What Is the Most Likely Definition of the Word Cumbersome

Probability and Statistics > Normal Distributions

Contents:

1. What is a Normal distribution?
2. The Standard Normal Model
3. Normal Distribution Word Problems.
4. Normal Distribution on the TI 89 Examples
5. Excel Graph Instructions
6. Probability Density Function
7. Related Articles.

What is a Normal distribution?

Watch the video for an overview of the normal distribution:

Can't see the video? Click here.

A normal distribution.

A normal distribution, sometimes called the bell curve, is a distribution that occurs naturally in many situations. For example, the bell curve is seen in tests like the SAT and GRE. The bulk of students will score the average (C), while smaller numbers of students will score a B or D. An even smaller percentage of students score an F or an A. This creates a distribution that resembles a bell (hence the nickname). The bell curve is symmetrical. Half of the data will fall to the left of the mean; half will fall to the right.
Many groups follow this type of pattern. That's why it's widely used in business, statistics and in government bodies like the FDA:

• Heights of people.
• Measurement errors.
• Blood pressure.
• Points on a test.
• IQ scores.
• Salaries.

The standard deviation controls the spread of the distribution. A smaller standard deviation indicates that the data is tightly clustered around the mean; the normal distribution will be taller. A larger standard deviation indicates that the data is spread out around the mean; the normal distribution will be flatter and wider.

Properties of a normal distribution

• The mean, mode and median are all equal.
• The curve is symmetric at the center (i.e. around the mean, μ).
• Exactly half of the values are to the left of center and exactly half the values are to the right.
• The total area under the curve is 1.

The Standard Normal Model
A standard normal model is a normal distribution with a mean of 0 and a standard deviation of 1.

Standard Normal Model: Distribution of Data

One way of figuring out how data are distributed is to plot them in a graph. If the data is evenly distributed, you may come up with a bell curve. A bell curve has a small percentage of the points on both tails and the bigger percentage on the inner part of the curve. In the standard normal model, about 5 percent of your data would fall into the "tails" (colored darker orange in the image below) and 90 percent will be in between. For example, for test scores of students, the normal distribution would show 2.5 percent of students getting very low scores and 2.5 percent getting very high scores. The rest will be in the middle; not too high or too low. The shape of the standard normal distribution looks like this:

Practical Applications of the Standard Normal Model

The standard normal distribution could help you figure out which subject you are getting good grades in and which subjects you have to exert more effort into due to low scoring percentages. Once you get a score in one subject that is higher than your score in another subject, you might think that you are better in the subject where you got the higher score. This is not always true.

You can only say that you are better in a particular subject if you get a score with a certain number of standard deviations above the mean. The standard deviation tells you how tightly your data is clustered around the mean; It allows you to compare different distributions that have different types of data — including different means.

For example, if you get a score of 90 in Math and 95 in English, you might think that you are better in English than in Math. However, in Math, your score is 2 standard deviations above the mean. In English, it's only one standard deviation above the mean. It tells you that in Math, your score is far higher than most of the students (your score falls into the tail).
Based on this data, you actually performed better in Math than in English!

Probability Questions using the Standard Model

Questions about standard normal distribution probability can look alarming but the key to solving them is understanding what the area under a standard normal curve represents. The total area under a standard normal distribution curve is 100% (that's "1" as a decimal). For example, the left half of the curve is 50%, or .5. So the probability of a random variable appearing in the left half of the curve is .5.

Of course, not all problems are quite that simple, which is why there's a z-table. All a z-table does is measure those probabilities (i.e. 50%) and put them in standard deviations from the mean. The mean is in the center of the standard normal distribution, and a probability of 50% equals zero standard deviations.

