Covariance and Correlation | Engineering Mathematics - Civil Engineering (CE) PDF Download

Covariance and Correlation are two mathematical concepts which are commonly used in the field of probability and statistics. Both concepts describe the relationship between two variables.

Covariance

1. It is the relationship between a pair of random variables where change in one variable causes change in another variable.
2. It can take any value between -infinity to +infinity, where the negative value represents the negative relationship whereas a positive value represents the positive relationship.
3. It is used for the linear relationship between variables.
4. It gives the direction of relationship between variables.

Formula

1. For Population:
   
   
2. For Sample
   
   Here,
   x’ and y’ = mean of given sample set
   n = total no of sample
   xi and yi = individual sample of set

Example:

Correlation

1. It show whether and how strongly pairs of variables are related to each other.
2. Correlation takes values between -1 to +1, wherein values close to +1 represents strong positive correlation and values close to -1 represents strong negative correlation.
3. In this variable are indirectly related to each other.
4. It gives the direction and strength of relationship between variables.

Formula:

Here,
x’ and y’ = mean of given sample set
n = total no of sample
xi and yi = individual sample of set

Example:

Covariance versus Correlation