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Show that if $X_n$ and $Y_n$ are independent random variables for $1 \le n \le \infty$, $X_n \Rightarrow X_{\infty}$, and $Y_n \Rightarrow Y_{\infty}$, then $X_n + Y_n \Rightarrow X_{\infty} + Y_{\infty}$. Where $\Rightarrow$ means converge weakly or converge in distribution.

Any idea is appreciated.

user112564
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  • Wich type of convergence? – alexjo Dec 03 '13 at 23:53
  • @alexjo converge in distribution, converge weekly – user112564 Dec 04 '13 at 00:26
  • This question is missing context or other details: Please improve the question by providing additional context, which ideally includes your thoughts on the problem and any attempts you have made to solve it. This information helps others identify where you have difficulties and helps them write answers appropriate to your experience level. – Did Dec 04 '13 at 01:16

2 Answers2

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I think I got it:

Since $X_n \Rightarrow X_{\infty}$ and $Y_n \Rightarrow Y_{\infty}$, we have $\varphi_{X_n}(t) \to \varphi_{X_\infty}(t)$ for all t, and $\varphi_{Y_n}(t) \to \varphi_{Y_\infty}(t)$ for all $t$ by the continuity theorem. And thus $$ \varphi_{X_n + Y_n} (t) = \varphi_{X_n} (t) \varphi_{Y_n}(t) \to \varphi_{X_\infty}(t)\varphi_{Y_\infty}(t) = \varphi_{X_\infty + Y_\infty}(t)$$ for all $t$. Since both $\varphi_{X_\infty} (t)$ and $\varphi_{Y_\infty}(t)$ are continuous at $0$, $\varphi_{X_\infty + Y_\infty} (t)$ is continuous at $0$. Therefore by continuity theorem we have $X_n + Y_n \Rightarrow X_\infty + Y_\infty$.

user112564
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  • @DevenWare Does that proof work? – user112564 Dec 04 '13 at 02:22
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    Yes that works. Sorry, it doesn't ping me when you type outside of one of my answers! – Deven Ware Dec 04 '13 at 02:49
  • Why should the final equality hold? $X_{\infty}$ and $Y_{\infty}$ are not necessarily independent. It is true that the limiting characteristic function of $X_n + Y_n$ satisfies $\psi(t) = \psi_{X_{\infty}}(t)\psi_{Y_{\infty}}(t)$ by Levy's continuity theorem, but the next step requires $X_{\infty},Y_{\infty}$ being independent which doesn't necessarily follow from what's given. – Druizr Feb 13 '25 at 23:36
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Hint: What happens to the characteristic functions?

Deven Ware
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