7.

1 The normal distribution

A continuous random variable can take any one of an unlimited number

of values. The probability

that a continuous random variable takes any one specific value is 0, but you
can write The probability

that it takes values within a given range. For example, when ten coins are
flipped:

𝑥𝑥 = number of heads 𝑌𝑌 = average

vertical height of flipped coin

Probability of getting 4hesds is written as p(𝑥𝑥 = 4) probability that

the average height is less that

𝑋𝑋 is a discrete random variable 20 cm is

written as P (𝑌𝑌 < 20)

𝑌𝑌 is a continuous
random variable
A continuous random variable has a continuous probability distribution .

This can be shown as a curve on a graph.

• The area under a continuous probability distribution curve is equal 1.

Links
A discrete random variable can take only certain distinct values.

The sum of the probabilities in a discrete probability distribution

is equal to 1. Statistics 1 section 6.1

The continuous variables generally encountered in real life are more

likely to take values grouped around a central value than to take
extreme values. The normal distribution is a continuous probability
distribution that can be used to model many naturally occurring
characteristics that behave in this way. Examples of continuous variables
that can be modeled using the normal distribution are:
 • Heights of people within a given population
• Weights of tigers in a jungle
• Errors in scientific measurements
• Size variations in manufactured objects

The histograms below show the distribution of heights of adult

males in a particular city.

As the class width reduces, the distribution gets smoother.

The distribution becomes bell-shaped and is symmetrical about the mean.

You can model the heights of adult males in this city using a normal
distribution ,

With mean 175 cm and standard deviation 12cm.

Notation
If 𝑋𝑋 is a normally distributed random variable, you write 𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(𝜇𝜇, 𝜎𝜎 2 )

Where 𝜇𝜇 is the population mean and 𝜎𝜎 2 is the population variance.

 The normal distribution :

• has parameters 𝜇𝜇, the population mean, and 𝜎𝜎 2 , the population
variance
• is symmetrical (mean = median =mode)
• has a bell-shaped curve with asymptotes at each end
• has a total area under the curve equal to 1
• has points of inflection at 𝜇𝜇 + 𝜎𝜎 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝜇𝜇 − 𝜎𝜎
 For a normally distributed variable:

• approximately 68% of the data lies within one standard

deviation of the mean
• 95% of the data lies within two standard Deviations of the
mean
• nearly all of the data (99.7%) lies within three standard
deviations of the mean

Watch out
Although a normal random variable could take any value, in practice
,observations a

Long way (more than 5 standard deviations) from the mean have
probabilities close to 0.
Example 1 SKILLS PROBLEM-SOLVING
The diameters of a metal pin produced by a particular machine, Xmm,
are modeled as
𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(8,0,22 ). Find
a P(𝑋𝑋 > 8) b P(7.8 < 𝑋𝑋 < 8.2)
Example 7A SKILLS PROBLEM-SOLVING
State, with a reason, whether these random variables are discrete or
continuous:
a 𝑋𝑋, the lengths of a random sample of 100 sidewinder snakes in the
Sahara desert

b 𝑌𝑌, the scores achieved by 250 students in a university entrance exam

c 𝐶𝐶, the masses of honey badgers in a random sample of 1000

d 𝑄𝑄, the shoe sizes of 200 randomly selected women in a particular town.
 The lengths, 𝑋𝑋mm, of a bolt produced by a particular machine
are normally distributed with mean 33 min and standard deviation
0.4 mm. Sketch the distribution of 𝑋𝑋.
 The distribution of
incomes in $000s per year,
of employees at a bank is
shown on the right. State,
with reasons, why the
normal distribution is not a
suitable model for there
data.
 The arm spans of a group of Yeas 5 students, 𝑋𝑋 cm, are modeled as
𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(120,16).

a State the proportion of students who have an span between 116 cm

and 124cm.

b State the proportion of students who have an span between 112 cm

and 128cm.
 The lengths of a group of snakes, 𝑌𝑌 cm, are modeled as 𝑌𝑌~𝑁𝑁(100, 𝜎𝜎 2 ).
If 68% of

The snakes have a length between 93cm and 107 cm, find 𝜎𝜎 2

The weights of a group of mice, 𝐷𝐷 grams, are modeled as

𝐷𝐷~𝑁𝑁(𝜇𝜇, 25).

If 97.5% of the mice weigh less than 70 grams, find 𝜇𝜇

Problem-solving
Draw a sketch of the distribution. Use the symmetry of the distribution and
fact that

95% of the data lies within 2 standard deviations of the mean.

The masses of the sheep, 𝑀𝑀 kg, on a farm are modeled as

𝑀𝑀~𝑁𝑁(𝜇𝜇, 𝜎𝜎 2 ). If the

Sheep weigh more than 52kg and 97.5% of the sheep weigh more than
47.5kg find 𝜇𝜇 and 𝜎𝜎 2
 The percentage scores, 𝑆𝑆 of a group of students in a test are
modeled as a normal distribution

With mean 45 and standard deviation 15. Find.

a P (𝑠𝑠 > 45) b P(30 < 𝑠𝑠 < 60) c P 915 < 𝑠𝑠 <
75)

Alexia states that since it is impossible to score above 100%, this is not a
suitable model.
d State, with a reason, whether or not Alexia is correct.

The diagram shows the distribution of heights, in cm, of barn owls in

the UK.

An ornithologist notices that the distribution is approximately normal.

a State the value of the mean height.

b Estimate the standard deviation of the heights.
7. 2 Using tables to find probabilities of the standard
normal distribution 𝑍𝑍

 tables are provided in this textbook and exam to help you

calculate probabilities for the standard normal distribution, 𝑍𝑍.
 The standard normal variable is usually denoted by 𝑍𝑍 and has a
mean of 0 and a standard deviation of 1. The common way of
writing this is:
Example 2 SKILLS INTERPRETATION
Use the normal distribution tables to find :

a P(𝑍𝑍 < 1.54) b P(𝑍𝑍 > 2.65)

c P(𝑍𝑍 < −0.75) d P (−1.20 < 𝑍𝑍 < 1.40)
Example 7B SKILLS INTERPRETATION
Use the normal distribution tables to find the following:
a P (𝑍𝑍 < 2.27) b P(𝑍𝑍 > −1.66) c P(𝑍𝑍 <
−2.28)
d P (𝑍𝑍 < −0.38) e P(1.30 < 𝑍𝑍 < 1.89) f P(𝑍𝑍 <
−1.63)
g P(−2.16 < 𝑍𝑍 − 0.85) h P(−157 < 𝑍𝑍 < 1.57)
7. 3 Using tables to find the value of 𝑧𝑧 given a
probability

 The table of percentage points of the normal distribution

gives the value of 𝑧𝑧
For various values of however, sometimes you will need to use
main table.

You should remember that be symmetry, if P(𝑍𝑍 > 1.286) = 0.1 then
P(𝑍𝑍 < −1.286) = 0.1 as well.

• If P(𝑍𝑍 < 𝑎𝑎)is greater than 0.5 then 𝑎𝑎 𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 > 0
• If P(𝑍𝑍 < 𝑎𝑎)is less than 0.5 then 𝑎𝑎 𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 < 0
• If P(𝑍𝑍 < 𝑎𝑎)is less than 0.5 then 𝑎𝑎 𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 > 0
• If P(𝑍𝑍 < 𝑎𝑎)is greater than 0.5 then 𝑎𝑎 𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 < 0
Example 3 SKILLS INTERPRETATION
Find the value of the constant 𝑎𝑎such that P (𝑍𝑍 < 𝑎𝑎) = 0.7517

Example 4 SKILLS INTERPRETATION

Find the value of the constant 𝑎𝑎 such that P(𝑍𝑍 > 𝑎𝑎) = 0.100
Example 5 SKILLS INTERPRETATION
Find the value of the constant 𝑎𝑎 such that P(𝑍𝑍 > 𝑎𝑎) = 0.0322

