Normal Distribution

Properties of Normal Distributions

A continuous random variable has an infinite number of
possible values that can be represented by an interval on
the number line.

Hours spent studying in a day

0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24

The time spent

studying can be any
number between 0
and 24.

The probability distribution of a continuous random

variable is called a continuous probability distribution.

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 2

Properties of Normal Distributions
The most important probability distribution in
statistics is the normal distribution.

Normal curve

A normal distribution is a continuous probability

distribution for a random variable, x. The graph of a
normal distribution is called the normal curve.

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 3

Properties of Normal Distributions
Properties of a Normal Distribution
1. The mean, median, and mode are equal.
2. The normal curve is bell-shaped and symmetric about
the mean.
3. The total area under the curve is equal to one.
4. The normal curve approaches, but never touches the x-
axis as it extends farther and farther away from the
mean.
5. Between μ  σ and μ + σ (in the center of the curve), the
graph curves downward. The graph curves upward to
the left of μ  σ and to the right of μ + σ. The points at
which the curve changes from curving upward to
curving downward are called the inflection points.
Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 4
Properties of Normal Distributions

Inflection points

Total area = 1

x
μ  3σ μ  2σ μσ μ μ+σ μ + 2σ μ + 3σ

If x is a continuous random variable having a normal

distribution with mean μ and standard deviation σ, you
can graph a normal curve with the equation
1
y= e -(x - μ )2 2σ 2
. e = 2.178 π = 3.14
σ 2π
Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 5
Means and Standard Deviations
A normal distribution can have any mean and
any positive standard deviation.
Inflection
The mean gives points
Inflection the location of
points the line of
symmetry.
x x
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Mean: μ = 3.5 Mean: μ = 6

Standard Standard
deviation: σ  1.3 deviation: σ  1.9

The standard deviation describes the spread of the data.

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 6

Means and Standard Deviations
Example:
1. Which curve has the greater mean?
2. Which curve has the greater standard deviation?

B
A

x
1 3 5 7 9 11 13

The line of symmetry of curve A occurs at x = 5. The line of symmetry

of curve B occurs at x = 9. Curve B has the greater mean.

Curve B is more spread out than curve A, so curve B has the greater
standard deviation.

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 7

 Interpreting Graphs
Example:
The heights of fully grown magnolia bushes are normally
distributed. The curve represents the distribution. What
is the mean height of a fully grown magnolia bush?
Estimate the standard deviation if point of inflections are
7.3 and 8.7 respectively. The inflection points are one
standard deviation away from the
μ=8 mean. σ  0.7

x
6 7 8 9 10
Height (in feet)

The heights of the magnolia bushes are normally

distributed with a mean height of about 8 feet and a
standard deviation of about 0.7 feet.

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 8

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

The horizontal scale

corresponds to z-scores.

z
3 2 1 0 1 2 3

Any value can be transformed into a z-score by using the

formula z = Value - Mean
=
x -μ.
Standard deviation σ

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 9

The Standard Normal Distribution
If each data value of a normally distributed random
variable x is transformed into a z-score, the result will be
the standard normal distribution.
The area that falls in the interval under
the nonstandard normal curve (the x-
values) is the same as the area under
the standard normal curve (within the
corresponding z-boundaries).

z
3 2 1 0 1 2 3

After the formula is used to transform an x-value into a

z-score, the Standard Normal Table in Appendix B is
used to find the cumulative area under the curve.
Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 10
 The Standard Normal Table
Properties of the Standard Normal Distribution
1. The cumulative area is close to 0 for z-scores close to z = 3.49.
2. The cumulative area increases as the z-scores increase.
3. The cumulative area for z = 0 is 0.5000.
4. The cumulative area is close to 1 for z-scores close to z = 3.49

Area is close to 0. Area is close to 1.

z
3 2 1 0 1 2 3
z = 3.49 z = 3.49
z=0
Area is 0.5000.

