Self-Learning Module for Grade 11

Mathematics
Statistics and Probability

CHAPTER II: NORMAL DISTRIBUTION

LESSON 1: Understanding Normal Curve Distribution

In Chapter 1, we have learned the Random Variable and its

Classification. It also discussed the Probability Distributions of Discrete
Random Variables. While in this chapter the focus is Normal Probability
Distribution. Normal Probability Distribution is used to determine the
probabilities of a continuous random variable.
In this lesson, we will learn the meaning of Normal Probability
Distribution and its Properties. How to construct the normal curve will also be
discussed.

Pre-test and post-test are available before and after the lesson
respectively. You are required to answer these tests to assess your learning if
you learned or not. Please answer all questions with all your understanding to
ensure that you have learned the target competency/ies of this lesson.

Directions: Shade the letter that corresponds to the ​BEST​ answer.

1. The total area under the standard normal curve is

_________.
A. -1 B. 0 C. 0.5 D. 1

` 2. What is the shape of a Normal Probability Distributions?

A. bar B. bell C. circle D. line
3. Which part of a normal curve is extended indefinitely both
directions along the horizontal axis, approaching but never
touching it?
A. center B. tail C. top D. spread
 4. Which of the following rule states that almost all data fall within
the 1, 2 and 3 of standard deviation of mean when the population is
normally distributed?
A. empirical rule C. Lottery rule
B. Pascal’s triangle rule D. Sampling rule
5. If the average age of retirement for the population in the
Philippines
is 65 years and with standard deviation of 5 years, what is the
approximate age range in which 68% of people retire?
A. 60 – 70 years B. 55 – 65 years C. 55 – 60 years D. 60 -65 years

1. Illustrates a random variable and its characteristics.​(M11/12SP-IIIc-1)

2. Construct a normal curve. ​(M11/12SP-IIIc- 2)

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. define normal curve,
2. draw a normal curve
3. state and apply the empirical rule
Procedure/Learning Experience

ACTIVITY
The following items show four pictures which represent a common object. Analyze the group
of pictures carefully then identify the common object they represent. Write your answer in the
boxes provided for every item.
1. 2.

3. 4.
 5.

1. How do you find the activity?

2. In item number 3, where did you met that term in general mathematics? How
would you describe the term?
3. What is the common pictures in item 3 and 4?
4. How would you define the remaining words that we obtained from this
activity?
5. How did the pictures help you to identify the hidden words or terms?

Normal Probability Distribution is a probability distribution of a continuous random

variables. It shows graphical representations of random variables obtained through
measurement like the height and weight of the students, the percentile ranks of the A&E
(Accreditation and Equivalency Test result of the ALS students or any data with the values of
interval scale of real numbers. It is also used to describe the characteristics of populations
and making inferences.

This graphical representation is popularly known as a normal curve. Normal curve is

described clearly by the following properties

Properties of Normal Curve

1. The normal curve is like a bell-shaped

2. The peak of a normal curve is at the center where the three measures of central
tendency such as mean, mode, and median are equal to each other.
3. About its mean 0, the normal curve is symmetrical to the center.
4. The tails are plotted on both directions of normal curve and it is asymptotic with the
horizontal axis. Asymptote means a graph is approaching to the specific line but it will
never touching it.
 5. The total area of normal curve is 1.

The shape of a normal curve is based on the two given parameters, the mean and
the standard deviations of the distributions. The following are the three situations of a normal
curve based on the said parameters

a. When the mean are not equal but the standard deviation are equal. (µ​1 ≠​ ​ µ​2 ;​ ​ơ​1
=​ơ​2​ ​), the curves have the similar shape but centered at different points.

b. When the mean are not equal but the standard deviation are equal. (µ​1 = ​ µ​2 ;​ ​ơ​1 ≠
​
ơ​2​ ​), The curves is centered at same point but they have different height and
spreads

c. When the mean are different and the standard deviations also different (µ​1​≠ ​µ​2 ;
ơ​1 ​≠ ơ​2​ ​), The curves is centered at different points and vary in shapes

The normal curve is also described through the equation written below

X−µ )ˆ2
e(−1/2)( 2
Y = ơ√2π

where: Y = height of the curve particular values of random variables

X = any values of the random variables
µ = population mean
ơ = standard deviation
π = 3.1416
e = 2.7183

When the normal probability distribution has a mean µ = 0 and standard deviation ơ
= 1, it is called as standard normal distribution.

HOW TO CONSTRUCT A STANDARD NORMAL CURVE.

