# Math Help - Problem understanding the which distribution to use

1. ## Problem understanding the which distribution to use

Assume that the time of failure T of a telephone switching system is exponentially distributed with a failure rate $\lambda$. Find the maximum likelihood estimate of the failure rate from a random sample $T_1 = t_1, T_2 = t_2, ...........T_n=t_n$ of a n times to failure.

I dont know whether to use exponential as stated in the question or to use Poisson as the parameter passed is of possion !!!!!!!!!!

2. forget the Poisson.
Just get the MLE of lambda where you have a random sample from an exponential distribution

3. Originally Posted by flintstone
Assume that the time of failure T of a telephone switching system is exponentially distributed with a failure rate $\lambda$. Find the maximum likelihood estimate of the failure rate from a random sample $T_1 = t_1, T_2 = t_2, ...........T_n=t_n$ of a n times to failure.

I dont know whether to use exponential as stated in the question or to use Poisson as the parameter passed is of possion !!!!!!!!!!
This question was dealt with here: http://www.mathhelpforum.com/math-he...e-failure.html