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 11

 The Standard Normal Table
Example:
Find the cumulative area that corresponds to a z-score
of 2.71.
Appendix B: Standard Normal Table
z .00 .01 .02 .03 .04 .05 .06 .07 .08 .09

0.0 .5000 .5040 .5080 .5120 .5160 .5199 .5239 .5279 .5319 .5359

0.1 .5398 .5438 .5478 .5517 .5557 .5596 .5636 .5675 .5714 .5753

0.2 .5793 .5832 .5871 .5910 .5948 .5987 .6026 .6064 .6103 .6141

2.6 .9953 .9955 .9956 .9957 .9959 .9960 .9961 .9962 .9963 .9964

2.7 .9965 .9966 .9967 .9968 .9969 .9970 .9971 .9972 .9973 .9974

2.8 .9974 .9975 .9976 .9977 .9977 .9978 .9979 .9979 .9980 .9981

Find the area by finding 2.7 in the left hand column, and
then moving across the row to the column under 0.01.
The area to the left of z = 2.71 is 0.9966.
Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 12
 The Standard Normal Table
Example:
Find the cumulative area that corresponds to a z-score
of 0.25.
Appendix B: Standard Normal Table
z .09 .08 .07 .06 .05 .04 .03 .02 .01 .00

3.4 .0002 .0003 .0003 .0003 .0003 .0003 .0003 .0003 .0003 .0003

3.3 .0003 .0004 .0004 .0004 .0004 .0004 .0004 .0005 .0005 .0005

0.3 .3483 .3520 .3557 .3594 .3632 .3669 .3707 .3745 .3783 .3821

0.2 .3859 .3897 .3936 .3974 .4013 .4052 .4090 .4129 .4168 .4207

0.1 .4247 .4286 .4325 .4364 .4404 .4443 .4483 .4522 .4562 .4602
0.0 .4641 .4681 .4724 .4761 .4801 .4840 .4880 .4920 .4960 .5000

Find the area by finding 0.2 in the left hand column, and
then moving across the row to the column under 0.05.
The area to the left of z = 0.25 is 0.4013
Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 13
 Guidelines for Finding Areas
Finding Areas Under the Standard Normal Curve
1. Sketch the standard normal curve and shade the
appropriate area under the curve.
2. Find the area by following the directions for each case
shown.
a. To find the area to the left of z, find the area that
corresponds to z in the Standard Normal Table.
2. The area to the
left of z = 1.23
is 0.8907.

z
0 1.23
1. Use the table to find
the area for the z-score.

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 14

 Guidelines for Finding Areas
Finding Areas Under the Standard Normal Curve
b. To find the area to the right of z, use the Standard
Normal Table to find the area that corresponds to z.
Then subtract the area from 1.

2. The area to the 3. Subtract to find the area to

left of z = 1.23 is the right of z = 1.23:
0.8907. 1  0.8907 = 0.1093.

z
0 1.23
1. Use the table to find
the area for the z-score.

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 15

 Guidelines for Finding Areas
Finding Areas Under the Standard Normal Curve
c. To find the area between two z-scores, find the area
corresponding to each z-score in the Standard
Normal Table. Then subtract the smaller area from
the larger area.
2. The area to the 4. Subtract to find the area of
left of z = 1.23 the region between the two
is 0.8907. z-scores:
0.8907  0.2266 = 0.6641.
3. The area to the left
of z = 0.75 is
0.2266.

z
0.75 0 1.23

1. Use the table to find the area for

the z-score.

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 16

 Guidelines for Finding Areas
Example:
Find the area under the standard normal
curve to the left of z = 2.33.

Always draw
the curve!

2.33 0

From the Standard Normal Table, the area is

equal to 0.0099.
Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 17
 Guidelines for Finding Areas
Example:
Find the area under the standard normal
curve to the right of z = 0.94.
Always draw
the curve!
0.8264
0.5  0.3264 = 0.1736

z
0 0.94

From the Standard Normal Table, the area is equal to

0.1736.

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 18

 Guidelines for Finding Areas
Example:
Find the area under the standard normal
curve between z = 1.98 and z = 1.07.
Always draw
0.8577 the curve!

.5 - .4761=0.0239 0.8577  0.0239 = 0.8338

z
1.98 0 1.07

From the Standard Normal Table, the area is equal to

0.8338.
Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 19
 Exercises

1. Calculate the following probabilities

a. P( to the left of z = -2.04 and to the right of z = 1.27)
b. P(-1.54 ≤ z ≤ 0)
c. P( -1.2 ≤ z ≤ 2.35)
d. P(z ≥ -0.95)

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 20

Normal Distributions:

Finding Probabilities
Probability and Normal Distributions
If a random variable, x, is normally distributed,
you can find the probability that x will fall in a
given interval by calculating the area under the
normal curve for that interval.

