Random variables, joint distribution functions, and copulas

Abstract

If G is an n-dimensional joint distribution function with 1-dimensional margins F1,...,Fn, then there exists a function C (called an "w-copula") from the unit »-cube to the unit interval such that G(xx, ..., xn) = C(F1(x1), ..., Fn(xn)) for all real n-tuples (xlt ..., xn). The paper is devoted to an investigation of the structure and properties of n-copulas and their connection with random variables.