0
$\begingroup$

Show that the random variable $U=\frac{X}{X+Y}$ has a uniform distribution on the range [0,1] when X and Y are independent random variables with the same exponential distribution.

I'm stuck at

$F_U\left(u\right)=P\left(U\le u\right)=P\left(\frac{X}{X+Y}\le u\right)$

Even if I assume that X=1 I get a divergent integral in the end

And If I assume that

$P\left(0\le \frac{X}{X+Y}\le 1\right)=P\left(0\le \:X\le \:X+Y\right)=P\left(-X\le Y\right)=1-P\left(Y\le X\right)$

Then I still get an divergent integral

So what should I do?

$\endgroup$
0

1 Answer 1

0
$\begingroup$

You want to prove $P(U\le u)=u$ for $u\in[0,\,1]$. Indeed,$$\begin{align}P(X\le uX+uY)&=P(X\le\tfrac{uY}{1-u})\\&=\int_0^\infty\lambda e^{-\lambda y}(1-e^{-\lambda uy/(1-u)})dy\\&=1-\int_0^\infty\lambda e^{-\lambda y/(1-u)}dy\\&=1-(1-u)\\&=u.\end{align}$$You can also do it by noting the problem is equivalent to $Z:=Y/X$ having PDF $\frac{d}{dz}[1-(1+z)^{-1}]=(1+z)^{-2}$ on $\Bbb R^+$, because $U=1/(1+Z)$. Indeed, $Z$'s PDF is$$\int_0^\infty x\lambda^2e^{-\lambda(1+z)x}dx=(1+z)^{-2}.$$

$\endgroup$
12
  • $\begingroup$ Why $\int_0^\infty\lambda e^{-\lambda y}(1-e^{-\lambda uy/(1-u)})dy\\$? I don't get it. I mean, shouldn't it be $\int \:_0^{\frac{uY}{1-u}}\lambda e^{\left(-\lambda x\right)}dx$? $\endgroup$
    – Student
    Commented Jun 16, 2020 at 17:22
  • $\begingroup$ @Student My approach was to average the probability over all values of $Y$. What you've suggested as an alternative is a random variable, a function of $Y$. If in your integral's limit you replace $Y$ with $y$, you get the bracketed factor I've averaged. $\endgroup$
    – J.G.
    Commented Jun 16, 2020 at 17:26
  • $\begingroup$ If I calculate $\int \:_0^{\frac{uY}{1-u}}\lambda e^{\left(-\lambda x\right)}dx$ I get $1-\mathrm{e}^\frac{\lambda uy}{u-1}$, so what am I supposed to do with this? $\endgroup$
    – Student
    Commented Jun 16, 2020 at 17:28
  • $\begingroup$ @Student Presumably, $c=-\lambda$. Note you're still confusing the random variable $Y$ with a constant $y$ to which $Y$ can be compared. The correct calculation can be thought of as $\Bbb E(1-e^{-\lambda uY/(1-u)})$, which is the integral I evaluated. $\endgroup$
    – J.G.
    Commented Jun 16, 2020 at 17:30
  • $\begingroup$ Could you tell me from where did you got this formula for this whole thing? Where can i find more information on this topic? $\endgroup$
    – Student
    Commented Jun 16, 2020 at 17:33

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .