What are the mean and standard deviation of the probability density function given by #(p(x))/k=sinx# for # x in [0,pi]#, in terms of k, with k being a constant such that the cumulative density across the range of x is equal to 1?

1 Answer
Feb 14, 2016

Mean: #mu = pi/2#
Standard Deviation: #sigma = 1/2sqrt(pi^2-8) #

Explanation:

The recipe is:

#color(red)"Step 1"#
Determine the probability distribution function pdf, p(x) such that:
#P(x) =int_(x_1)^(x_2)p(x) dx= 1 " over " [x_1, x_2] #
#1 = int_(0)^(pi)ksin(x)dx = 2k; k=1/2 #
so your pdf is #p(x) = 1/2 sinx; [0, pi] #

#color(red)"Step 1"#
Determine the mean #mu# and standard deviation #sigma#
a) Mean: #mu = 1/2int_0^pixsinxdx = (sinx - xcosx)/2 = pi/2#
b) var: #sigma^2 = 1/2int_0^pi(x-mu)^2sinxdx #
#sigma^2 = [4(2x-pi)sinx-((2x-pi)^2 - 8)cosx]/2 = (pi^2-8)/4 #
#sigma = 1/2sqrt(pi^2-8) #