Example 6 SKILLS INTERPRETATION

Find the value of the constant 𝑎𝑎 such that P(𝑍𝑍 > 𝑎𝑎) = 0.1075
Example 7 SKILLS INTERPRETATION
Use the tables to find P(𝑍𝑍 < 𝑎𝑎) = 0.75

Example 7C SKILLS INTERPRETATION

Find the value of 𝑎𝑎 in the following:
a P(𝑍𝑍 < 𝑎𝑎) = 0.3336 b P (𝑍𝑍 > 𝑎𝑎) = 0.6879
c P(𝑍𝑍 > 𝑎𝑎) = 0.1112 d P(−𝑎𝑎 < 𝑍𝑍 < 𝑎𝑎) = 5820
 For the standard normal distribution 𝑍𝑍~𝑁𝑁(0,12 ), find values of 𝑎𝑎 such
that:
a P(𝑍𝑍 < 𝑎𝑎) = 0.9082 b P(𝑍𝑍 > 𝑎𝑎) = 0.0314
c P(𝑍𝑍 > 𝑎𝑎) = 0.1500 d P(𝑍𝑍 > 𝑎𝑎) = 0.9500
e P(0 < 𝑍𝑍 < 𝑎𝑎) = 0.35554 f P(0 < 𝑍𝑍 < 𝑎𝑎) = 0.4946
g P(−𝑎𝑎 < 𝑍𝑍 < 𝑎𝑎) = 0.80) h P(−𝑎𝑎 < 𝑍𝑍 < 𝑎𝑎) = 0.40

Hint
For parts g and h you will need to use the symmetry properties of the
distribution.
7. 4 The standard normal distribution

It is often useful to standardise normally distributed random variables. You

do this by coding

The data so that it can be modelled be the standard normal distribution .

 The standard normal distribution has mean 0 and standard

deviation1.

If 𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(𝜇𝜇, 𝜎𝜎 2 ) is a normal random variable with mean 𝜇𝜇 and standard

deviation 𝜎𝜎,
𝑋𝑋−𝜇𝜇
Then you can code 𝑍𝑍 using the formula: 𝑍𝑍 =
𝜎𝜎

Notation
The standard normal variable is written as 𝑍𝑍~𝑁𝑁(0,12 )
 Hint
𝑥𝑥−𝜇𝜇
If 𝑋𝑋 = 𝑥𝑥 then the corresponding value of 𝑋𝑋 will be 𝑧𝑧 = .
𝜎𝜎

𝑥𝑥−𝜇𝜇
The mean of the coded data will be = 0 and the standard deviation will
𝜎𝜎
𝜎𝜎
=1
𝜎𝜎

The resulting 𝑍𝑍 –values will be normally distributed with 0 and standard

deviation 1.

For the standard normal curve 𝑍𝑍~𝑁𝑁(0,12 ), the probability P (𝑍𝑍 < 𝑎𝑎) is
sometimes written as Ф(𝑎𝑎).
You can find it by entering 𝜇𝜇 = 0 and 𝜎𝜎 = 1 into the normal cumulative
distribution function on your calculator, or by using the tables.

Example 8 SKILLS INTERPRETATION

The random variable 𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(50,42 ). Find

a P (𝑋𝑋 < 53) b P(𝑋𝑋 ≥ 55)

Example 9 SKILLS INTERPRETATION
The random variable 𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(20,9).Find the of 𝑏𝑏 such that P (𝑌𝑌 > 𝑏𝑏) =
0.0485

Example 10 Skills – Problem-Solving;

Analysis
The blood pressure of an adult population, 𝑆𝑆mmHg, is modelled as a
normal distribution with mean 127 and standard deviation 16.