In constructing, a normal curve always remember its properties. Check the following
pointers if present.
1. It should be a bell-shaped and symmetric about its center
2. Both side of the tails of a normal curve should not touch the horizontal axis
3. In the horizontal axis, use 0 at the center where the mean is located and use 1, 2,
and 3 to the right and -1, -2 and -3 to the left. But still remember there is an
integral parts between each number However, it is not limited to the -3 and 3 , it
is extended indefinitely
4. The distance of number in the horizontal line or the x-axis should always
proportion.

Refer to the figure below for the illustrative explanation of the pointers to remember
on constructing standard normal curve.
EMPIRICAL RULE

The above diagram shows the representation of 68% - 95% - 99.7% rule. The 68%
-95% - 99.7% rule is better known as empirical rule. This rule states that the data in the
distribution lies within the 1, 2, and 3 of the standard deviation of the mean. Specifically, the
above diagram tells the estimation of the following percentage:
● 68% of data lies within the 1 standard deviation of the mean.
● 95% of data lies within the 2 standard deviation of the mean.
● 99.7% of data lies within the 3 standard deviation of the mean.

Illustrative Example 1:
The score of the Senior High School students in their Statistics and Probability
quarterly examination are normally distributed with a mean of 35 and standard deviation of 5.

Answer the following questions:

a. What percent will fall within the score 30 to 40?
b. What scores fall within 95% of the distribution?

Solution:
 Draw a standard normal curve and plot the mean at the center. Then, add three
times the given standard deviation to the right of the mean and subtract 3 times to the left.
The illustration is provided below:

Answer:
a. The scores 30 to 40 falls within the first standard deviation of the mean.
Therefore, it is approximately 68% of the distribution
b. Since 95% lies within the 2 standard deviation of the mean, then the
corresponding scores of this distribution are from 25 up to 45.

Illustrative Example 2:
The district nurse of Candelaria East needs to measure the BMI (Body Mass
Index) of the ALS students. She found out that the heights of male students are
normally distributed with a mean of 160 cm and a standard deviation of 7 cm.
Find the p
​ ercentage of male students whose height is within 153 to 174.

Solution: The mean of this problem is 160, it is subtracted by 7 to the left (e.g. 160 -7 = 153;
153-7 = 146; 146 – 7 = 139) and add 7 to the right. (e.g. 160 + 7 = 167; 167 + 7 =
174 + 7 = 181)
As stated in the above diagram, 153 falls at 1 standard deviation of the mean
 to the left of the center and the height of 174 falls at 2 standard deviation of the
mean to the right. Therefore, it covers the whole 68% and 13.5%. of the
distribution and the sum of it is 81.5%
ANSWER: The height 153 to 174 lies on the 81.5% of the distribution

A. True or False. Write the word TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE,
if the statement is incorrect
_______1. The total area of the normal curve is 1
_______2. Normal probability distribution is used to determine the probabilities of a
discrete random variable
_______3. The mean, median and mode have the same value.
_______4. The distance of the number in the horizontal line or the x-axis should
always proportion.
_______5 The normal probability distribution has a mean µ = 1 and standard
deviation ơ = 0, it is called as standard normal distribution.
B. Read the following problems carefully. Use empirical rule to answer each question.
1. IQ scores of the ALS students in the Division of Quezon are normally distributed
with a mean of 110 and a standard deviation of 10. What percent of the
distribution falls within the IQ scores of 100 to 130?
2. A normal distribution of data with the mean of 78 and standard deviation of 9.
What percentage of the data would measure 87?

Please share your own insights here.

Directions: ​Shade the letter that corresponds to the ​BEST​ answer.

 1. The total area under the standard normal curve is _________.
A. -1 B. 0 C. 0.5 D. 1
` 2. What is the shape of a Normal Probability Distributions?
A. bar B. bell C. circle D. line
3. Which part of a normal curve is extended indefinitely both
directions along the horizontal axis, approaching but never touching
it?
A. center B. tail C. top D. spread
4. Which of the following rule states that almost all data fall within
the 1, 2 and 3 of standard deviation of mean when the population is
normally distributed?
A. empirical rule C. Lottery rule
B. Pascal’s triangle rule D. Sampling rule
5. If the average age of retirement for the population in the
Philippines
is 65 years and with standard deviation of 5 years, what is the
approximate age range in which 68% of people retire?
A. 60 – 70 years B. 55 – 65 years C. 55 – 60 years D. 60 -65 years

LESSON 2: Understanding ​z​ – scores

This lesson deals with identifying regions under the normal curve
corresponding to different standard normal values. It also includes
steps/directions on how to use the table of areas under the normal curve. We
can also apply the competency on how to construct a normal curve as a
springboard to the lesson.
This lesson also unveils the steps on how to find the area that
corresponds to z –value. Knowledge and skills in performing addition and
subtraction of decimals are prerequisite of the lesson.

