3.2.3 Normal Distribution - Calculations

Throughout this section we will use the random variable . For normal,  can take any real number. Therefore any values mentioned in this section will be assumed to be any real number.

How do I find probabilities using a normal distribution?

• The area under a normal curve between the points and  is equal to the probability P(a < X < b )
  • Remember for a normal distribution  so you do not need to worry about whether the inequality is strict (< or >) or weak (≤ or ≥)
• The equation of a normal distribution curve is complicated so the area must be calculated numerically
• You will be expected to standardise all normal distributions to and use the table of the normal distribution to find the probabilities
  • It is likely that your calculator has a function that can find normal probabilities, if so it is a good idea to learn to use it so that you can check your probabilities
  • However you must show your calculations to get the z values and use the tables to get all the marks

How do I calculate the probability for a normal distribution?

• A random variable   can be coded to model the standard normal distribution  using the formula

• You can calculate a probability  using the relationship 
• Always sketch a quick diagram to visualise which area you are looking for
• Once you have determined the z value use the table of the normal distribution to find the probability
  • Refer to your sketch to decide if you need to subtract the probability from one
• The probability of a single value is always zero for a normal distribution
  • You can picture this as the area of a single line is zero
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  • You can look at which side of the mean x is on and the direction of the inequality to decide if your answer should be greater or less than 0.5
• As you can use:
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Given the value of P(X < a)  or P(X > a)  how do I find the value of a?

• Given a probability you will have to look through the table of the normal distribution to locate the z-value that corresponds with that probability
• Look at whether your probability is greater or less than 0.5 and the direction of the inequality to determine whether your z-value will be positive or negative
  • If  is more than 0.5 or is less than 0.5 then a should be bigger than the mean
    • z will be positive
  • If is less than 0.5 or  is more than 0.5 then a  should be smaller than the mean
    • z will be negative
• You do not need to remember these, a sketch will help you see it
  • Always sketch a diagram
• If your probability is less than 0.5 you will need to subtract it from one to find the corresponding z value
  • Remember that the position of the z-value will not change, only the direction of the inequality
• Once you have the correct value substitute it into the formula   and solve to find the value of a
• Always check that your answer makes sense by considering where a is in relation to the mean

Given the value of P(µ- a < X < µ + a) I find the value of a  ?

• A sketch making use of the symmetry of the graph is essential
• If you are given   then  will be  
  • This is easier to see from a sketch than to remember
  • You can then look through the tables for the corresponding z-value and substitute into the formula