A medical researcher wants to study adults with blood pressures higher

than the 95th percentile. Find the minimum blood pressure for an adult
included in her study.
Example 7D Skills – Problem-Solving;
Analysis
The random variable 𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(20,42 ). Find

a P (𝑋𝑋 ≤ 26) b P (𝑋𝑋 < 30) c P (𝑋𝑋 ≥ 17)

Given that 𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(18,10), find the following probabilities:

a P (𝑋𝑋 ≤ 20) b P (𝑋𝑋 < 15)

The random variable 𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(24,32 ). Find :

a P(𝑋𝑋 ≤ 29) b P (𝑋𝑋 ≥ 22)

The random variable 𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(30,25)

Find the value of 𝑎𝑎 such that P(𝑌𝑌 > 𝑎𝑎) = 0.30

 The random variable 𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(15,9)

Find the value of 𝑎𝑎 such that P(𝑌𝑌 > 𝑎𝑎) = 0.15

The random variable 𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(100,225)

Find the value of 𝑠𝑠 and 𝑡𝑡 such that:

a P (𝑌𝑌 > 𝑠𝑠) = 975 b P(𝑌𝑌 > 𝑡𝑡) = 0.10 c Write down P(𝑠𝑠 < 𝑌𝑌 < 𝑡𝑡)
Given that 𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(80,42 ),

a find the values 𝑎𝑎 and 𝑏𝑏when:

i P(𝑋𝑋 > 𝑎𝑎) = 0.40 ii P(𝑋𝑋 < 𝑏𝑏) = 0.5636

b write down P(𝑏𝑏 < 𝑋𝑋 < 𝑎𝑎)

The random variable 𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(0.8,0.052 ). for each of the following values of

𝑋𝑋,write down the

Corresponding value of the standardized normal distribution , 𝑍𝑍~𝑁𝑁(0,12 )

a 𝑥𝑥 = 0.8 b 𝑥𝑥 = 0.792 c 𝑥𝑥 = 0.81 d

𝑥𝑥 = 0.837
 The normal distribution 𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(154,122 ). Write in terms of Ф(𝑧𝑧):

a P(𝑋𝑋 < 154) b P(𝑋𝑋 < 160) c P (𝑋𝑋 > 151) dP

(140 < 𝑋𝑋 < 155)

Hint
Write your answer to part d in the form Ф(𝑧𝑧1 ) − Ф(𝑧𝑧2 )
 a Use the percentage points table to find a value of 𝑧𝑧 such that P
(𝑍𝑍 > 𝑧𝑧) = 0.025 (1mark)

b A pilot training programme takes only the top 2.5% of candidates on a

test.
Given that the scores can be modeled using a normal distribution with
mean 80 and standard deviation 4, use your answer to part 𝒂𝒂 to find
the score necessary to get on the programme. (2marks)
 a Use the percentage points table to find a value of 𝑧𝑧 such that
P(𝑍𝑍 < 𝑧𝑧) = 0.15 (1mark)

b A hat manufacturer makes a special ‘little’ hat which should fit 15% of its
customers.
Given that hat sizes can be modeled using a normal distribution with
mean 57cm and standard deviation 2 cm, use your answer to
part 𝒂𝒂 to find the size of a ‘little’ hat. . (2 marks)
 a Use the percentage points table to find a value of 𝑧𝑧 that
correspond to the 10% to 90% inter- percentile range. (2 mark)

A particular of light bulb has a life modeled as a normal distribution with

mean 1175 hours and standard deviation 56 hours. The bulb life is
considered ‘standard’ if its life falls into the 10% to 90% inter-percentile
range.

b Use your answer to part 𝒂𝒂 to find the range of life to the nearest hour for
a ‘standard’ bulb. (2 mark)
7.5 Finding 𝝁𝝁 and 𝝈𝝈
Example 11 SKILLS INTERPRETATION
The random variable 𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(𝜇𝜇, 32 ).

Given that P (𝑋𝑋 > 20) = 0.20, find the value of 𝜇𝜇

Example 12 Skills – Problem-
Solving; Analysis
A machine makes metal sheets with width , 𝑋𝑋cm ,modeled as a normal
distribution such that

𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(50𝜎𝜎 2 ).

a Given that P (𝑋𝑋 < 46) = 0.2119,find the value of 𝜎𝜎.

b Find the 90𝑡𝑡ℎ percentile of the widths.

