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Xplain why there can be no random variable for which mx(t) = t/1 - t

User Inversion
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A random variable is a function that maps outcomes of a random experiment to numerical values. The moment-generating function (MGF), denoted as mx(t), is used to describe the moments of a random variable's probability distribution.

In order for mx(t) to be a valid moment-generating function for a random variable, it must satisfy certain properties. One of these properties is that mx(0) = 1. However, if we plug in t=0 to the given mx(t), we get 0/1-0, which is equal to 0, not 1. Therefore, this function cannot be a valid moment generating function for any random variable.

Furthermore, the given mx(t) is not a polynomial function, which means it cannot be the moment generating function for a discrete random variable with finite support. The moment generating function for such a variable must be a polynomial function.

In summary, there can be no random variable for which mx(t) = t/1 - t because it does not satisfy the necessary properties of a moment generating function and is not a polynomial function.


In the context of random variables, the given function mx(t) = t/(1-t) does not represent a valid moment-generating function for any random variable, because MGFs must satisfy certain conditions. One of these conditions is that mx(0) should equal 1. However, when we plug in t=0 into the given function, we get mx(0) = 0/(1-0) = 0, which violates this condition. As a result, mx(t) = t/(1-t) cannot be the moment-generating function for any random variable.

User Phoibos
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