[Math] Find the probability density function of Z=X+Y

probabilityprobability distributions

Suppose X,Y are independent random variables with probability density functions (pdf) $$_fX(t) = f_Y(t) = \frac{1}{2}e^{-|t|}$$ Find the pdf $f_Z(t)$ of $Z = X + Y$.

Hint: Consider the cases $t<0$ and $t\ge 0$ separately
I'm confused because $fX$ and $fY$ are both in terms of t, so I don't know how to begin.

Best Answer

$$F_Z(z) = P(X+Y \leq z) = \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \left[\int_{-\infty}^{z-x} f_{XY}(x,y)dy\right]dx$$

$$f_Z(z)=\frac{d}{dz}F_Z(z)=\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \left[\frac{d}{dz}\int_{-\infty}^{z-x} f_{XY}(x,y)dy\right]dx$$

$$f_Z(z)=\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}f_{XY}(x,z-x)dx = \int_{-\infty}^{\infty}f_{X}(x)f_{Y}(z-x)dx$$