Covariance and Correlation Coefficient for Discrete Random Variables

Free SOA Exam P (Probability) lesson in Multivariate Random Variables. 15 min read, ~2,319 words.

Covariance:; a positive value means they move together. Correlation:, always bounded. does NOT imply independence: it captures only linear association. Variance of sum:. Independence implies zero covariance, but the converse fails under nonlinear dependence. With identical marginals, correlation simplifies to. Recover covariance from three variances:, no joint table needed.

Read the full lesson, free →
Worked examples and practice. Free with a free account, no card.

What this lesson covers

Learning objectives

Browse all free Exam P lessons or jump into free Exam P practice questions.