Thread: what does p(x,y) mean?

p(x,y) where X and Y are random variables. does that mean P(X and Y)? I don't think it's the case, because of the comma, but I don't understand what it may mean. X denotes the number of balls caught in 3 attempts Y denotes the number of balls caught in 4 attempts

if p(x) and p(y) are binomial distribution functions, how do you compute p(x,y)?

Originally Posted by EdmureTully

p(x,y) where X and Y are random variables. does that mean P(X and Y)? I don't think it's the case, because of the comma, but I don't understand what it may mean. X denotes the number of balls caught in 3 attempts Y denotes the number of balls caught in 4 attempts

I take p(x,y) to be a probability density function over two independent variables. Thus, in a way it does mean P(X and Y). That is, the probability of:


(x < X < x+dx) AND (y < Y < y+dy) is p(x,y) dx dy.

P(x,y) Is the probability of having an outcome of 2 independent events. ie the probability of catching a ball after 3attempts,and the probability of catching a ball after 4attempts. Which i think should be 1/3 and 1/4 respectively.