Question:medium

If X and Y are independent and identically distributed geometric variables with parameter p, then the moment generating function of (X+Y) is given by

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Remember the two main versions of the geometric distribution: one counts trials (\(k=1,2,...\)) and the other counts failures (\(k=0,1,...\)). Their MGFs are different (\(\frac{pe^t}{1-qe^t}\) vs \(\frac{p}{1-qe^t}\)). The options in a multiple-choice question can often give you a clue as to which version is being used.
Updated On: Feb 18, 2026
  • \( \left(\frac{p}{1-qe^t}\right)^2 \)
  • \( \frac{p}{(1-qe^t)^2} \)
  • \( \left(\frac{1}{1-qe^t}\right)^2 \)
  • \( \frac{p}{(1-qe^t)} \)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Concept Overview:
The problem requires finding the moment generating function (MGF) for the sum of two independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) geometric random variables. A crucial MGF property is that the MGF of the sum of independent variables equals the product of their individual MGFs.

Step 2: Approach:
1. Determine the MGF of a single geometric random variable. 2. Apply the rule: If \(X\) and \(Y\) are independent, then \( M_{X+Y}(t) = M_X(t) . M_Y(t) \). 3. Recognize that the sum of \(r\) i.i.d. geometric variables follows a Negative Binomial distribution, with MGF \( \left(\frac{p}{1-qe^t}\right)^r \).
Step 3: Detailed Solution:
First, find the MGF of a single geometric random variable \(X\). Based on the answer choices, we consider the geometric distribution that counts failures (\(k=0, 1, 2, \dots\)) before the first success. The MGF is: \[ M_X(t) = \frac{p}{1-qe^t} \] where \(q = 1-p\). Since X and Y are i.i.d., their MGFs are identical: \[ M_X(t) = M_Y(t) = \frac{p}{1-qe^t} \] Because X and Y are independent, the MGF of their sum, \(Z = X+Y\), is the product of their MGFs: \[ M_{X+Y}(t) = M_X(t) . M_Y(t) \] \[ M_{X+Y}(t) = \left(\frac{p}{1-qe^t}\right) . \left(\frac{p}{1-qe^t}\right) \] \[ M_{X+Y}(t) = \left(\frac{p}{1-qe^t}\right)^2 \] This matches the MGF of a Negative Binomial distribution with parameters \(r=2\) and \(p\), as expected for the sum of two i.i.d. geometric variables.
Step 4: Answer:
The moment generating function of (X+Y) is \( \left(\frac{p}{1-qe^t}\right)^2 \).
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