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Matt
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Probability distribution of $\sum_i^n X_i - T$ where $\sum_i^n <T<\sum_i^{n+1} X_i $

Let $X_{1}, X_{2}, \ldots, X_{n}$ be IID random variables with mean $\mu$ and variance $\sigma^2$. Let $S_n=\sum_i^{n}X_i.$

Let $T\gg1$ and define $\tau=T-S_n$ where $n$ satisfies the following relation: $S_n<T<S_{n+1}$.

What will be the distribution of $\tau$?

I suspect that there exist a simple answer if we assume $T\gg1$ and we know the distribution of $X_i$ however I am not sure of the best approach to find it. I only am interested in the large $T$ regime, the idea would be that at time $T$ my system is in some thermal state.

The following algorithm will generate such number $\tau$:

  • Initialise $t=0$.
  • While $t<T$: $t\to t+X_i$
  • return $\tau = T-t$

Could I use large deviation principle to derive the distribution of $\tau$? Any suggestions are appreciated.

Here is a sketch that illustrates the question:

enter image description here

Matt
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