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Continuous Probability Distributions

The normal distribution is commonly used to approximate binomial distributions for large values of n. The normal distribution is bell-shaped and symmetrical about the mean, with the standard deviation determining the spread. Several examples are provided to demonstrate how to calculate z-scores, find probabilities, and determine minimum values using the normal distribution and empirical rule.

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40 views9 pages

Continuous Probability Distributions

The normal distribution is commonly used to approximate binomial distributions for large values of n. The normal distribution is bell-shaped and symmetrical about the mean, with the standard deviation determining the spread. Several examples are provided to demonstrate how to calculate z-scores, find probabilities, and determine minimum values using the normal distribution and empirical rule.

Uploaded by

ashfaque.apex
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Continuous Probability

Distributions
Normal Probability Distribution
1. It is bell-shaped and has a single peak at the center of the distribution.
2. It is symmetrical about the mean Family of Distributions
3. It is asymptotic: The curve gets closer and closer to the X-axis but
never actually touches it.
4. The location of a normal distribution is determined by the mean,, the
dispersion or spread of the distribution is determined by the standard
deviation,σ .
5. The arithmetic mean, median, and mode are equal
6. The total area under the curve is 1.00; half the area under the normal
curve is to the right of this center point and the other half to the left of it

Different Means and Equal Means and


Standard Deviations Different Standard
Deviations

Different Means and Equal Standard Deviations


The Standard Normal Probability Distribution
 The standard normal distribution
is a normal distribution with a
mean of 0 and a standard
deviation of 1.
 It is also called the z distribution.
 A z-value is the signed distance
between a selected value,
designated X, and the population
mean , divided by the population
standard deviation, σ.
 The formula is:
The Normal Distribution – Example
The weekly incomes of shift
foremen in the glass
industry follow the
normal probability
distribution with a mean
of $1,000 and a
standard deviation of
$100.
What is the z value for the
income, let’s call it X, of
a foreman who earns
$1,100 per week? For a
foreman who earns
$900 per week?
The Empirical Rule - Example
As part of its quality assurance
program, the Autolite Battery
Company conducts tests on
battery life. For a particular
D-cell alkaline battery, the
mean life is 19 hours. The
useful life of the battery
follows a normal distribution
with a standard deviation of
1.2 hours.

Answer the following questions.


1. About 68 percent of the
batteries failed between
what two values?
2. About 95 percent of the
batteries failed between
what two values?
3. Virtually all of the batteries
failed between what two
values?
Normal Distribution – Finding Probabilities
EXAMPLE
The mean weekly income of a shift foreman in the glass industry is
normally distributed with a mean of $1,000 and a standard
deviation of $100.

What is the likelihood of selecting a foreman whose weekly income


is between $1,000 and $1,100?

Required probability is 0.3413


Normal Distribution – Finding Probabilities
(Example 2)
Refer to the information regarding the weekly income of
shift foremen in the glass industry. The distribution of
weekly incomes follows the normal probability What is the probability of selecting a shift foreman in the
distribution with a mean of $1,000 and a standard glass industry whose income is:
deviation of $100. Between $840 and $1,200

What is the probability of selecting a shift foreman in the


glass industry whose income is:
Between $790 and $1,000?
Using Z in Finding X Given Area - Example
Layton Tire and Rubber Company wishes to set a
minimum mileage guarantee on its new
MX100 tire. Tests reveal the mean mileage is
67,900 with a standard deviation of 2,050
miles and that the distribution of miles follows
the normal probability distribution. Layton Solve X using the formula :
wants to set the minimum guaranteed
mileage so that no more than 4 percent of the x -  x  67,900
z 
tires will have to be replaced.  2,050
What minimum guaranteed mileage should Layton
announce? The value of z is found using the 4% information
The area between 67,900 and x is 0.4600, found by 0.5000 - 0.0400
Using Appendix B.1, the area closest to 0.4600 is 0.4599, which
gives a z alue of - 1.75. Then substituting into the equation :

x - 67,900
- 1.75  , then solving for x
2,050

- 1.75(2,050)  x - 67,900

x  67,900 - 1.75(2,050)

x  64,312
Normal Approximation to the Binomial
 The normal distribution (a continuous distribution) yields a good approximation of the binomial
distribution (a discrete distribution) for large values of n.

 The normal probability distribution is generally a good approximation to the binomial


probability distribution when n and n(1- ) are both greater than 5. This is because as n
increases, a binomial distribution gets closer and closer to a normal distribution.

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