μ = 10
P(x < 15) σ=5

x
μ =10 15

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 22

Probability and Normal Distributions
Normal Distribution Standard Normal Distribution
μ = 10 μ=0
σ=5 σ=1

P(x < 15) P(z < 1)

x z
μ =10 15 μ =0 1

Same area

P(x < 15) = P(z < 1) = Shaded area under the curve
= 0.8413
Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 23
Probability and Normal Distributions
Example:
The average on a statistics test was 78 with a standard
deviation of 8. If the test scores are normally distributed,
find the probability that a student receives a test score
less than 90.
μ = 78
σ=8 z  x - μ = 90 - 78
σ 8
P(x < 90)
= 1.5

The probability that a

x student receives a test
μ =78 90 score less than 90 is
z
μ =0 ?
0.9332.
1.5

P(x < 90) = P(z < 1.5) = 0.9332

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 24

Probability and Normal Distributions
Example:
The average on a statistics test was 78 with a standard
deviation of 8. If the test scores are normally distributed,
find the probability that a student receives a test score
greater than than 85.
μ = 78 z = x - μ = 85 - 78
σ 8
σ=8
= 0.875  0.88
P(x > 85)
The probability that a
x student receives a test
μ =78 85 score greater than 85 is
z
μ =0 0.88
?
0.1894.

P(x > 85) = P(z > 0.88) = 1  P(z < 0.88) = 1  0.8106 = 0.1894

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 25

Probability and Normal Distributions
Example:
The average on a statistics test was 78 with a standard
deviation of 8. If the test scores are normally distributed,
find the probability that a student receives a test score
between 60 and 80. z = x - μ = 60 - 78 = -2.25
1
σ 8
P(60 < x < 80) z 2  x - μ = 80 - 78 = 0.25
σ 8
μ = 78
σ=8
The probability that a
x student receives a test
60 μ =78 80 score between 60 and 80
z
2.25
? μ =0 0.25
?
is 0.5865.

P(60 < x < 80) = P(2.25 < z < 0.25) = P(z < 0.25)  P(z < 2.25)
= 0.5987  0.0122 = 0.5865
Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 26
Probability and Normal Distributions
Exercises:
The average on a statistics test was 82 with a standard
deviation of 9. If the test scores are normally distributed,
find the probability that a student receives a test score:
a. Less than 87
b. Greater than 80
c. Between 78 and 85

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 27

Normal Distributions:

Finding Values
 Finding z-Scores
Example:
Find the z-score that corresponds to a cumulative area
of 0.9973. Appendix B: Standard Normal Table
z .00 .01 .02 .03 .04 .05 .06 .07 .08
.08 .09

0.0 .5000 .5040 .5080 .5120 .5160 .5199 .5239 .5279 .5319 .5359

0.1 .5398 .5438 .5478 .5517 .5557 .5596 .5636 .5675 .5714 .5753

0.2 .5793 .5832 .5871 .5910 .5948 .5987 .6026 .6064 .6103 .6141

2.6 .9953 .9955 .9956 .9957 .9959 .9960 .9961 .9962 .9963 .9964

2.7
2.7 .9965 .9966 .9967 .9968 .9969 .9970 .9971 .9972 .9973 .9974

2.8 .9974 .9975 .9976 .9977 .9977 .9978 .9979 .9979 .9980 .9981

Find the z-score by locating 0.9973 in the body of the Standard

Normal Table. The values at the beginning of the
corresponding row and at the top of the column give the z-score.
The z-score is 2.78.
Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 29
Finding a z-Score Given a Percentile
Example:
Find the z-score that corresponds to P75.

Area = 0.75

z
μ =0 ?
0.67

The z-score that corresponds to P75 is the same z-score that

corresponds to an area of 0.75.

The z-score is 0.67.

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 30

Transforming a z-Score to an x-Score
To transform a standard z-score to a data value, x, in
a given population, use the formula
x  μ + zσ.
Example:
The monthly electric bills in a city are normally distributed
with a mean of $120 and a standard deviation of $16. Find
the x-value corresponding to a z-score of 1.60.

x  μ + zσ
= 120 +1.60(16)
= 145.6
We can conclude that an electric bill of $145.60 is 1.6 standard
deviations above the mean.
Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 31
 Finding a Specific Data Value
Example:
The weights of bags of chips for a vending machine are
normally distributed with a mean of 1.25 ounces and a
standard deviation of 0.1 ounce. Bags that have weights in
the lower 8% are too light and will not work in the machine.
What is the least a bag of chips can weigh and still work in the
machine?
P(z < ?) = 0.08
8% P(z < 1.41) = 0.08
z
?
1.41 0 x  μ + zσ
x
? 1.25
 1.25  (1.41)0.1
1.11
 1.11
The least a bag can weigh and still work in the machine is 1.11 ounces.

