# Math Help - probability density function

1. ## probability density function

Hey,

Can anyone help me with the following question:

f(x) = K(1+x)^n such that x>0
and
f(x) = 0 otherwise.

for some constants K and n.

For what values of n can f be made into a valid probability density?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

2. Originally Posted by jedoob
Hey,

Can anyone help me with the following question:

f(x) = K(1+x)^n such that x>0
and
f(x) = 0 otherwise.

for some constants K and n.

For what values of n can f be made into a valid probability density?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
A function is defined as follows:

$
f(x)=\left{ \begin{array}{cc} K(1+x)^n & \mbox{,\ if}\ x>0\\
0 & \mbox{,\ if}\ x \le 0 \end{array}\right
$
,

for some $K$ and $n$.

For what values of $n$ can $f$ be made into a valid probability density.

Now $f$ is a probability density if and only if $f(x)\ge\ 0$ for all $x$, and

$
\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}f(x) dx = 1
$
.

Now the integral is infinite when $n \ge \ 0$, and if $n < \ 0$:

$
\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}f(x) dx = \frac{-K}{n+1}=1
$
.

Now $K > \ 0$ as otherwise $f(x)$ would not be be
greater than or equal to zero. Then $n+1=-K$, which can only
be made to work if $n <0$.

RonL

3. ## Thanks

Thanks a million.