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(a) Let X and Y be two independent discrete random variables. Derive a formula for expressing the distribution of the sum S = X + Y in terms of the distributions of X and of Y .

(b) Use your formula in part (a) to compute the distribution of S = X +Y if X and Y are both discrete and uniformly distributed on {1,...,K}.

(c) Suppose now X and Y are continuous random variables with densities f and g respectively (X,Y still independent). Based on part (a) and your understanding of continuous random variables, give an educated guess for the formula of the density of S = X +Y in terms of f and g.

(d) Use your formula in part (c) to compute the density of S if X and Y have both uniform densities on [0, a].

(e) Show that if X and Y are independent normally distributed variables, then X +Y is also a normally distributed variable.

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The way this is phrased makes it look awfully like a homework problem. The level is certainly more appropriate for maths.stackexchange.com, but even there I suspect that they are going to want to see what you've managed to do yourself to answer this. – Andrew Stacey Nov 17 2011 at 9:06

closed as off topic by Andrew Stacey, Alain Valette, Yemon Choi, Igor Rivin, David Roberts Nov 17 2011 at 9:54

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