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 32

2. Let x be a normal random variable with
μ = 10 and s = 5. Calculate the following:
a. P(10 ≤ x ≤ 12)
b. P(8 ≤ x ≤ 10)
c. P(8 ≤ x ≤ 12)

3. Find the z-score when the area from 0 to z is a.

0.4066; and b. -0.3980.

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 33

 EXAMPLES
4. The IQ scores of a large group of students are
approximately normally distributed with a mean of
100 and standard deviation of 15. What is the
probability that a randomly chosen student from this
group will have an IQ score
a. above 120?
b. below 128?
c. below 93?

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 34

 EXAMPLES

5. The IQ scores of a large group of students are

approximately normally distributed with a mean of 100
and standard deviation of 15. What is the probability
that a randomly chosen student from this group will
have an IQ score. How many percent of the students
obtained IQ scores
a. between 85 and 110?
b. between 115 and 125

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 35

 EXAMPLES

6. A computer instructor constructed a learning module aimed

at familiarizing new students with basic EDP concepts. Past
experience has shown that the length of time required by new
students to complete the module is normally distributed with a
mean of 250 hours and a standard deviation of 50 hours. What
is the probability that a randomly selected new student will
require
a. more than 350 hours to complete the module?
b. more than 200 hours but less than 300 hours?

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 36

 EXAMPLES

7. Consider a normal distribution with a mean of 500

and a standard deviation of 50.
a. Below what value can we accept to have the
lowest 20%?
b. Between what values can we expect to find the
middle 80%?

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 37

 Solutions
120−100
a. 𝑧= = 1.33
15
𝑃 𝑋 > 120 = 𝑃 𝑍 > 1.33 = .5 − .4082 = .0918
128−100
b. 𝑧1 = = 1.87
15
𝑃 𝑋 < 128 = 𝑃 𝑍 < 1.87 = .5 + .4693 = .9693

93−100
c. 𝑧= = −.47
15
𝑃 𝑋 < 93 = 𝑃 𝑍 < −.47 = .5 − .1808 = .3192

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 38

 Solutions
2.
85−100
a. 𝑧1 = = −1.0
15
110−100
b. 𝑧1 = = .67
15
𝑃 85 < 𝑋 < 100 = 𝑃 −1 < 𝑍 < 0 = .3413
𝑃 100 < 𝑋 < 110 = 𝑃 0 < 𝑍 < .67 = .2486
𝑃 85 < 𝑋 < 110 = 𝑃 −1 < 𝑍 < .67 = .5899
Therefore, about 59% of the students obtained IQ scores
between 85 and 110.

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 39

 Solutions

115−100
b. 𝑧1 = =1
15
125−100
𝑧2 = = 1.67
15

𝑃 100 < 𝑋 < 125 = 𝑃 0 < 𝑍 < 1.67 = .4525

𝑃 100 < 𝑋 < 115 = 𝑃 0 < 𝑍 < 1.00 = .3413
𝑃 115 < 𝑋 < 125 = 𝑃 1 < 𝑍 < 1.67 = .1112
Approximately 11% of the students got IQ scores between
115 and 125.

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 40

 Solutions
350−250
a. 𝑧= =2
50
𝑃 𝑋 > 350 = 𝑃 𝑍 > 2 = .5 − .4772 = 0.0228
200−250
b. 𝑧1 = = −1
50

300−250
𝑧2 = =1
50
𝑃 200 < 𝑋 < 300 = 𝑃 −1 < 𝑍 < 1
= .3413 + .3413 = .6826

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 41

 Solutions

𝑥−𝜇
a. z=
𝜎
𝑥 − 500
−.84 =
5𝜎
𝑥 − 500 = −42
𝑥 = 500 − 42
𝑥 = 458
The lowest 20% are below or less than 458.
.

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 42

 Solutions
𝑥1 −50
b. −1.28 =
50
𝑥1 − 500 = −64
𝑥1 = 500 − 64
𝑥1 = 436
𝑥2 − 50
1.28 =
50
𝑥2 = −500 = 64
𝑥2 = 500 + 64
𝑥2 = 564
The middle 80% are between 436
and 564.

