$Joint \:probability\;f(x,y) = 2/3 \:for\: 0 < x < 1, 0 < y < 2, x < y, and\: 0\: otherwise $
$E(XY)=\int_{0}^{1}\int_{x}^{2} \frac{2}{3}xy \:dy \:dx = \frac{7}{12} – (1)$
$E(XY)=\int_{0}^{2}\int_{0}^{y} \frac{2}{3}xy \:dx \:dy = \frac{4}{3} – (2)$
Hello, I am quite new on multivariable calculus so I am a little unsure why the answers for eqn (1) and (2) are different.
From what I recalled from class, there is no difference if we integrate w.r.t x or y first. So I suspect that the limits of my integration for eqn (2) is wrong.
So I am wondering if there is an easy way to correctly remember what are the limits of integration for these types of questions and how would I find E(XY) if I were to integrate w.r.t x first?
Edit: Missed out the $xy$ in the integrals
Best Answer
The second integral should be written as two summands: $$E[XY]=\int_0^1\int_0^y \frac{2}{3}xy dxdy+\int_1^2\int_0^1 \frac{2}{3}xy dxdy$$
You can see this by drawing the support region of $f(x,y)$. It's bounded by $x=y$, $x=0$, $x=1$ and $y=2$ lines. When $y<1$, $x$ starts from $0$ and ends at $y$. When $y>1$, $x$ should end at $1$ (instead of $y$) because $y$ is greater than 1.