Suppose X is a random variable taking values in N_0 with the memoryless property,i.e., for each pair of number s, t in N, P(X ge s+t∣X>t)=P(X ge s). Show that a random variable X with values in N_0 has the memoryless property if and only if X∼Geometric(p) of parameter p=P(X=1).

Ishaan Booker

Ishaan Booker

Answered question

2022-07-15

Memoryless property and geometric distribution
Suppose X is a random variable taking values in N 0 with the memoryless property,i.e., for each pair of number s , t N ,
P ( X s + t X > t ) = P ( X s )
Show that a random variable X with values in N 0 has the memoryless property if and only if X Geometric ( p ) of parameter p = P ( X = 1 ).

Answer & Explanation

Monastro3n

Monastro3n

Beginner2022-07-16Added 15 answers

Step 1
We have P ( X s + t X > t ) = P ( X s ) and P ( X s + t X > t ) = P ( X s + t ) P ( X > t ) therefore P ( X s + t ) = P ( X s ) P ( X > t ) .
Summing the last equality once over s then once over t we obtain I : s = 1 P ( X s + t ) = s = 1 P ( X s ) P ( X > t )
I I : t = 1 P ( X s + t ) = t = 1 P ( X s ) P ( X > t )
Now in I set t = k, and set s = k in II so that their left hand side be equal and consequently
P ( X k ) t = 2 P ( X t ) = P ( X k + 1 ) t = 1 P ( X t ) .
Step 2
Now let α = t = 2 P ( X t ) and evaluate for k = 1 to obtain,
α = 1 p p ,
where p = P ( X = 1 ) .. Therefore ( 1 p ) P ( X k ) = P ( X k + 1 ). Since P ( X 1 ) = 1 we have that P ( X k ) = ( 1 p ) k 1 ; k = 1 , 2 , . . .
implying that P ( X = k ) = ( 1 p ) k 1 ( 1 p ) k = p ( 1 p ) k 1 .
Therefore X Geometric(p).

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