0

I have two random variables $x$ and $y$ that follow Poisson distribution with rate $\lambda_0$ and $\lambda_1$. Another random variable $z$ is defined as $(x+y)$ so it also follows a Poisson distribution with rate $\lambda_0+\lambda_1=\lambda_{01}$.

Now I want to write $P(z\geq n)=P(n,\lambda_{01}T)$, which means probability of n or more events happening in time T, in terms of $P(x)$ and $P(y)$. I am not sure if following way is correct or not. $$\sum_{z=n}^\infty p(z,\lambda_{01}T)=\sum_{y=0}^\infty \sum_{x=(n-y)^+}^\infty p(x,\lambda_0 T)p(y,\lambda_1 T)$$ or $$\sum_{z=n}^\infty p(z,\lambda_{01}T)=\sum_{y=0}^\infty \sum_{x=(n-y)^+}^\infty p(y,\lambda_1 T)p(x,\lambda_0 T)+\sum_{x=0}^\infty \sum_{y=(n-x)^+}^\infty p(x,\lambda_0 T)p(y,\lambda_1 T)$$ Thanks!!! If it is correct, do you think if there is any other way of writing it?

vonbrand
  • 27,812
Eln
  • 321
  • 1
  • 2
  • 8
  • Since you know it is Poisson parameter $\lambda=\lambda_0+\lambda_1$, you can write it as $\sum_{k=n}^\infty e^{-\lambda T} \frac{(\lambda T)^k}{k!}$. – André Nicolas Feb 08 '13 at 07:26
  • Thanks Andre, but I need it in terms of x and y. I only know x+y is at least n. – Eln Feb 08 '13 at 07:30
  • Then I would write it as a sum from $k=n$ to infinity of the usual convolution sum. So the inner sum is $\sum_{i=0}^k \Pr(X_0=i)\Pr(X_1=k-i)$, and then use the usual Poisson probabilities. – André Nicolas Feb 08 '13 at 07:35

0 Answers0