pdf — Evaluate a fitted or named probability distribution density or probability mass function.

pdf(pd,x) evaluates the density or probability mass function for a ProbabilityDistribution object returned by fitdist. pdf(distname,x,params...) evaluates supported named distributions directly.

Syntax

y = pdf(pd, x)
y = pdf(distname, x, params)

Inputs

NameTypeRequiredDefaultDescription
pdAnyYesProbabilityDistribution object returned by fitdist.
xNumericArrayYesSample data or evaluation points.
distnameStringScalarYesDistribution name.
NameValueAnyVariadicName-value options.

Returns

NameTypeDescription
yNumericArrayDistribution function values.

Errors

IdentifierWhenMessage
RunMat:fitdist:InvalidArgumentSample data, distribution name, options, or evaluation inputs are malformed.fitdist: invalid argument
RunMat:fitdist:NumericalDistribution parameter estimation fails to converge or is ill-conditioned.fitdist: numerical failure
RunMat:fitdist:InternalRunMat cannot construct distribution outputs.fitdist: internal error

How pdf works

  • pd must be a fitted distribution object returned by fitdist, or distname must name a supported distribution.
  • Supported named distributions are "Normal", "Exponential", "Lognormal", "Gamma", "Weibull", and "Poisson" with their standard scalar parameters.
  • x may be a scalar or numeric array; the output has the same shape as x.
  • Continuous distributions return probability densities. Poisson returns probability mass values at integer support points and zero outside the support.

Examples

Evaluate a fitted normal density

pd = fitdist([1;2;3], "Normal"); y = pdf(pd, 2)

Evaluate a named normal density

y = pdf("Normal", 0, 0, 1)

Using pdf with coding agents

Open a RunMat example with live inputs, then ask the agent to explain how pdf changes the result.

Run a small pdf example, explain the result, then change one input and compare the output.

FAQ

Can pdf evaluate by distribution name?

Yes. The named overload supports normal, exponential, lognormal, gamma, Weibull, and Poisson with scalar parameters. Distribution-specific helpers such as normpdf remain available.

Open-source implementation

Unlike proprietary runtimes, every RunMat function is open-source. Read exactly how pdf is executed, line by line, in Rust.

About RunMat

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