Example 13 Skills – Problem-
Solving
The random variable 𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(𝜇𝜇, 𝜎𝜎 2 ).

Given that P(𝑋𝑋 > 35) = 0.025 and P (𝑋𝑋 < 15) = 0.1469, find the value of
𝜇𝜇 and the value of 𝜎𝜎.

Example 7E Skills – Problem-

Solving; Analysis
1. The random variable 𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(𝜇𝜇, 52 ) and P (𝑋𝑋 < 18) = 0.9032 Find the
value of 𝜎𝜎
2. The random variable 𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(11, 𝜎𝜎 2 ) and P (𝑋𝑋 > 20) = 0.01 Find the
value of 𝜎𝜎

3. The random variable 𝑌𝑌~𝑁𝑁(𝜇𝜇, 40) and P (𝑌𝑌 < 25) = 0.15 Find the
value of 𝜎𝜎

4. The random variable 𝑌𝑌~𝑁𝑁(50, 𝜎𝜎 2 ) and P (𝑌𝑌 > 40) = 0.6554 Find
the value of 𝜎𝜎
 The random variable 𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(𝜇𝜇, 𝜎𝜎 2 ).

Given that P(𝑋𝑋 < 17) = 0.8159 and P(𝑋𝑋 < 25) = 0.9970,find the
value of 𝜇𝜇
and the value of 𝜎𝜎

The random variable 𝑌𝑌~𝑁𝑁(𝜇𝜇, 𝜎𝜎 2 ).

Given that P(𝑌𝑌 < 15) = 0.10 and P (𝑌𝑌 > 35) = 0.005 , find the value
𝜇𝜇 and the value of 𝜎𝜎.
 The random variable 𝑌𝑌~𝑁𝑁(𝜇𝜇, 𝜎𝜎 2 ).

Given that P (𝑋𝑋 > 15) = 0.20 and P(𝑋𝑋 < 9) = 0.20 find the value of 𝜇𝜇
and the value of 𝜎𝜎.

The random variable 𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(𝜇𝜇, 𝜎𝜎 2 ).

The lower quartile of 𝑋𝑋 is 25 and the upper quartile of 𝑋𝑋is 45.

find the value of 𝜇𝜇 and the value of 𝜎𝜎.

 The random variable 𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(0, 𝜎𝜎 2 ). Given that P(−4 < 𝑋𝑋 < 4) =
0.6, find the value of 𝜎𝜎.

The random variable 𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(2.58, 𝜎𝜎 2 ).

Given that P (𝑋𝑋 > 2𝑎𝑎 ) = 0.2 and P (𝑋𝑋 < 𝑎𝑎) = 0.4, find the value of 𝑎𝑎.
Hint
Draw a diagram and use symmetry to find 𝜇𝜇

An automated wheel is used to make bowls. The diameter of the

bowls, 𝐷𝐷mm, is normally

Distributed with mean 𝜇𝜇 and standard deviation 5mm. given that 75% of
bowls are greater that

200mm in diameter, find :

a the value of 𝜇𝜇 (2 marks)

 b P (204 < 𝐷𝐷 < 206) (1 marks)

Three bowls are chosen at random.

c Find the probability that all three bowls are greater than 205 mm in
diameter. (3 marks)
 A loom makes tablecloths with an average thickness of 2.5 mm.
The thickness,

Tmm, can be modeled using a normal distribution. Given that 65% of

tablecloths are less

than 2.55mm thick, find:

A the standard deviation the thickness (2 marks)

B the proportion of tablecloths with thickness between 2.4 mm and

2.6mm. (1 marks)

A tablecloth can be sold if the thickness is between2.4mm and 2.6 mm

A sample of 20 tablecloths is taken.

