# Expectation where linearity can not be used

We have four random variables say $W,X,Y,Z$ where $W$ and $X$ have the same distribution and $Y$, $Z$ also have the same distribution. Bad news is $EX$ and $EY$ may not exist but $E(W+Z)$ is zero. If we assume that $E(X+Y)$ exists, could we conclude that $E(X+Y)$ is zero?

I know if $EX$ and $EY$ were defined, we used linearity and it is obvious. However, we know nothing more about $X$, $Y$.

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The title seems rather misleading. If this is linearity not holding, then limits of real sequences aren't linear either, since the sum of two sequences can have a limit even though the individual sequences don't. Perhaps you mean something like "where linearity cannot be used"? – joriki Oct 21 '12 at 21:41

If the distribution is (forsimplicity) symmetric about the origin, we may have that $Z=-W$ whereas $X,Y$ are independent, even though all four variables have the same distribution. With $X,Y$ independent $E(X+Y)$ will not exist if $E(X),E(Y)$ don't exist. But $Z+W=0$ a.s., hence $E(Z+W)=0$.
(In fact it was already the original version that said $E(X+Y)$ is defined.) Hagen, peanut duplicated this question, presumably because the answers that don't answer the question were causing it to appear resolved to others. I voted to close the duplicate. May I suggest that you delete (or fix) this answer to make this question unanswered again? – joriki Oct 22 '12 at 10:07