Question:medium

If, \(f(x, y) = xe^{-x(y+1)}; x \ge 0, y \ge 0\), then \(E(Y|X = x)\) is

Show Hint

After finding a conditional distribution, \(f(y|x)\), always check if it matches a standard distribution (like Normal, Exponential, Gamma, etc.). If it does, you can use the known formula for its mean to find the conditional expectation, which is much faster than computing the integral from scratch.
Updated On: Feb 18, 2026
  • \( \frac{1}{x} \)
  • \( \frac{1}{x^2} + 5 \)
  • \( \frac{1}{x^2} \)
  • \( \frac{1}{x} + 3 \)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The problem requires us to find the conditional expectation of Y given X=x, written as \(E(Y|X=x)\). To do this, we first determine the conditional probability density function (PDF) of Y given X=x, \(f(y|x)\), and then compute its expectation.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
1. Find the marginal PDF of X: \(f_X(x) = \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} f(x,y) dy\).2. Find the conditional PDF of Y given X: \(f(y|x) = \frac{f(x,y)}{f_X(x)}\).3. Calculate the conditional expectation: \(E(Y|X=x) = \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} y . f(y|x) dy\).

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
1. Find the marginal PDF of X, \(f_X(x)\): \[ f_X(x) = \int_{0}^{\infty} xe^{-x(y+1)} dy = \int_{0}^{\infty} xe^{-xy-x} dy \] Factor out terms not involving y: \[ f_X(x) = xe^{-x} \int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-xy} dy \] Evaluate the integral: \[ \int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-xy} dy = \left[ -\frac{1}{x} e^{-xy} \right]_{y=0}^{y=\infty} = (0) - (-\frac{1}{x}e^0) = \frac{1}{x} \] Thus, the marginal PDF is: \[ f_X(x) = xe^{-x} \left(\frac{1}{x}\right) = e^{-x}, \quad \text{for } x \ge 0 \] (X follows an exponential distribution with rate 1).2. Find the conditional PDF of Y given X, \(f(y|x)\): \[ f(y|x) = \frac{f(x,y)}{f_X(x)} = \frac{xe^{-x(y+1)}}{e^{-x}} = \frac{xe^{-xy}e^{-x}}{e^{-x}} = xe^{-xy}, \quad \text{for } y \ge 0 \] This is the PDF of an exponential distribution with rate parameter \(\lambda = x\).3. Calculate the conditional expectation, \(E(Y|X=x)\): The expected value of an exponential distribution with rate parameter \(\lambda\) is \(1/\lambda\). Since Y given X=x follows an exponential distribution with rate \(x\), its expected value is: \[ E(Y|X=x) = \frac{1}{x} \]
Step 4: Final Answer:
The conditional expectation \(E(Y|X = x)\) is \( \frac{1}{x} \).
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