 C Find the Probability that at least 15 tablecloths can sold. (3
marks)

The masses of the penguin on an island are found to be normally

distributed with

mean𝜇𝜇, and standard deviation 𝜎𝜎. Given that 10% of the penguins have a
mass less then

18 kg and 5% of the penguins have a mass greater than 30kg.

a sketch a diagram to represent this information (2 marks)

b find the value of 𝜇𝜇 and the value of 𝜎𝜎. (6 marks)

penguins are chosen at random.

c Find the probability that at least 4 of than have mass greater than 24 kg.
(4 marks)
 The length of an adult Dachshund dog is found to be normally
distributed with mean 𝜇𝜇

And standard deviation 𝜎𝜎. Given that 20% of Dachshunds have a length
less than 16 inches

and 10% have a length greater that 18 inches, find :

a the value of 𝜇𝜇 and the value 𝜎𝜎 (6 marks)

b the interquartile range. (2 marks)

Challenge Skills ANALYSIS
A normally distributed random variable 𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(𝜇𝜇, 𝜎𝜎 2 ) has interquartile
range 𝑞𝑞.

a Show that 𝜎𝜎 = 0.742𝑞𝑞, where the coefficient of 𝑞𝑞 is correct to 3 s. f.

b Explain why it is not possible to write 𝜇𝜇 in terms of 𝑞𝑞only.

 Use of calculators
You may be able to find probabilities for a normal distribution using your
calculator.

You will need to refer to the instruction for your particular calculator.

These calculators can be used in your S1 examination but you are advised
to clearly state the

probability you can are finding and give your final answer to 3 significant
figures.

For example, P (𝑋𝑋 < 53) = 0.5 + 0.27337 … = 0.77337 … =

0.773 (3 s.f.)
Chapter review 7 Skills – Problem-Solving; Analysis

The heights of a large group of men are normally distributed with a

mean of 178 cm and a standard deviation of 4 cm. A man is selected at
random from this group.

A. Find the probability that he is taller than 185 cm. (2marks)

B. Find the probability that three men, selected at random, are all less than
180 cm tall. (3marks)

A manufacturer of door frames wants to ensure that fewer than

0,005 men have to bend down to pass through the frame.
 C. On the basis of this group, find the minimum height of a door frame
to the nearest centimeter. (2marks)

The weights steel sheets produced by a factory are known to be

normally distributed with mean 32.5kg and standard deviation 2.2kg.

A. Find the percentage of sheets that weigh less than 30kg. (1mark)

Bob requires sheets that weigh between 31.6kg and 34.8kg.

 B. Find the percentage of sheets produced that satisfy Bob’s requirements.
(3marks)

The time a smartphone battery lasts before needing to be

recharged is assumed to be normally distributed with a mean of 48 hours
and a standard deviation of 8 hours.

A. Find the probability that a battery will last for more than 60 hours.
(2marks)
B. Find the probability that the battery lasts less than 35 hours. (1mark)
A random sample of 30 smartphone batteries is taken.

C. Find the probability that 3 or fewer last less than 35 hours. (2marks)
 The random variable 𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(24, 𝜎𝜎 2 ). Given that P (𝑋𝑋 > 30) = 0.05,
find :

a the value of 𝜎𝜎 (2marks)

b P(𝑋𝑋 < 20) (1marks)

c the value of 𝑑𝑑 so that P(𝑋𝑋 > 𝑑𝑑) = 0.01 (2marks)

 A machine puts liquid into plastic cups in such a way that the given
volume of 140 ml

and the probability that the machine puts in too much liquid so that the
cup overflows is 0.01.

a Find the standard deviation of the volume of liquid dispensed.

(2marks)

b Find the probability that machine puts in less than 110 ml. (1marks)

Ten percent of customers complain that the machine has not given enough
liquid.
c Find the largest volume of liquid, to the nearest millilire that will lead to a
complaint. (2marks)

The random variable 𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(𝜇𝜇, 𝜎𝜎 2 ). The lower quartile of 𝑋𝑋 is 20

and upper quartile is 40

a Find 𝜇𝜇 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝜎𝜎. (3marks)

b Find the 10%interpercentile range. (3marks)

The heights of seedlings are normally distributed. Given that 10%of

the seedlings are

Taller than 15cm and 5% are shorter than 4cm, find the mean and standard
deviation of

The heights. (4marks)

 A psychologist gives a student two different tests. The first test a
mean of 80 and a standard

deviation of 10, and the student scores85.

a Find the probability of scoring 83 or more on the first test. (2marks)

The second test has a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15.

