Let X be a random variable with support on S⊆[0,∞). Let f be the pdf of X and F be the cdf.
I'm trying to get some intuition behind this identity for random variables with support on the nonnegative reals. I have a proof (given below).
E[X]:=∫∞0f(t)tdt=∫∞01−F(s)ds
I've managed to convince myself that it is true, but I don't have the faintest idea why the integral of the complement of the cdf should mean anything in particular, let alone something nice like the expected value.
I got the proof mostly by pushing symbols around and remembering that you can sometimes do nifty things with indicator functions and reordering sums.
Proof
Start with LHS
∫t∈[0,∞)f(t)tdt
Express t as integral of indicator function.
∫t∈[0,∞)f(t)(∫s∈[0,∞)I[t≥s]ds)dt
move constant inside integral.
∫t∈[0,∞)(∫s∈[0,∞)f(t)I[t≥s]ds)dt
reorder integrals
∫s∈[0,∞)(∫t∈[0,∞)f(t)I[t≥s]dt)ds
This indicator function is equivalent to evaluating the inner integral on the interval [s,∞)
∫s∈[0,∞)(∫t∈[s,∞)f(t)dt)ds
difference of integrals over [0,∞) and [0,s)
∫s∈[0,∞)(∫t∈[0,∞)f(t)dt−∫t∈[0,s)f(t)dt)ds
Use the fact that f is a pdf and integrates to one and definition of F
∫s∈[0,∞)1−F(s)ds
Thus
∫t∈[0,∞)f(t)tdt=∫s∈[0,∞)1−F(s)ds
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