Normal Distributions Normal Distributions Previously, we have learned how to calculate probability by using formula of

n r nr Binomial Distributions (Bernoullis Distribution) P ( X = r ) = Cr ( p ) (q ) . Now, this

formula can only be used to calculate discrete values such as P(X = 1) or P(X = 2). Supposedly, the question asked for probability of P(X = 1.93), which means we could not use the Binomial since 1.93 is not a discrete value (whole number).

In conclusion, we can say that Binomial Distribution has a limitation, as it can only calculate discrete values (1,2,3,4) and cant calculate continuous values such as decimals or fractions (1.34,

2 ). So, how do we calculate probability 3

when it comes to continuous value, i.e. Find the probability that a factory produced at least 1.34 kg of spoiled aluminum cans? >> P(X > 1.34) Symmetrical-Bell-Shaped Graph f(x)

Normal Distribution Graph

The probability in Normal Distribution is represented in a symmetrical-bellshaped graph. The area under the graph represents the value of probability For example:
y

Probability

The graph besides shows the value of probability of 1. How do we get the value of 1? Remember that the highest value of probability is 1. Since all area are shaded, the graph gives us the value of 1. (The value of probability cannot exceed more than 1)

Probability =

2 9
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Normal Distributions
y

As the area under the graph gets smaller, so does the value of probability (i.e.

2 ) 9

In a Normal Distribution graph, there are a few parameters or properties we have to know. The properties are (a) mean = , (b) standard deviation = .

Mean ( ) controls the symmetrical position of the graph

y
y

= 0.76
2

= 0.13
4

=0.762

Standard deviation ( ) controls the width of the graph

y
y

STANDARD Normal Distribution Graph. Most of the graphs, in fact all of the graphs that we have seen previously are not STANDARD graphs. So, how does a STANDARD Normal Dist. graph look like?

A STANDARD Normal Dist. graph must be symmetrical at y-axis, or should we say the graph must be at the center line, which as we all know, the value of mean, = 0.

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Normal Distributions

=0
So now lets learn how to calculate probability by using STANDARD Normal Distribution graph!! Example 1: Find the probability of P(Z > 0.452) * Letter Z is for STANDARD Normal Distribution graph. Z > 0.452

P(Z >0.452)

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Example 2:

0.452

By using given table, find the probability of P(Z > 1.9)

Z > 1.9
P(Z >1.9)

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1.9

Now, since the graph is symmetrical, we can find probability P( Z < - 0.452 ) P(Z >0.452) P(Z <-0.452) and P( Z < -1.9)
P(Z >1.9) P(Z <-1.9)

-4 -4

-2 -2

2 2

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Normal Distributions

P (Z > 0.452)

P (Z < - 0.452)

P (Z < -1.9) P (Z > In conclusion, we can say 1.9) P( Z > a) = P( Z < -a) that, Example 3: Given that P( Z > 1.52) = 0.1464. Find P( Z < -1.52)
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P(Z >1.52)

Please remember that, the Distribution Table (and Calculator) can

only calculate and give answers for Z > a. They cannot give answers of Z < a. So now, we a have a new problem. How do we find the probability of P (Z < 0.452)? Z < 0.452

P(Z <0.452)

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-2

0.452

P (Z < 0.4 5 2)

P ( Z > 0 .4 5 2 )

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-2

-4

-2

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Normal Distributions

Answer: P(Z < 0.452) = 1 P(Z > 0.452)

We can then write, P(Z < a) = 1 P(Z > a)

Example 4: Evaluate the probability of P(0.452 < Z < 1.9)

P(0.452 <Z <1.9)

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-2

0.452 < Z < 1.9

P(0.452 <Z <1.9)

-4

-2

-4

-2

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P(0.452 < Z < 1.9) = P(Z > 0.452)

P(Z > 1.9)

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Normal Distributions Example 5: Find the probability of P (|Z| > 0.452) * P (|Z| > 0.452) = P (Z > 0.452) + P(Z 0.452) P (Z P (Z >

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Example 6: Shade the region of P ( 0.452 < Z < 0.452)

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Hence, find the value of P ( 0.452 < Z < 0.452)

Clone SPM Question

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Normal Distributions The diagram shows a STANDARD normal distribution graph. Given that the area of the shaded region is 0.77, calculate the value of c. Solution: The shaded region is represented by P ( -c Z c)

P ( -c

c ) = 0.77

By considering the right side of the graph only(half of the graph), P( 0 < Z < c) = 0.5

0.77 2
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P (Z > c) = 0.385

P (Z > c) = 0.115 *refer to the Normal Distribution table to find the answer. c = ________________.

Converting a Normal Random Variable (X) to the Standardized Variable (Z) It is known earlier that the symbol Z represents probability for STANDARD normal distribution. For example; P (Z > 0.452) = 0.3257 Z > 0.452
P(Z >0.452)

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If the question now asks for P( X > 0.452), the answer will not be the same as P (Z > 0.452). Why? There are two answers for this case: (a) We are not dealing with STANDARD Distribution anymore as the letter (X) is used (b) The position of the graph has moved (the line of symmetrical is not at y axis) X > 0.452

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Normal Distributions
y

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-2

As we can see from both of the graph above, P( Z > 0.452) P( X > 0.452). The area under the graph of P( X > 0.452) is larger than P( Z > 0.452). This shows that the probability of P( X > 0.452) is larger than P( Z > 0.452) because the difference in area under graph.

OK, now we have understood the difference between random variable (X) and standard variable (Z) as the values of probability (area under graph) are not the same. So the only problem we have to deal is how to find the probability of random variable (X) by using the tables?

Remember that the STANDARD Normal Distribution table can ONLY give

answers for STANDARD case!

The only solution is to convert the random variable (X) to STANDARD variable (Z).

Formula : Z =

Example 7: X is a random variable having a normal distribution with a mean of 200 and a standard deviation of 5. Convert each of the following X values to Z values: (a) X = 195 (b) X = 200 (c) X = 208

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Normal Distributions Solution: mean, = 200

=5

(a)

X 195 200 = 5 Z = 1 Z=

(b)

X 200 200 = 5 Z =0 Z=

(c)

X 208 200 = 5 Z = 1.6 Z=

SPM Clone Question:

The mass of a loaf of bread baked by a bakery is normally distributed with a mean of 420 g and a standard deviation of 12 g. A loaf of bread is chosen at random from the bakery. Find the probability that the mass of the loaf of bread chosen is: (a) (b) (c) at most 414 g more than 405 g between 409 g and 430 g.

Solution:

From the question above it is obviously known that the normal distribution is not STANDARD because = _____________.

=
P(Z < -0.5) = 0.3085

(a) At most 414 g can be written as P( X < 414) lets convert X = 414 to standardized variable Z.

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Normal Distributions Z =______________

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