# Math Help - Proof of Expectation for Continuous Uniform Distribution

1. ## Proof of Expectation for Continuous Uniform Distribution

Hi everyone, I have been looking at some proofs recently and came across this one for the expectation of a Continuous Uniform Distribution. Not sure how it was done, and was wondering if anybody could guide me through the steps, and if there are any extra workings so that I can understand it better?

If X ~ U(a,b), then:

E(X) =

Any help would be very much appreciated

2. ## Re: Proof of Expectation for Continuous Uniform Distribution

Which of the four equalities don't you understand?

3. ## Re: Proof of Expectation for Continuous Uniform Distribution

the last three really. I am rusty with my calculus, and was hoping somebody could explain the process of how they moved from one to the next.

4. ## Re: Proof of Expectation for Continuous Uniform Distribution

The second inequality uses the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus because $(x^2/2)'=x$. The notation $[g(x)]_a^b$ meand $g(b) - g(a)$. The last inequality holds because $b^2-a^2=(b-a)(b+a)$.

5. ## Re: Proof of Expectation for Continuous Uniform Distribution

That is, $\left[\frac{x^2}{2}\right]_a^b$ means $\frac{b^2}{2}- \frac{a^2}{2}= \frac{b^2- a^2}{2}= \frac{(b-a)(b+a)}{2}$