Showing family is NOT complete

Question

How would I show that $$f(x;\theta) = \frac1{2\theta}$$ where $x$ is between positive and negative $\theta$ and $\theta$ is between $0$ and $\infty$ is NOT a complete family?

I know that I need to find a non-zero function $u(x)$ whose expectation will be $0$, but I am struggling with finding this function.

Thanks

Let $X$ be a random variable whose distribution is known to be one of these. Then by symmetry $E(X)=0$. — André Nicolas, Feb 06 '12 at 08:46

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Feb 06 '12 at 09:17

2

Hint: try a function $u(x)$ which is odd, i.e., with $$u(-x) = -u(x).$$

answered Feb 06 '12 at 09:17

Fabian

23,360

If I select $U(x)=x^3$this works right? – clarkson Apr 22 '14 at 03:19
Then the integration=0 but it does not require u(x) to be zero right? – clarkson Apr 22 '14 at 03:41
@clarkson: all the expansion coefficients are 0 but the function is not zero so the family is not complete. – Fabian Apr 23 '14 at 12:31

Showing family is NOT complete

1 Answers1