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 43

Sampling and Sampling
Distributions
 Sampling Distributions
A sampling distribution is the probability distribution of a
sample statistic that is formed when samples of size n are
repeatedly taken from a population.

Sample Sample
Sample Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Sample
Population Sample
Sample

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 45

 Sampling Distributions
If the sample statistic is the sample mean, then the
distribution is the sampling distribution of sample means.

Sample 3
Sample 1 x3 Sample 2 Sample 6
Sample 4
x4 x1 Sample 5
x6
x5 x2

The sampling distribution consists of the values of the

sample means, x1 , x 2 , x 3 , x 4 , x 5 , x 6 .

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 46

Properties of Sampling Distributions
Properties of Sampling Distributions of Sample Means
1. The mean of the sample means, μx , is equal to the population
mean.
μx = μ

2. The standard deviation of the sample means,σ x , is equal to the

population standard deviation, σ , divided by the square root of n.

σx = σ
n
The standard deviation of the sampling distribution of the sample
means is called the standard error of the mean.

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 47

Sampling Distribution of Sample Means

Example:
The population values {5, 10, 15, 20} are written on slips of
paper and put in a hat. Two slips are randomly selected, with
replacement.
a. Find the mean, standard deviation, and variance of the
population.
Population μ = 12.5
5
10 σ = 5.59
15
20 σ 2 = 31.25

Continued.

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 48

Sampling Distribution of Sample Means
Example continued:
The population values {5, 10, 15, 20} are written on slips of
paper and put in a hat. Two slips are randomly selected, with
replacement.
b. Graph the probability histogram for the population
values.
P(x) Probability Histogram
of Population of x
0.25
This uniform distribution
Probabilit

shows that all values have

the same probability of
being selected.
y

x
5 10 15 20
Population values Continued.

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 49

Sampling Distribution of Sample Means
Example continued:
The population values {5, 10, 15, 20} are written on slips of
paper and put in a hat. Two slips are randomly selected, with
replacement.
c. List all the possible samples of size n = 2 and calculate
the mean of each.
Sample Sample mean, x Sample Sample mean, x
5, 5 5 15, 5 10 These means
5, 10 7.5 15, 10 12.5 form the
5, 15 10 15, 15 15 sampling
5, 20 12.5 15, 20 17.5 distribution of
10, 5 7.5 20, 5 12.5 the sample
10, 10 10 20, 10 15 means.
10, 15 12.5 20, 15 17.5
10, 20 15 20, 20 20
Continued.
Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 50
Sampling Distribution of Sample Means
Example continued:
The population values {5, 10, 15, 20} are written on slips of
paper and put in a hat. Two slips are randomly selected, with
replacement.
d. Create the probability distribution of the sample
means.
x f Probability
5 1 0.0625
7.5 2 0.1250 Probability Distribution
10 3 0.1875 of Sample Means

12.5 4 0.2500
15 3 0.1875
17.5 2 0.1250
20 1 0.0625

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 51

Sampling Distribution of Sample Means
Example continued:
The population values {5, 10, 15, 20} are written on slips of
paper and put in a hat. Two slips are randomly selected, with
replacement.
e. Graph the probability histogram for the sampling
distribution.
P(x) Probability Histogram of
Sampling Distribution
0.25
Probabilit

0.20
0.15
The shape of the graph is
symmetric and bell shaped.
0.10
y

It approximates a normal
0.05 distribution.
x
5 7.5 10 12.5 15 17.5 20
Sample mean

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 52

 The Central Limit Theorem
If a sample of size n  30 is taken from a population with
any type of distribution that has a mean =  and standard
deviation = ,

x x
 
the sample means will have a normal distribution.
xx
x x
x x x
x x x x x x

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 53
 The Central Limit Theorem
If the population itself is normally distributed, with
mean =  and standard deviation = ,

x

the sample means will have a normal distribution for
any sample size n. x x
x x
x x x
x x x x x
x

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 54
 The Central Limit Theorem
In either case, the sampling distribution of sample means
has a mean equal to the population mean.

μx  μ Mean of the
sample means

The sampling distribution of sample means has a standard

deviation equal to the population standard deviation
divided by the square root of n.

