Home » Basic probability » Generating Functions » Basic generating functions

Basic generating functions

In each example below find the probability generating function (p.g.f.) or moment generating function (m.g.f.) of the random variable \(X\): (show your work!) ( When both are asked for, recall the relationship between the m.g.f. and p.g.f. You only need to do the calculation for one to find both.)

  1.  \(X\) is normal mean \(\mu\) and variance \(\sigma^2\). Find m.g.f.
  2. \(X\) is uniform on \( (0,a)\). Find m.g.f.
  3. \(X\) is Bernoulli with parameter \(p\). Find p.g.f. and m.g.f.
  4. \(X\) is exponential with parameter \(\lambda\). Find m.g.f.
  5.  \(X\) is geometric with parameter \(p\). Find p.g.f. and m.g.f.
  6. \(X=a+bY\) where \(Y\) has probability generating function \(G(s)\). Find m.g.f.