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If I can generate normal random numbers in $N(0,1)$, how can I generate two dependent random numbers, $Y_1$ and $Y_2$ with means $\mu_1$, $\mu_2$ and $\sigma_1$, $\sigma_2$ and correlation coefficient $\rho$ respectively? Is there a known method for this problem?

LBJ
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1 Answers1

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If $X_1$ and $X_2$ are i.i.d. standard gaussian, then $X_3=\rho X_1+\sqrt{1-\rho^2}X_2$ is standard gaussian as well and the correlation of $X_1$ and $X_3$ is $\rho$. Hence, starting from $X_1$ and $X_2$, one can use $$ Y_1=\mu_1+\sigma_1X_1,\quad Y_2=\mu_2+\sigma_2\left(\rho X_1+\sqrt{1-\rho^2}X_2\right). $$

Did
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  • Thanks! Just a quick question, how can we prove that the correlation of $X_1$ and $X_3$ is $\rho$ then? – LBJ Feb 29 '12 at 21:11
  • Since $X_1$ and $X_3$ are centered and have unit variance, their correlation is $E(X_1X_3)$, which one computes by expanding the product. – Did Feb 29 '12 at 21:21
  • Got it again...I'm so stupid... – LBJ Feb 29 '12 at 21:22