Practice Problem: PDF for a linear function of a random variable


Let X be a continuous random variable with pdf $ f_X(x) $. Let $ Y=aX+b $ for some real valued constants a,b, with $ a\neq 0 $. What is the pdf of the random variable Y?


Share your answers below

You will receive feedback from your instructor and TA directly on this page. Other students are welcome to comment/discuss/point out mistakes/ask questions too!


Answer 1

$ f_{Y}(y)= af_{X}(x)+b $

Unfortunately, this answer is incorrect. Please try again. This problem is important to help you relate CDF to pdf. Please make sure you understand this well.
Hint:
You can start with the definition of CDF with respect to Y, i.e,
$ F_{Y}(y)= P({Y \leq y}) = P({aX+b \leq y})=... $.
Use derivative to get pdf of Y since you have CDF of Y.
make sure to compare two cases for a>0 and a<0.
-TA

Answer 2

Write it here.

Answer 3

Write it here.


Back to ECE302 Spring 2013 Prof. Boutin

Back to ECE302

Alumni Liaison

Followed her dream after having raised her family.

Ruth Enoch, PhD Mathematics