Pre-test and post-test are available before and after the lesson
respectively. You are required to answer these tests to assess your learning if
you learned or not. Please answer all questions with all your understanding to
ensure that you have learned the target competency/ies of this lesson.
 Directions:​ Shade the letter that corresponds to the BEST answer.

1. What is the sum of the area that corresponds to the right

of 0 and to
the left of 0?
A. 0.5 B. 1 C. 1.5 D. 2
2. Where can we find the area of specific region under the curve?
A. Table of Areas of Geometric Figure C. Table of Contents
B. Table of Areas Under Normal Curve D. Periodic
Table

3. What is the area between z = - 1.23 and z = 2?

A. 0.0865 B. 0.4772 C. 0.8679 D.
0.8779

1. 4. ​Find the area of the shaded region of the given figure.

A. 0.0865 B. 0.4772 C. 0.3907 D. 0.8413

5. ​Which of the following does NOT belong to the group?

A .to the right B. less than C. to the left D. below

1. Identifies regions under the normal curve corresponding to different

standard normal values. ​(M11/12SP-IIIc-3)

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

 1. Use the z Table (Table of Areas under the Normal Curve) to find the area that
corresponds to z values.
2. Sketch the normal curve showing the required area.

Procedure/Learning Experience

A. The following numbers are the number found at the left side and upper part of the
table. Identify the number that lies on the intersection between the given set of
numbers. Use the Table of the Area Under Normal Curve indicated below
1. 2.5 and 0.02 = _____
2. 1.0 and 0.07 = _____
3. 1.1 and 0.06 = _____
4. 0.5 and 0.08 = _____
5. 1.0 and 0.00 = _____

B. Perform the indicated operation. Write your answer inside the box connected to
the shaded region of the following normal curve.
 1. What have you noticed on the first activity?
2. How would you described the shaded part of each curve with regards to the number
on the horizontal line?
3. Refer to Activity B, what are the similarities or differences of number 1 and 2?
number 3,4 and 5?
4. When do you add or subtract the obtained value from the table of the area under
normal curve?
5. Is it possible that the answer will be a negative? Why?

In the previous lesson, we discussed the properties of the normal probability

distribution and one of them that we learned is the total area under the curve is equal
to one. Since the standard normal distribution is defined as normally distributed
random variable having a mean of zero ( µ= 0 ) and standard deviation of one (ơ =
1), the fifty (50) percent of the region under the curve is below the mean and the
other 50% is above the mean. The illustration is provided below.
 We can easily identify the area of the regions under normal curve by using the Table
of Areas under the Normal Curve which is also known as z-Table (​see attachment at the last
page of this chapter​). This table gives an area to any value of z from -3.99 to 3.99. The value
from this table will describe the area of the specific region of the curve to the left of the given
z-value.

How to use the Table of Areas under the Normal Curve?

Example​: Find the area to the left of -1.69

Solution​: First, split the given z-value into hundredths, we can find the whole number and
the tenths digit ​(-1.6) ​at left side of the table while the hundredths ​(0.09) located at the upper
most of the table. Then the intersection of these numbers will be the area of the normal
curve to the left of the z-value.

Illustration:

Answer​: The area to the left of z= -1.69 is 0.0455.

 STEPS ON HOW TO FIND THE AREA THAT CORRESPONDS TO Z
–VALUE

1. Draw/sketch a normal curve and locate the given z-value on the normal curve
2. Shade the region of the curve according to the condition of z-value whether it is
below, above or between.
3. Use the table of the area under the normal curve to find the corresponding area
4. Choose the appropriate operation based on step 2 and 3
4.1. When the z-value is to the left or any related terms (e.g. below, less than) just
write the value we obtained in step 3
4.2. When the z-value is to the right or any related terms (e.g. above, greater
than), subtract 1 by the obtained value in step 3
4.3. When the shaded region is in between of the two z-value, subtract the biggest
by smallest value obtained in step 3
5. Label the shaded region.

Example 1: Find the area that corresponds below z = -1.35

Solution:
Step 1.​ Draw/sketch a normal curve and locate the given z-value.

Step 2​: Shade the region of the curve according to the condition of z-value whether it
​is below, above or between.
Step 3​. Use the table of the area under the normal curve to find the corresponding
area

The intersection between -1.3 and 0.05 is 0.0885

Step 4​. Choose the appropriate operation based on step 2 and 3

4.1 When the z-value is to the left or any related terms (e.g. below, less than)
just write the value we obtained in step 3

Since the shaded region of the curve is to the left of the z= -1.35 and the
intersection between -1.3 and 0.05 is 0.0885. Therefore, the area of the
shaded region is 0.0885

Step 5.​ Label the shaded region.

Example 2: Find the area to the right of z = -1.35

Step 1:

Step 2:
 Step 3.
The intersection between -1.3 and 0.05 is 0.0885

Step 4.
Since the shaded region is to the right of z-value, we will
subtract 0.0885 to 1. The difference is 0.9915

Step 5

Example 3: Find the area between z = -1.30 and z = 2

Step 1:
 Step 2:

Step 3. The value that corresponds to z= 1.3 is 0.0968 and z= 2 is 0.4772

Step 4. Since the shaded region is within the two z-value, subtract
0.4772 by 0.0968. The difference is 0.8804

Step 5 The area between z = -1.3 and z= 2 is 0.8804

Find the area that corresponds to each of the following z values. Sketch and label each
curve.

1. to the right of z = 2.18

2. below z= -1.40
3. above z= 0.57
 4. between z = -2.34 and z = 1.57
5. between z = 0.32 and z = 2.42

Please share your own thoughts here.

Directions: Shade the letter that corresponds to the ​BEST​ answer.

1. What will you do to find the area between the two z values?
O A. Subtract the obtained value from the Z table to 1
O B. Rewrite the value obtained from z table
O C. Subtract the two obtained value from the z table.
O D. Calculate the mean and standard deviation

2. What is the another term of z table?

O A. Table of Areas of Geometric Figure O C. Table of Contents
O B. Table of Areas Under Normal Curve O D. Periodic Table

3. What is the area between z = 0.23 and z = 1.99 ?

O A. 0.3858 O B. 0.3588 O C. 0.8239 O D. 0.8583

4. Which of the following is the best illustration of the area to the left of z =1?
O A. O B. O C. OD
 5. Find the area of above z= 2.14
O A. 0.052 O B. 0.0162 O C. 0.0324 O D. 0.9838

LESSON 3: Converting Raw Score to Standard ​z​ – score

In this lesson, you will learn how to convert a normal random variable X
to standard normal variable z and vice-versa. Moreover, this self-learning kit in
this particular lesson, will enable you solve real-life problems.
Included in this self-learning kit are pre-test and post-test. Please
answer the pre-test and post-test in order to assess the progress of your
learning.

This Self-Learning Kit module is designed to help the students in

understanding the concepts of probability distribution and its corresponding
histogram. This will serve as your guide to better understand the topics in
Statistics and Probability. A pre-test is given in this module before the
self-learning kit proper to determine a student’s baseline knowledge or level of
preparedness for their course of study. Enjoy learning in this module as you
go over with discussion and examples if you have not yet mastered a concept.

Read and analyze each of the following statements carefully. Then shade the
circle that corresponds to the letter of the correct answer..

1. W​ ​If the scores in a Probability and Statistics

test are normally distributed with a mean of 25 and standard
deviation of 3.5. What is the z-score for a score of 30?
A. 1.43 B. -1.43 C. 1.06 D. 0.72

2. ​Gracia, an ALS student, obtained a z-score of 2.35 in an

achievement test that is normally distributed with a mean grade
of 83 and standard deviation of 5. What was Gracia’s grade in
the achievement test?
A. 71.25 B. 94.75 C. 85.35 D. 80.65
 3.​ ​In a normal distribution with a mean of 15 and standard
deviation of 3, what does a z-score of -2 indicate?
A. It indicates that the score is below the mean.
B. It indicates that the score is equal to 9.
C. It indicates that the difference between the score and the
mean
is 6.
D. All of the above

4. Ronnie and Loida who are best friends took a college

entrance examination. The mean score and standard deviation of
the examination are 110 and 15 respectively. If Ronnie and Loida
obtained z-scores of 1.25 and -0.75 respectively, what was their
scores in the examination?

A. 128.75 and 98.75 D. 140.75 and 100.75

B. 120.75 and 88.75
C. 130 and 99

5. The velocities of cars in express way are normally

distributed with a mean of 90 km/hr and standard deviation of 10
km/hr. Jessie’s velocity has a z-score of 2.5, what was his
velocity?
A. 100 km/hr B. 105 km/hr C. 110 km/hr D. 115 km/hr

1. Convert a Normal Random Variable to a Standard Normal Variable

and vice-versa ​(M11/12SP-IIIc-4)​.

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Express normal random variable (x) as standard normal variable (z).
2. Express standard normal variable (z) as normal random variable (x).
3. Apply the concepts of normal random and standard normal variables in solving
real-life problems.

Procedure/Learning Experience

“Complete Me”
 Complete the table below by filling in the correct value of the required
variable. Recall that z = x−σ μ .

Z x μ σ
___ 23 18 4
-1.17 ___ 125 30
___ 515 475 100
0.565 ___ 15.5 5.5

This time, you need to reflect on the following questions. Answer the
following questions:

1. How did you find the activity?

2. How did you able to find the value of z? x?
3. Can you derive a formula in finding the value of x?
4. How about for the value of μ and σ ?

In solving real-life problems involving the normal curve, it is very important to

convert a random variable x to a standard normal variable or ​z-score. ​This
procedure is known as ​“standardizing” or ​“standardization” of a random
variable, where a standardized value is called a ​z-score. ​A z-score is a
measure of the number of standard deviations ( σ ) a particular data value is
away from the mean ( μ ). Suppose your score on a test in Probability and
Statistics was 39 and the scores are normally distributed with a mean of 33
and standard deviation of 3, then your score is exactly 2 standard deviations
above the mean. If you scored 30, then it is exactly 1 standard deviation below
the mean. All values that are above the mean have positive z-scores and all
values that are below the mean have negative z-scores. If you obtained a
z-score of -3, this means that your score is 3 standard deviations below the
mean, that is, 33 – 3(3) = 33 – 9 = 24.
 Given any value x from a normal distribution with mean μ and standard
deviation σ , to convert x to a z-score (standard normal score), you need to;
(a) Subtract the mean μ from x.
(b) Divide this quantity, x – , by the standard deviation σ .
In equation, a z-score is defined as:
z = x−σ μ
where: z – standard normal score or z – score
x – any data value in a normal distribution
μ - mean
σ - standard deviation
Example 1.
Suppose IQ scores are normally distributed with a mean of 100 and
standard deviation of 10. If your IQ is 85, what was your z-score?
Solutions:
The z-score can be computed using the formula;
z = x−σ μ
z = 85−100
10 = −15
10 = ​-1.5

Example 2.
On a nationwide placement test that is normally distributed, the mean
was 125 and standard deviation was 15. If you scored 149, what was your
z-score?
Solutions:
Using the formula z = x−σ μ ,
z = 149−125
15
24
= 15
= ​1.60

Example 3.
The heights of teachers in Sta. Catalina National High School are
normally distributed with a mean of 150 cm and standard deviation of 15 cm.
The height of Sir Victor has a z-score of 3.25. What is the actual height of Sir
Victor?
Solutions:
In this example, z-score is given while the normal random variable is
unknown. To solve for the normal random variable x, multiply the z-score (z)
by the standard deviation σ , then add the mean μ . Therefore;
x = zσ + μ
= 3.25(15 cm) + 150 cm
= 48.75 cm + 150 cm
= ​198.75 cm

Example 4.
 The time it takes for a cell to divide is normally distributed with an
average of 60 minutes and standard deviation of 5 minutes. How long will it
take for a given cell to divide if its mitosis has a z-score of -1.35?
Solutions:
x = zσ + μ
= -1.35(5 min) + 60 min
= -6.75 min + 60 min
= ​53.25 minutes

Solve the following problems.

1. The mean number of hours a Filipino worker spends on the computer is

3.1 hours per workday. Assume the standard deviation is 0.5 hour and is
normally distributed, how long does a worker spend on the computer if his
z-score is 1.25?
2. Each month, a Filipino household generates an average of 28 pounds of
newspaper for garbage or recycling. Assume the standard deviation is 2
pounds. Determine the z-score of a household that generates 22 pounds
of newspaper.

3. The Candelaria Automobile Association reports that the average time it

takes to respond to an emergency call is 30 minutes. Assume the variable
is normally distributed and the standard deviation is 4.5 minutes. How long
will a call be responded if it has a z-score of 0.75?

4. The average monthly salary for first-year teachers is P21,945. If the

distribution is approximately normal with a standard deviation of P3250.
How much will a teacher earn in a month if his salary has a z-score of
1.15?
Please share your thoughts here.

Read and analyze each of the following statements carefully. Then shade the
circle that corresponds to the letter of the correct answer.

1. If the scores in a Probability and Statistics test

are normally distributed with a mean of 25 and standard
deviation of 3.5. What is the z-score for a score of 30?
A. 1.43 B. -1.43 C. 1.06 D. 0.72

2. Gracia, an ALS student, obtained a z-score of 2.35 in an

achievement test that is normally distributed with a mean grade
of 83 and standard deviation of 5. What was Gracia’s grade in
the achievement test?
A. 71.25 B. 94.75 C. 85.35 D. 80.65

3. In a normal distribution with a mean of 15 and standard

deviation of 3, what does a z-score of -2 indicate?
A. It indicates that the score is below the mean.
B. It indicates that the score is equal to 9.
C. It indicates that the difference between the score and the mean
is 6.
 D. All of the above

4. Ronnie and Loida who are best friends took a college

entrance examination. The mean score and standard deviation
of the examination are 110 and 15 respectively. If Ronnie and
Loida obtained z-scores of 1.25 and -0.75 respectively, what was
their scores in the examination?

A. 128.75 and 98.75 D. 140.75 and 100.75

B. 120.75 and 88.75
C. 130 and 99

5. The velocities of cars in express way are normally distributed

with a mean of 90 km/hr and standard deviation of 10 km/hr.
Jessie’s velocity has a z-score of 2.5, what was his velocity?
A. 100 km/hr B. 105 km/hr C. 110 km/hr D. 115 km/hr

LESSON 4: Identifying Regions of Areas Under

the Normal Curve

In this lesson, you will learn how to apply the z-score in finding
probabilities and percentiles by simply looking at the Table of Standard
Normal Distribution. Moreover, this self-learning kit in this particular lesson,
will enable you to solve real-life problems about probabilities and percentiles.

Included in this self-learning kit are pre-test and post-test. Please

answer the pre-test and post-test in order to assess the progress of your
learning.
 Read and analyze each of the following statements carefully. Then
shade the circle that corresponds to the letter of the correct answer.

1. ​Which of the following notations indicate the

probability of a z value from the left?
A. P(Z > z) B. P(Z < z) C. P(X < x) D. P(X > x)
2. What is the probability of z value indicated by
P(Z < -1.78)?
A. 0.0375 B. 0.9625 C. 0.9633 D. 0.3075
3. The ages of ALS students enrolled at Sta.
Catalina National High School are normally distributed with a
mean of 19 years and standard deviation of 3.5 years. If a
student is selected at random, what is the probability that his
age is under 22 years?
A. 19.49% B. 80.51% C. 11.67% D. 90.57%

4. The weekly sales of ABM students on their “Go

Negosyo” project are normally distributed with mean of P3,200
and standard deviation of P500. What percent of their weekly
sales are over P4,000?
A. 94.52% B. 77.34% C. 5.48% D. 22.57%
5. To lessen the number of non-numerates in Sta.
Catalina National High School, the Math department
implemented Project MEAN (Masterful Elimination of All
Non-numerates). A student is required to undergo with the
program if he/she scored below 20 in the numeracy test. If the
scores of the students in the numeracy test are normally
distributed with a mean of 30.50 and standard deviation of 9.5,
what percentage of the students needed to undergo with the
program?
A. 13.35% B. 86.65% C. 11.27% D. 14.45%

1. Computes probabilities and percentiles using the standard normal

distribution table. ​(M11/12SP-IIIc-d-1)

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Compute probabilities and percentiles related to a given z-score.

 2. Compute probabilities and percentiles related to a given normal
random variable X.
3. Solve real-life problems applying probabilities and percentiles related
to a given z-score and normal random variable X.

Procedure/Learning Experience

“Survey Me”
Find the area of the shaded region under the normal curve.
1. 2.

3. 4.
5. 6.

●
1. How did you find the activity?
2. How did you find the area of the shaded region at the left of a given
z-score?
3. How did you find the area of the shaded region with a negative
z-score? positive z-score?
4. How did you find the area of the shaded region in between two given
z-scores?
5. How did you find the area of the shaded region at the right of a given
z-score?
6. How did you find the area of the shaded region at the left of a given
normal random variable X?
7. How did you find the area of the shaded region in between two given
normal random variables?

A normal distribution curve can be used as a probability distribution

curve for normally distributed variables. The area under the standard normal
distribution curve can also be thought of as a probability. That is, if it were
possible to select any z value at random, the probability of choosing one, say,
at the left of 1.45 would be the same as the area under the curve at the left of
1.45. In this case, the area is 0.9265. Therefore, the probability of randomly
selecting a z value at the left of 1.45 is 0.9265 or 92.65%. The problems
involving probabilities and percentiles are solved in the same manner as
finding the areas under a normal curve.
In finding probabilities, the following notations will be used;
(a) P(Z < z) – Probability at the left of z.
(b) P(Z > z) = 1 – P(Z < z) – Probability at the right of z
(c) P(a < z < b) – Probability of z that is in between two other z values
a and b.
(d) P(X < x) – Probability at the left of a normal random variable x
(e) P(X > x) – Probability at the right of a normal random variable x
(f) P(a < X < b) – Probability of a normal random variable X that is in
between two other normal random variables a and b.

Example 1.
Find the probabilities for each of the following;
(a) P(Z < 1.32)
(b) P(Z < -1.05)
(c) P(-0.75 < Z < 1.56)
(d) P(Z > -0.88

Solutions:
(a) The probability P(Z < 1.32) means to find the area under the normal
curve at the left of z = 1.32. From the table, find the intersection of
the row 1.3 and the column 0.02. Thus, the probability is ​0.9066 or
90.66%.

(b) The probability P(Z < -1.05) is the same as the area under the
normal curve at the left of z = -1.05. From the table, the area is
0.1469. Thus, the probability is ​0.1469 or 14.69%.
(c) The probability P(-0.75 < Z < 1.56) is the same as the area under
the normal curve between z values -0.75 and 1.56. To get the area,
subtract the area of z = -0.75 from the area of z = 1.56. Thus,
P(-0.75 < Z < 1.56) = P(Z < 1.56) – P(Z < -0.75) = 0.9406 –
0.2266 = ​0.7140.

(e) The probability P(Z > -0.88) is the same as the area under the
normal curve at the right of z = -0.88. To get the area, subtract the
area of z = -0.88 from 1. Thus, P(Z > -0.88) = 1 – P(Z < -0.88) = 1 –
0.1894 = ​0.8106.
Example 2.
Let X be a normal random variable with mean μ = 15 and standard
deviation σ = 3. Find the following probabilities.
(a) P(X < 19)
(b) P(10 < X < 19)

Solutions:
(a) To find the probability, convert the normal random variable 19 to a
z-score. Thus, P(X < 19) = P(Z < x−σ μ ) = P(Z < 19−3 15 ) = P(Z < 34
) = P(Z < 1.33). From the table, the probability at the left of z = 1.33
is equal to ​0.9082 or 90.82%.

(a) To find the probability, convert the normal random variables 10 and
19 to z values. Thus, P(10 < X < 19) = P( 10−15 3 < Z < 19−15
3 )=
P(-1.67 < Z < 1.33) = P(Z < 1.33) – P(Z < -1.67). From the table,
we have 0.9082 – 0.0475 = ​0.8607.

These probabilities can also be applied in real-life problems.

Example 3.
The mean number of hours a Filipino worker spends on the computer is 3.1
hours per workday. Suppose the spending time is normally distributed with standard
deviation of 0.5 hour, find the percentage of workers who spend less than 3.5 hours
on the computer assuming that the variable is normally distributed.

Solutions:
The percentage of workers who spend less than 3.5 hours is the same as the
area under the normal curve at the left of normal random variable 3.5 hours. Convert
3.5 to a z value. That is, z = 3.5−3.1
0.5
= 0.8. From the table, area at the left of z = 0.8 is
0.7881. Thus, the percentage of workers who spend less than 3.5 hours is ​78.81%.
Example 4.
Each month, a Filipino household generates an average of 28 pounds of
newspaper for garbage or recycling. Assume that the distribution is normal with
standard deviation of 2 pounds. If a household is selected at random, find the
probability of its generating
a. Between 27 and 31 pounds per month.
b. More than 30.2 pounds per month.
Solutions:
(a) The probability of generating between 27 and 31 pounds is P(27 < X <
31). This is equal to P( 27−28 < Z < 31−28 ) = P(-0.5 < Z < 1.50) = P(Z <
2 2
1.50) – P(Z < -0.5) = 0.9332 – 0.3085 = 0.6247. Thus, the probability of
generating between 27 and 31 pounds of newspaper per month is ​0.6247
or 62.47%.

(b) The probability of generating more than 30.2 pounds per month is
equivalent to P(X > 30.2) which is equal to 1 – P(X < 30.2) since it
is right tailed. 1 – P(X < 30.2) = 1 – P(Z < 30.2−28
2 ) = 1 – P(Z <
1.10) = 1 – 0.8643 = 0.1357. Thus, the probability of generating
more than 30.2 pounds of newspaper per month is ​0.1357 or
13.57%.
Example 5.
The Candelaria Automobile Association reports that the average time it takes
to respond to an emergency call is 35 minutes. Assume the variable is approximately
normal and the standard deviation is 5.5 minutes. If 200 calls are randomly selected,
approximately how many will be responded to in less than 25 minutes?

Solutions:
Here, the number of calls to be responded to in less than 25 minutes is equal
to the percentage of 200 calls to be responded in less than 25 minutes. First, find
P(X < 25). P(X < 25) = P(Z < 25−35 5.5
) = P(Z < -1.82). From the table, this is equal
to 0.0344. Thus, there will be (0.0344)(200) = 6.88 or approximately ​7 calls will be
responded to in less than 25 minutes.

Example 6.
To help students improve their reading, Candelaria East district decides to
implement a reading program. It is to be administered to the bottom 5% of the
students in the district, based on the scores on a reading achievement test which are
normally distributed. If the average score for the students in the district is 122.6 and
the standard deviation is 18, find the cut off score that will make a student eligible for
the program.

Solutions:
The problem is asking for a normal random variable that corresponds to a z
value and occupying an area of 5% or 0.05 from the left under the normal curve. To
find this normal random variable which is the cut off score that will make a student
eligible for the reading program, look for the z value on the table corresponding to an
area of 0.05 and that is equal to -1.645. Then convert this z value to a normal
random variable x, that is, x = z σ + μ = (-1.645)(18) + 122.6 = -29.61 + 122.6 =
92.99. Therefore, a student will be eligible in the reading program if he scored ​92.99
and below.
Example 7.
To pass in the accreditation and equivalency (A&E) test , ALS students must
score in the top 15% on general abilities test. The test has a mean of 200 and a
standard deviation of 20. Find the lowest possible score to pass the test assuming
the test scores are normally distributed.

Solutions:
The lowest possible score is the normal random variable corresponding to a z
value occupying an area of 0.15 from the right of the normal curve. To solve for the
required variable, find P(Z > z) = 0.15
P(Z > z) = 0.15
1 – P(Z < z) = 0.15
P(Z < z) = 1 – 0.15 since it is right tailed
= 0.85 from the table, look for the z value corresponding to this area.
Thus, z = 1.03 then convert this to a normal random variable x
x = z σ + μ = (1.03)(20) + 200 = 220.6
Therefore, the lowest possible score to pass the test is ​220.6.
 This time, it’s your turn to shine. Answer the following problems.
Solve the following problems.
1. Use the Table of Standard Normal distribution to find the probabilities of
the following;
(a) P(Z < -1.45)
(b) P(0.5 < Z < 2.33)
(c) P(Z > 1.78)

2. X is a normally distributed random variable with a mean of 60 and

standard deviation of 8. Find the probabilities indicated by using the table.
(a) P(X < 52)
(b) P(48 < X < 64)
(c) P(X > 57)

3. The average number of calories in a 1.8-ounce chocolate bar is 230.

Suppose that the distribution of calories is approximately normal with a
standard deviation of 10. Find the probability that a randomly selected
chocolate bar will have less than 200 calories.

4. The average monthly salary of 500 teachers of Candelaria East district is

P26,500. If the monthly salaries of the teachers are normally distributed
with standard deviation of P2,500, approximately how many teachers in
the district are earning more than P30,000 monthly?

Please write your own insights here.

 Read and analyze each of the following statements carefully. Then
shade the circle that corresponds to the letter of the correct answer.

1. Which of the following notations indicate the

probability of a z value from the left?
A. P(Z > z) B. P(Z < z) C. P(X < x) D. P(X > x)

2. ​What is the probability of z value indicated by P(Z < -1.78)?

A. 0.0375 B. 0.9625 C. 0.9633 D. 0.3075

3. The ages of ALS students enrolled at Sta. Catalina National

High School are normally distributed with a mean of 19 years
and standard deviation of 3.5 years. If a student is selected at
random, what is the probability that his age is under 22 years?
A. 19.49% B. 80.51% C. 11.67% D. 90.57%
4. The weekly sales of ABM students on their “Go Negosyo”
project are normally distributed with mean of P3,200 and
standard deviation of P500. What percent of their weekly sales
are over P4,000?
A. 94.52% B. 77.34% C. 5.48% D. 22.57%

5. To lessen the number of non-numerates in Sta. Catalina

National High School, the Math department implemented
Project MEAN (Masterful Elimination of All Non-numerates). A
student is required to undergo with the program if he/she
scored below 20 in the numeracy test. If the scores of the
students in the numeracy test are normally distributed with a
mean of 30.50 and standard deviation of 9.5, what percentage
of the students needed to undergo with the program?
A. 13.35% B. 86.65% C. 11.27% D. 14.45%