Standard normal distribution: How to Find Probability (Steps)

Step 1: Draw a bell curve and shade in the area that is asked for in the question. The example below shows z >-0.8. That means you are looking for the probability that z is greater than -0.8, so you need to draw a vertical line at -0.8 standard deviations from the mean and shade everything that's greater than that number.

shaded area is z > -0.8

Step 2: Visit the normal probability area index and find a picture that looks like your graph. Follow the instructions on that page to find the z-value for the graph. The z-value is the probability.

Tip: Step 1 is technically optional, but it's always a good idea to sketch a graph when you're trying to answer probability word problems. That's because most mistakes happen not because you can't do the math or read a z-table, but because you subtract a z-score instead of adding (i.e. you imagine the probability under the curve in the wrong direction. A sketch helps you cement in your head exactly what you are looking for.

Normal Distribution Word Problems

This video shows one example of a normal distribution word problem.

Can't see the video? Click here.

When you tackle normal distribution in a statistics class, you're trying to find the area under the curve. The total area is 100% (as a decimal, that's 1). Normal distribution problems come in six basic types. How do you know that a word problem involves normal distribution? Look for the key phrase "assume the variable is normally distributed" or "assume the variable is approximately normal." To solve a word problem you need to figure out which type you have.

1. "Between": Contain the phrase "between" and includes an upper limit and lower limit (i.e. "find the number of houses priced between $50K and 200K").
2. "More Than" or "Above": contain the phrase "more than" or "above".
3. "Less Than".
4. Lower Cut Off Example (video)

1. "Between"

This how-to covers solving problems that contain the phrase "between" and includes an upper and lower limit (i.e. "find the number of houses priced between $50K and 200K". Note that this is different from finding the "middle percentage" of something.

Word problems with normal distribution: "Between": Steps

Step 1: Identify the parts of the word problem. The word problem will identify:

1. The mean (average or μ).
2. Standard deviation (σ).
3. Number selected (i.e. "choose one at random" or "select ten at random").
4. X: the numbers associated with "between" (i.e. "between $5,000 and $10,000" would have X as 5,000 and as $10,000).

In addition, you will be given EITHER:

1. Sample size (i.e. 400 houses, 33 people, 99 factories, 378 plumbers etc.). OR
2. You might be asked for a probability (in which case your sample size will most likely be everyone, i.e. "Journeyman plumbers" or "First year pilots."

Step 2: Draw a graph. Put the mean you identified in Step 1 in the center. Put the number associated with "between" on the graph (take a guess at where the numbers would fall–it doesn't have to be exact). For example, if your mean was $100, and you were asked for "hourly wages between $75 and $125") your graph will look something like this:

Step 3: Figure out the z-scores. Plug the first X value (in my graph above, it's 75) into the z value formula and solve. The μ (the mean), is 100 from the sample graph. You can get these figures (including σ, the standard deviation) from your answers in step 1 :

*Note: if the formula confuses you, all this formula is asking you to do is:
1. subtract the mean from X
2. divide by the standard deviation.

Step 4: Repeat step 3 for the second X.

Step 5: Take the numbers from step 3 and 4 and use them to find the area in the z-table .

If you were asked to find a probability in your question, go to step 6a. If you were asked to find a number from a specific given sample size, go to step 6b.

Step 6a:

Convert the answer from step 5 into a percentage.

For example, 0.1293 is 12.93%.

That's it–skip step 6b!

Step 6b

Multiply the sample size (found in step 1) by the z-value you found in step 4 . For example, 0.300 * 100 = 30.

That's it!

2. "More Than" or "Above"

This how-to covers solving normal distribution problems that contain the phrase "more than" (or a phrase like "above").

Step 1: Break up the word problem into parts. Find:

1. The mean (average or μ)
2. Standard deviation (σ)
3. A number (for example, "choose fifty at random" or "select 90 at random")
4. X: the number associated with the "less than" statement. For example, if you were asked to find "under $9,999" then X is 9,999.

Step 2: Find the sample from the problem. You'll have either a specific size (like "1000 televisions") or a general sample ("Every television").

Draw a picture if the problem with the mean and the area you are looking for. For example, if the mean is $15, and you were asked to find what dinners cost more than $10, your graph might look like this:

Step 3: Calculate the z-score (plug your values into the z value formula and solve). Use your answers from step 1 :

Basically, all you are doing with the formula is subtracting the mean from X and then dividing that answer by the standard deviation.

Step 4: Find the area using the z-score from step 3. Use the z-table . Not sure how to read a z-table? See the video on the z-table page.

Step 6: Go to Step 6a to find a probability OR go to step 6b to calculate a certain number or amount.

Step 6a
Turn step 5's answer into a percentage.

For example, 0.1293 is 12.93%.

Skip step 6b: you're done!

Step 6b
Multiply the sample size from Step 1 by the z-score from step 4 . For example, 0.500 * 100 = 50.

You're done!

3. Less Than

This how-to covers solving normal distribution word problems that have the phrase "less than" (or a similar phrase such as "fewer than").

Normal distribution word problems less than: Steps

Step 1: Break up the word problem into parts:

1. The mean (average or μ)
2. Standard deviation (σ)
3. Number selected (i.e. "choose one at random" or "select ten at random")
4. X: the number that goes with "less than" (i.e. "under $99,000" would list X as 99,000)

Plus, you will have EITHER:

1. A specific sample size. For example, 500 boats, 250 sandwiches, 100 televisions etc.
2. Everyone in the sample (you'll be asked to find a probability). For example "first year medical students," "Cancer patients" or "Airline pilots."

Step 2: Draw a picture to help you visualize the problem. The following graph shows a mean of 15, and an area "under 4"):

Step 3: Find the z value by plugging the given values into the formula. The "X" in our sample graph is 4, and the μ (or mean) is 15. You can get these figures (including σ, the standard deviation) from your answers in step 1, where you identified the parts of the problem:

All you have to do to solve the formula is:

1. Subtract the mean from X.
2. Divide by the standard deviation.

Step 4: Take the number from step 3, then use the z-table to find the area.

Step 5: To find a probability, go to step 6a. To find a number from a specific given sample size, go to step 6b.

Step 6a

Change the number from step 5 into percentage.

For example, 0.1293 is 12.93%.

That's it!

Step 6b

Multiply the sample size (found in step 1) by the z-value you found in step 4 . For example, 0.300 * 100 = 30.

That's it!

4. Lower Cut Off

Sometimes on a normal distribution word problem you'll be asked to find a "lower limit of an upper percentage" of something (i.e. "find the cut-off point to pass a certain exam where the upper 40% of test takers pass"). A lower cut off point is the point where scores will fall below that point. For example, you might want to find where the cut off point is for the bottom 10% of test takers.

Watch the video for an example:

Can't see the video? Click here.

Check out our YouTube channel for more worked problems.

Normal Distribution TI 89 Examples

In elementary statistics, you'll often be faced with a question that asks you the cut off points for a certain percentage of the normal distribution, like the top 90% or the top 10%. While working out these types of problems by hand is cumbersome, the TI-89 graphing calculator makes light work of finding cut off points for a top percentage with the Inverse Normal function. What you're actually doing is looking for the cut off points for a certain percentile: for example, if you have a list of grades and you want to know what score is at the 99th percentile, you can use the inverse normal function to find that percentage cut-off point.

1. Finding Cut Off Points For a Top Percentage

Sample problem: Students at a certain college average 5 feet 8 inches (68 inches) tall. The heights are normally distributed, with a standard deviation of 2.5 inches. What is the value that separates the top 1% of heights from the rest of the population?

Step 1: Press APPS and use the scroll keys to highlight Stats/List Editor.

Step 2: Press F5 2 1 (this gets you to the Inverse Normal screen).

Step 3: Enter 0.99 in the Area box.

Step 4: Enter 68 in the μ box.

Step 5: Enter 2.5 in the σ box.

Step 6: Press ENTER.