The student scores 105 on the second test.

b Find the probability of a score of 105 or more on the second test

(2marks)
c State, giving a reason, which of the students two test scores was better.
(2marks)

Jam is sold in jars and the mean weight of the contents is 108 grams.

Only 3%of jars have contents weighing less than 100 grams . Assuming that
the weight of

Jam in a jar is normally distributed. Find:

a the standard deviation of the weight of jam in ajar (2marks)

 b the proportion of jars where the contents weigh more that 115 grams.
(2marks)

A random the sample 25 jars taken.

c Find the probability that 2 or fewer jars have contents weighing more that
115 grams. (3marks)
 The waiting time at a doctor’s surgery is assumed to be normally
distributed with standard deviation of 3.8 minutes .Given that the
probability of waiting more that 15 minutes is 0.0446, find :

a the mean waiting time (2marks)

b the probability of waiting less 5 minutes. (2marks)

 The thickness of some plastic shelving produced by a factory is
normally distributed .

As part of the production process, the shelving is tested with two gauges
(used for measuring).

The first gauge is 7 mm thick and 98.61% of the shelving passes through
this gauge. The second

gauge is 5.2 mm thick and only 1.02% of the shelves pass through this
gauge.

Find the mean and standard deviation of the thickness of the shelving.
(4marks)
Challenge – Skills Critical Thinking
1. The lifespan of televisions has a normal distribution with a mean of 58
months and a standard deviation of 10 months. A company gives a
warranty of 36 months to replace any defective television with a new
one. Suppose the company makes 2 million televisions per year. How
many televisions may be replaced?
2. The times taken by a large number of people to travel between two
cities can be modelled by a normal distribution with a mean of 5.2
hours. It is found that 62.5% of the people took more than 4.5 hours to
travel between the two cities.

A. If a number of extra people are taken into account, all of whom took
exactly 5.2 hours to travel between the two cities, state with reasons
what would happen to:
I. The mean
II. The variance.
B. Explain why the distribution would no longer be normal.

Summary of key points

1 Total area under the normal distribution curve =1
2 The normal distribution is perfectly symmetrical, and therefore:
P (𝑍𝑍 < 0) = 0.5
P (𝑍𝑍 > 0) = 0.5

3 P (𝑍𝑍 ≤ 𝑎𝑎) is denoted by Ф(𝑎𝑎)

 4 You can use symmetry properties to find the probability for 𝑎𝑎 < 0
P(𝑍𝑍 < −𝑎𝑎) = 1 P (𝑍𝑍 < 𝑎𝑎)
P(𝑍𝑍 > −𝑎𝑎) = P(𝑍𝑍 < 𝑎𝑎)

5
6 The random variable 𝑋𝑋 that has a normal distribution with mean
𝜇𝜇 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎deviation 𝜎𝜎 is

represented by 𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(𝜇𝜇, 𝜎𝜎)

where 𝜎𝜎 2 is the variance of the normal distribution .

7 If 𝑋𝑋~𝑁𝑁(𝜇𝜇, 𝜎𝜎 2 ) and 𝑍𝑍~𝑁𝑁(0,12 ) then

𝑋𝑋 − 𝜇𝜇
𝑍𝑍 =
𝜎𝜎
8 Normal distribution tables are found in the back of the book and will be
provided
in the mathematical Formulae and Statistical Tables book in the
exam.

9 Approximately 68% of the date lies within one standard deviation of

the mean.
10 95% of the data lies within two standard deviations of the mean.

11 Nearly all of the data (99.7%) lies within three standard deviations of
the mean.