Random Approximation of Convex Bodies: Monotonicity of the Volumes of Random Tetrahedra

Choose uniform random points $$X_1, \dots , X_n$$ in a given convex set and let $${\text { conv}}[X_1, \dots , X_n]$$ be their convex hull. It is shown that in dimension three the expected volume of this convex hull is in general not monotone with respect to set inclusion. This answers a question by Meckes in the negative. The given counterexample is formed by uniformly distributed points in the three-dimensional tetrahedron together with a small perturbation of it. As side result we obtain an explicit formula for all even moments of the volume of a random simplex which is the convex hull of three uniform random points in the tetrahedron and the center of one facet.