Step 7: Read the results: Inverse=73.8159 means that the cut off height for the 99th percentile is 73.8159 inches.

That's it!

2. Probability Proportion Example (NormalCDF function)

Sample question: A group of students with normally distributed salaries earn an average of $6,800 with a standard deviation of $2,500. What proportion of students earn between $6,500 and $7,300?

Step 1: Press APPS. Scroll to the Stats/List Editor and press ENTER.

Step 2: Press F5 4.

Step 3: Enter 6500 in the lower value box.

Step 4: Enter 7300 in the upper value box.

Step 5: Enter 6800 in the μ box.

Step 6: Enter 2500 in the σ box. Press ENTER.

Step 7: Read the answer. Cdf=.127018. In other words, .013, or 13% of students earn between $6,500 and $7,300.

TI-89 Graphing a Normal Distribution Curve

The TI-89 can not only calculate z-scores and return values for normal distributions, it can graph the normal distribution curve as well. Graphing a normal distribution can help you see what it is you are supposed to be looking for, and gives you one more tool in solving normal distribution problems. The TI-89 can graph a normal distribution curve with an area shaded for any value. For example, you could create a graph that is: less than a certain number, greater than a certain number, or in-between a certain set of numbers.

Sample problem: Draw a normal distribution curve for student salaries during a typical semester. The student salaries have a mean of $6,800 and standard deviation of $2,500. Shade the area on the graph that corresponds to salaries between $7,300 and $9,000.

Step 1: Press APPS and select the Stats/List Editor.

Step 2: Press F2 3 and F2 4.

Step 3: Press F5 ) 1.

Step 4: Scroll down and enter 7300 in the lower value box.

Step 5: Scroll down and enter 9000 in the upper value box.

Step 6: Scroll down and enter 6800 in the μ box.

Step 7: Scroll down and enter 2500 in the σ box.

Step 8: Scroll down. Turn Auto Scale to "yes" by pressing the right scroll key, then the down scroll key to select yes. Press ENTER.

A normal distribution graph displayed on the TI-89 calculator.

That's it!

Tip: If you want to enter ∞ (infinity) as one of your lower or upper values, press the diamond key and then Catalog.

Excel Graphing

Watch the video for instructions on how to create a bell curve in Excel:

Can't see the video? Click here.

Probability Density Function

• μ and σ are fixed constants.
• e^x = Exponential function (Kjos-Hanssen, 2019).

References

Beyer, W. H. CRC Standard Mathematical Tables, 28th ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, pp. 533-534, 1987.
Feller, W. An Introduction to Probability Theory and Its Applications, Vol. 1, 3rd ed. New York: Wiley, 1968.
Kenney, J. F. and Keeping, E. S. Mathematics of Statistics, Pt. 2, 2nd ed. Princeton, NJ: Van Nostrand, 1951.
Kjos-Hanssen, B. (2019) Statistics for Calculus Students. Retrieved April 30, 2021 from: https://dspace.lib.hawaii.edu/handle/10790/4572

Kraitchik, M. "The Error Curve." §6.4 in Mathematical Recreations. New York: W. W. Norton, pp. 121-123, 1942.
Patel, J. K. and Read, C. B. Handbook of the Normal Distribution. New York: Dekker, 1982.

Related Articles

1. What is the 68-95-99.7 Rule?
2. Box Cox Transformation
3. Box Muller Transform
4. Gaussian Mixture Models.
5. What is a Normal Probability Plot?
6. How to Calculate a Z-Score in Statistics
7. Find the area to the right of a z score.
8. Using the Normal Approximation to solve a Binomial Problem
9. What is the continuity correction factor?
10. Area Under a Normal Distribution Curve Index
11. Central Limit Theorem.
12. The Skew Normal Distribution.
13. Two Tailed Normal Curve.
14. The Q Function.

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What Is the Most Likely Definition of the Word Cumbersome

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