Let $X$ be a Gamma random variable with shape parameter $alpha=2$ and scale parameter $theta=1$. Then the moment generating function of $X$ is
$$m_X(t) = frac{1}{(1-t)^2}, t<1.$$
It is clear that the $tneq 1$. However, it is also clear that $m_X(t)$ is defined when $t>1$ as shown in the following picture.
Then, why do we need to impose the condition $t<1$ here, please?
Best Answer
First, you've mixed up your variables, using $r$ in some cases and $t$ in others. I will use $t$.
Next, you should think about what it means to evaluate an MGF at a point. Recall that $$M_X(t) = {rm E}[e^{tX}].$$ So if $X sim {rm Gamma}(2,1)$, then in order for the MGF of $X$ at, say, $t = 2$ to be defined, we would require the integral $${rm E}[e^{2X}] = int_{x=0}^infty e^{2x} xe^{-x} , dx$$ to be convergent. But it isn't, so even though the formula $M_X(t) = (1-t)^{-2}$ is valid for $t < 1$, it isn't valid when $t > 1$ because in order to have obtained that expression, we had to impose a condition on the value of $t$ for which the integral converges.
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