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Let $X$ be a real random variable with c.d.f function $F$. Let $g$ be an increasing measurable real function and assume that $\mathbb{E}\left[g(X)\right]$ exists (and is finite).

What additional assumptions do I need on $g$ for the following equality to hold? $$ \mathbb{E}\left[g(X)\right] = - \int_{-\infty}^{0}{F(t) \ dg(t)} + g(0) + \int_{0}^{+\infty}{\left(1-F(t) \right) \ dg(t)} $$

I have seen people using these kind of equalities, but I have never seen a rigorous statement yet. So I would like to know when can I use this transformation, and furthermore I am looking for a reference I can cite when using it.

Thank you for your help.

Edit: Equality corrected thanks to Alexandre Eremenko's comments.

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The formula you wrote is incorrect: if you add a constant to $g$, the left hand side will change while the right hand side will not. The correct integration by parts formula is $$\int_{-\infty}^\infty gdF=-\int_{-\infty}^0Fdg+g(0)+\int_0^\infty(1-F)dg.$$ You need some condition at $\pm\infty$ that guarantees that $gF\to 0$ as $t\to-\infty$, and $g(1-F)\to 0$ as $t\to+\infty$. And of course that the functions do not jump at $0$.

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  • $\begingroup$ Thanks a lot ! Would you know a reference for this result ? $\endgroup$
    – Adrien
    Commented Dec 14, 2013 at 15:32
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    $\begingroup$ This result is called "integration by parts", any analysis textbook which has Stieltjes integral will have it. The general formula is $\int_a^bfdg=fg|_a^b-\int_a^bgdf.$ $\endgroup$
    – Alexandre Eremenko
    Commented Dec 14, 2013 at 15:38
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    $\begingroup$ There is some hypothesis about points of discontinuity ... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebesgue–Stieltjes_integration#Integration_by_parts $\endgroup$
    – Gerald Edgar
    Commented Dec 14, 2013 at 15:43
  • $\begingroup$ Yes, but if they are not on the endpoints, it is OK. That's why I said "there is no jump at $0$. of course, the formula can be modified for the case that the points of discontinuity are at the endpoints. $\endgroup$
    – Alexandre Eremenko
    Commented Dec 14, 2013 at 16:48
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    $\begingroup$ Thanks, but I'm not looking for just a reference on integration by parts for the Stieljtes on a finite interval, but for the equality mentioned. First my domain of integration is infinite. Second while obviously some kind of continuity on $g$ is required, it is not obvious to me whether the conditions on the behaviour of $gF$ and $g(1-F)$ at infinity are required when the Lebesgue integral is assumed to be finite. $\endgroup$
    – Adrien
    Commented Dec 14, 2013 at 18:59

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