How to Calculate the Expectation Value of a Function

Expectation value, or expected value, is a common mathematical quantity used in probability. It is essentially the sum of the values of a random variable weighted by their probability. Intuitively, expectation value is the average value of a variable quantity, and therefore the value you might expect it to take. You can calculate the expected value of a function using a simple sum of products for discrete variables, or by using an integral for continuous variables.

Instructions

    • 1

      Find an expression for the function and its probability density function. For a discrete function, you simply need a list of all the values the variable can take, and the probability of each. For continuous functions, an arithmetic expression of the probability as a function of the value of the variable is required.

    • 2

      Multiply each value of the function by its probability, then add these products together to get the expectation value of a discrete function.

    • 3

      Evaluate the integral of the product of the function and its probability function with respect to the variable to find the expectation value of a continuous function. Set the bounds of your integral according to the minimum and maximum values of the variable.

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