Quadratic forms in skew normal variates ✩

In this paper first a characterization of the multivariate skew normal distribution is given. Then the joint moment generating functions of two quadratic forms, and a linear compound and a quadratic form in skew normal variates, have been derived and conditions for their independence are given. Distribution of the ratios of quadratic forms in skew normal variates has also been studied.  2002 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved