Math Problem Statement

Let X be a continuous random variable with probability mass function{휆푒−휆푥,푥>00,표푡ℎ푒푟푤푖푠푒.i.Find its moment generating function if it exists

Solution

To determine the moment generating function (MGF) of the given continuous random variable XX, we start with the provided probability density function (PDF):

\begin{cases} \lambda e^{-\lambda x}, & x > 0, \\ 0, & \text{otherwise}. \end{cases}$$ The moment generating function $$M_X(t)$$ is defined as: $$M_X(t) = \mathbb{E}[e^{tX}] = \int_{-\infty}^\infty e^{tx} f_X(x) \, dx.$$ ### Step 1: Substitute the PDF into the integral Since $$f_X(x) \neq 0$$ only for $$x > 0$$, the limits of integration reduce to $$0$$ to $$\infty$$: $$M_X(t) = \int_0^\infty e^{tx} \lambda e^{-\lambda x} \, dx.$$ Simplify the exponent by combining terms: $$M_X(t) = \lambda \int_0^\infty e^{-(\lambda - t)x} \, dx.$$ ### Step 2: Conditions for convergence The integral converges only if $$\lambda - t > 0$$, i.e., $$t < \lambda$$. If this condition is not met, $$M_X(t)$$ does not exist because the integrand grows unbounded. ### Step 3: Evaluate the integral Assuming $$t < \lambda$$, the integrand becomes $$e^{-(\lambda - t)x}$$. The integral of an exponential function is: $$\int_0^\infty e^{-(\lambda - t)x} \, dx = \frac{1}{\lambda - t}.$$ Thus: $$M_X(t) = \lambda \cdot \frac{1}{\lambda - t}.$$ ### Step 4: Final expression The moment generating function of $$X$$ is: $$M_X(t) = \begin{cases} \frac{\lambda}{\lambda - t}, & t < \lambda, \\ \text{undefined}, & t \geq \lambda. \end{cases}$$ --- ### Key Insights: - The MGF $$M_X(t)$$ exists only for $$t < \lambda$$. - The domain restriction ensures that the integral converges. Would you like to explore properties derived from this MGF (e.g., moments) or verify related results? --- ### 5 Related Questions: 1. What is the first moment (mean) of $$X$$ based on its MGF? 2. Can we derive the variance of $$X$$ from the MGF? 3. How does $$\lambda$$ influence the shape and spread of the distribution? 4. What is the significance of the convergence condition $$t < \lambda$$? 5. Can you derive the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of $$X$$? ### Tip: The MGF is a powerful tool for finding moments like the mean and variance of a random variable, especially for exponential and normal distributions!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Probability Theory
Moment Generating Functions (MGFs)
Exponential Distribution

Formulas

Moment Generating Function: M_X(t) = E[e^(tX)] = ∫ e^(tx) f_X(x) dx
Exponential Integral: ∫ e^(-ax) dx = 1/a, for a > 0

Theorems

Definition of Moment Generating Function
Convergence Criterion for Exponential Integrals

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate (Probability and Statistics)