Template:Exponential Distribution Definition

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The exponential distribution is commonly used for components or systems exhibiting a constant failure rate. Due to its simplicity, it has been widely employed, even in cases where it doesn't apply. It is defined in its most general case by:


[math]\displaystyle{ \begin{align} f(t)=\lambda e^{-\lambda (t-\gamma)} \end{align} }[/math]

with two parameters, namely λ and γ (this form is also known as the 2-parameter exponential). If the location parameter, γ, is assumed to be zero, then the distribution becomes the 1-parameter exponential or:


[math]\displaystyle{ \begin{align} f(t)=\lambda e^{-\lambda t} \end{align} }[/math]

For a detailed discussion of this distribution, see The Exponential Distribution.