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Moment generating function?

Suppose Y has a probability density function f(y) = e^(2-y) for y >2 and 0 otherwise.

Find m(t) and then use m(t) to find E(Y^2)

1 Answer

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  • kb
    Lv 7
    10 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    Since Y has a continuous pdf,

    m(t) = ∫(-∞ to ∞) e^(ty) f(y) dy

    .......= 0 + ∫(2 to ∞) e^(ty) e^(2 - y) dy

    .......= e^2 * ∫(2 to ∞) e^((t-1)y) dy

    .......= e^2 * e^((t-1)y)/(t-1) {for 2 to ∞}

    .......= e^2 * -e^(2(t-1))/(t-1) if t < 1

    .......= -e^(2t)/(t - 1) if t < 1.

    --------------------

    E(Y^2) = (d^2/dt^2) -e^(2t)/(t - 1) {at t = 0}

    ...........= -2e^(2t) (2t^2 - 6t + 5)/(t - 1)^3 {at t = 0}

    ...........= 10.

    I hope this helps!

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