Statistics-Relationships Between Gamma and Exponential Distribution

Statistics-Relationships Between Gamma and Exponential Distribution
$\begingroup$

Just want to clarify whether the following is correct: If gamma(a,b) ,then exp(a/b)?

where a,b are parameters for gamma and a/b is the parameter for exp

for example, gamma(1,2)=exp(1/2) Is this true for every a,b>0? Thank you!

$\endgroup$

1 Answer

$\begingroup$

The PDF for the $\Gamma(\alpha,\lambda)$ distribution is $$ f(x)=\frac{x^{\alpha-1}\lambda^{\alpha}}{\Gamma(\alpha)}e^{-\lambda x}$$ for $x>0$. This is not the PDF for any exponential distribution unless $\alpha=1$.

However, the gamma and exponential distributions are closely related: if $X_1,\dots,X_k$ are independent and exponentially distributed with parameter $\lambda$, then $X_1+\dots+X_k$ is $\Gamma$ distributed with parameters $k$ and $\lambda$.

$\endgroup$
4

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Sarah Jenkins
Author

Sarah Jenkins

Sarah Jenkins is a veteran tech journalist with over 12 years of experience covering artificial intelligence, mobile innovations, and digital ethics. Her insights have appeared in leading technology publications worldwide.