Numerical Approximation of the Median of the Gamma Distribution using Newton’s Method

The Gamma Distribution is widely used in various real-world applications. However, directly finding its median can be challenging due to the lack of a simple closed-form expression. In this project, we will use Newton’s Method, an iterative algorithm for finding zeros of functions. By applying this method, we can approximate the median efficiently and with greater precision than former methods. Our implementation in Python also allows for increased applicability as we expand the approximation of the median for distributions where the rate parameter is not 1.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Proceedings of the West Virginia Academy of Science
Published
2025-04-04
DOI
https://doi.org/10.55632/pwvas.v97i2.1127
Primary Topic
Mathematical functions and polynomials
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Numerical Approximation of the Median of the Gamma Distribution using Newton’s Method

Bishnu Sedai, Isaac Klennert
Proceedings of the West Virginia Academy of Science
Mathematical functions and polynomials
article

Numerical Approximation of the Median of the Gamma Distribution using Newton’s Method

Bishnu Sedai, Isaac Klennert
article en

Abstract

The Gamma Distribution is widely used in various real-world applications. However, directly finding its median can be challenging due to the lack of a simple closed-form expression. In this project, we will use Newton’s Method, an iterative algorithm for finding zeros of functions. By applying this method, we can approximate the median efficiently and with greater precision than former methods. Our implementation in Python also allows for increased applicability as we expand the approximation of the median for distributions where the rate parameter is not 1.

Proceedings of the West Virginia Academy of ScienceVol. 97(2)
Openalex Percentile: Top 90%
Mathematical functions and polynomials
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Numerical Approximation of the Median of the Gamma Distribution using Newton’s Method — Bishnu Sedai, Isaac Klennert · Proceedings of the West Virginia Academy of Science (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS