Law of Large Numbers - Forms

Forms

Two different versions of the Law of Large Numbers are described below; they are called the Strong Law of Large Numbers, and the Weak Law of Large Numbers. Both versions of the law state that – with virtual certainty – the sample average

converges to the expected value

where X1, X2, ... is an infinite sequence of i.i.d. integrable random variables with expected value E(X1) = E(X2) = ...= µ. Integrability means that E(|Xj|) < ∞ for j=1,2,....

An assumption of finite variance Var(X1) = Var(X2) = ... = σ2 < ∞ is not necessary. Large or infinite variance will make the convergence slower, but the LLN holds anyway. This assumption is often used because it makes the proofs easier and shorter.

The difference between the strong and the weak version is concerned with the mode of convergence being asserted. For interpretation of these modes, see Convergence of random variables.

Read more about this topic:  Law Of Large Numbers

Famous quotes containing the word forms:

    Being the dependents of the general government, and looking to its treasury as the source of all their emoluments, the state officers, under whatever names they might pass and by whatever forms their duties might be prescribed, would in effect be the mere stipendiaries and instruments of the central power.
    Andrew Jackson (1767–1845)

    It is given to few to add the store of knowledge, to strike new springs of thought, or to shape new forms of beauty. But so sure as it is that men live not by bread, but by ideas, so sure is it that the future of the world lies in the hands of those who are able to carry the interpretation of nature a step further than their predecessors.
    Thomas Henry Huxley (1825–95)

    ‘Tis education forms the common mind,
    Just as the twig is bent, the tree’s inclined.
    Alexander Pope (1688–1744)