# Thread: [SOLVED] P.D.F: Continuous random variables

1. ## [SOLVED] P.D.F: Continuous random variables

Firstly, I must apologise for the poor notation. I tried to use the \array command but I couldn't get it to work.

1) The random variable Q has P.D.F given by:

$f(q)=kq^3$ if $0\leq q\leq 2$

$f(q)=0$ otherwise

Find k (answer: $\frac{1}{4}$)

2)The random variable J has probability density function $f(j)=3j^k$ if $0\leq j\leq 1$

$f(j)=0$ otherwise

I honestly don't know where to start because I missed a lesson and am trying to catch up, but reading and retaining information can be a lot harder than being taught it.

2. Originally Posted by Quacky
Firstly, I must apologise for the poor notation. I tried to use the \array command but I couldn't get it to work.

1) The random variable Q has P.D.F given by:

$f(q)=kq^3$ if $0\leq q\leq 2$

$f(q)=0$ otherwise

Find k (answer: $\frac{1}{4}$)

2)The random variable J has probability density function $f(j)=3j^k$ if $0\leq j\leq 1$

$f(j)=0$ otherwise

Hint $\int_0^2 {q^3 dq} = 4$

3. Originally Posted by Quacky
Firstly, I must apologise for the poor notation. I tried to use the \array command but I couldn't get it to work.

1) The random variable Q has P.D.F given by:

$f(q)=kq^3$ if $0\leq q\leq 2$

$f(q)=0$ otherwise

Find k (answer: $\frac{1}{4}$)

2)The random variable J has probability density function $f(j)=3j^k$ if $0\leq j\leq 1$

$f(j)=0$ otherwise

I honestly don't know where to start because I missed a lesson and am trying to catch up, but reading and retaining information can be a lot harder than being taught it.
1) If $f(q)=kq^3$ is the pdf of the random variable, then we know that

$\int_0^2 {kq^3 dq} = 1$

or, $k [\frac{q^4}{4}]_0^2 = 1$

or, $k [\frac{2^4}{4} - \frac{0}{4}] = 1$

or, $k \frac{16}{4} = 1$

0r, $k = \frac{1}{4}$

Try doing the same for your second problem. Show If you come up with any problems. By the way, are you supposed to find j or k in your second question? I assume you are supposed to find k.

4. Thankyou Plato and Harish, I understand now. I shall attempt 2) by myself.

5. After a minor integration error, I've solved part 2). Thanks again