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The variables are uncorrelated but dependent. Alternatively, consider a discrete bivariate distribution consisting of probability at 3 points (-1,1),(0,-1),(1,1) with probability 1/4, 1/2, 1/4 respectively. Then variables are uncorrelated but dependent.
E [XY] = E [X]E [Y] E [X Y] = E [X]E [Y], and have proven that independence always implies uncorrelated. Now, to use these two words (independent and uncorrelated) interchangeably, then we would have to know that the converse of the statement we just proven is true: that
When people use the word “uncorrelated”, they are typically referring to the Pearson correlation coefficient (or product-moment coefficient) having a value of 0. The Pearson correlation coefficient of random variables
How to prove that two random variables are uncorrelated?
Proof. Uncorrelated means that their correlation is 0, or, equivalently, that the covariance between them is 0. Therefore, we want to show that for two given (but unknown) random variables that are independent, then the covariance between them is 0. Now, recall the formula for covariance: E [XY] = E [X]E [Y] E [X Y] = E [X]E [Y].
Is the word uncorrelated a synonym for independent?
The words uncorrelated and independent may be used interchangeably in English, but they are not synonyms in mathematics. Independent random variables are uncorrelated, but uncorrelated random variables are not always independent.
What does it mean if Y Y are independent?
Y Y are independent, then they are uncorrelated. Proof. Uncorrelated means that their correlation is 0, or, equivalently, that the covariance between them is 0. Therefore, we want to show that for two given (but unknown) random variables that are independent, then the covariance between them is 0.