σx  σ Standard deviation of the

sample means
n
This is also called the
standard error of the mean.
Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 55
 The Mean and Standard Error
Example:
The heights of fully grown magnolia bushes have a mean
height of 8 feet and a standard deviation of 0.7 feet. 38
bushes are randomly selected from the population, and
the mean of each sample is determined. Find the mean
and standard error of the mean of the sampling
distribution.
Standard deviation
Mean (standard error)
μx  μ σx  σ
n
=8
0.7
= = 0.11
38
Continued.
Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 56
Interpreting the Central Limit Theorem
Example continued:
The heights of fully grown magnolia bushes have a
mean height of 8 feet and a standard deviation of 0.7
feet. 38 bushes are randomly selected from the
population, and the mean of each sample is determined.

The mean of the sampling distribution is 8 feet ,and the

standard error of the sampling distribution is 0.11 feet.

From the Central Limit Theorem,

because the sample size is greater
than 30, the sampling distribution x

can be approximated by the 7.6 8 8.4

normal distribution. μx = 8 σ x = 0.11

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 57

 Finding Probabilities
Example:
The heights of fully grown magnolia bushes have a
mean height of 8 feet and a standard deviation of 0.7
feet. 38 bushes are randomly selected from the
population, and the mean of each sample is determined.

The mean of the sampling distribution

is 8 feet, and the standard error of μx = 8 n = 38
the sampling distribution is 0.11 feet. σ x = 0.11

Find the probability that the

mean height of the 38 bushes is x
7.6 8 8.4
less than 7.8 feet. 7.8
Continued.
Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 58
 Finding Probabilities
Example continued:
Find the probability that the mean height of the 38
bushes is less than 7.8 feet.
μx = 8 n = 38
σ x = 0.11
x - μx
z
P( < 7.8) σx
x
7.8 - 8
7.6 8 8.4 =
7.8 0.11
z
0 = -1.82
P( < 7.8) = P(z < 1.82
____
? ) = 0.0344
The probability that the mean height of the 38 bushes is
less than 7.8 feet is 0.0344.
Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 59
Probability and Normal Distributions
Example:
The average on a statistics test was 78 with a standard
deviation of 8. If the test scores are normally distributed,
find the probability that the mean score of 25 randomly
selected students is between 75 and 79.
μx = 78 x - μx 75 - 78
z1 = = = -1.88
σx 1.6
σ x = σ = 8 = 1.6
n 25

z 2 = x - μ = 79 - 78 = 0.63
P(75 < < 79) σ 1.6

75 78 79
z
1.88
? 0 0.63
? Continued.
Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 60
Probability and Normal Distributions
Example continued:

P(75 < < 79)

75 78 79
z
1.88
? 0 0.63
?

P(75 < < 79) = P(1.88 < z < 0.63) = P(z < 0.63)  P(z < 1.88)
= 0.7357  0.0301 = 0.7056
Approximately 70.56% of the 25 students will have a mean
score between 75 and 79.
Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 61
 Probabilities of x and x
Example:
The population mean salary for auto mechanics is
 = $34,000 with a standard deviation of  = $2,500. Find
the probability that the mean salary for a randomly selected
sample of 50 mechanics is greater than $35,000.
μx = 34000
x - μx 35000 - 34000 = 2.83
z
σ x  σ = 2500 = 353.55
=
σx 353.55
n 50
P( > 35000) = P(z > 2.83) = 1  P(z < 2.83)
= 1  0.9977 = 0.0023

The probability that the mean

salary for a randomly selected
34000 35000 sample of 50 mechanics is
z
0 2.83
? greater than $35,000 is 0.0023.

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 62

 Probabilities of x and x
Example:
The population mean salary for auto mechanics is
 = $34,000 with a standard deviation of  = $2,500. Find
the probability that the salary for one randomly selected
mechanic is greater than $35,000.
(Notice that the Central Limit Theorem does not apply.)

μ = 34000 z = x - μ = 35000 - 34000 = 0.4

σ 2500
σ = 2500
P(x > 35000) = P(z > 0.4) = 1  P(z < 0.4)
= 1  0.6554 = 0.3446

The probability that the salary

34000 35000 for one mechanic is greater
z
0 ?
0.4 than $35,000 is 0.3446.

Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 63

 Probabilities of x and x
Example:
The probability that the salary for one randomly selected
mechanic is greater than $35,000 is 0.3446. In a group of
50 mechanics, approximately how many would have a
salary greater than $35,000?
This also means that 34.46% of
P(x > 35000) = 0.3446 mechanics have a salary greater than
$35,000.

34.46% of 50 = 0.3446  50 = 17.23

You would expect about 17 mechanics out of the group

of 50 to have a salary greater than $35,000.
Larson & Farber, Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, 3e 64