?
- Why is the Central Limit Theorem applicable in this case?
- What happens if the random variables are not independent?
- How does this result connect to the Law of Large Numbers?
- What are practical examples where this approximation is useful?
Tip:
When working with sums or averages of random variables, always check conditions like independence, identical distributions, and finite variance to determine if the CLT applies.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Probability Theory
Statistics
Central Limit Theorem
Formulas
Mean: E[(1/n) ∑ (Xi - µ)] = 0
Variance: Var[(1/n) ∑ (Xi - µ)] = 1/n
Theorems
Central Limit Theorem
Law of Large Numbers
Suitable Grade Level
Undergraduate (Probability/Statistics)
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