If random variable X has a probability density function of f(x)=1/x on the interval[e,e^2], what is the standard deviation of X?

1 Answer
Jul 22, 2016

3.3361599515537

Explanation:

if the PDF of x is f(x)=1x on the interval of [e,e2] then e2ef(x)dx=1

The expected standard deviation is given by

E[σ]=e2e(xμ)2f(x)dx

=e2ex22xμ+μ2xdx

the integral being
x222μx+μ2ln(x)

and
E[σ]=e4e22+μ2+2μ2μ2

now we need to solve for μ and we shall have our final answer

E[μ]=e2exf(x)dx

=e2e1xxdx

=e2e=4.6707742704716

E[σ]=3.3361599515537