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7.1 The normal distribution

The histograms below show the distribution of heights of adult males in a

particular city.

As the class width reduces, the distribution gets smoother.

The distribution becomes bell-shaped and is symmetrical about the mean.

You can model the heights of adult males in this city using a normal distribution ,

With mean 175 cm and standard deviation 12cm.

Notation
If 𝑋 is a normally distributed random variable, you write 𝑋~𝑁(𝜇, 𝜎 2 )

Where 𝜇 is the population mean and 𝜎 2 is the population variance.

 The normal distribution :

 has parameters 𝜇, the population mean, and 𝜎 2 , the population variance
 is symmetrical (mean = median =mode)
 has a bell-shaped curve with asymptotes at each end
 has a total area under the curve equal to 1
 has points of inflection at 𝜇 + 𝜎 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜇 − 𝜎
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For a normally distributed variable:

Approximately 68% of the data lies within one standard deviation of the mean
95% of the data lies within two standard Deviations of the mean
Nearly all of the data (99.7%) lies within three standard deviations of the mean
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Example 1 SKILLS PROBLEM-SOLVING

The diameters of a metal pin produced by a particular machine, Xmm, are modeled as
𝑋~𝑁(8,0,22). Find
a P(𝑋 > 8) b P(7.8 < 𝑋 < 8.2)

Example 7A SKILLS PROBLEM-SOLVING

State, with a reason, whether these random variables are discrete or continuous:
a 𝑋, the lengths of a random sample of 100 sidewinder snakes in the Sahara desert

b 𝑌, the scores achieved by 250 students in a university entrance exam

c 𝐶, the masses of honey badgers in a random sample of 1000

d 𝑄, the shoe sizes of 200 randomly selected women in a particular town.

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The lengths, 𝑋mm, of a bolt produced by a particular machine are normally

distributed with mean 33 min and standard deviation 0.4 mm. Sketch the distribution of
𝑋.

The distribution of incomes in $1000s per year, of employees at a bank is shown on

the right. State, with reasons, why the normal distribution is not a suitable model for
there data
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The arm spans of a group of Yeas 5 students, 𝑋 cm, are modeled as

𝑋~𝑁(120,16).

a State the proportion of students who have an span between 116 cm and 124cm.

b State the proportion of students who have an span between 112 cm and
128cm.
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The lengths of a group of snakes, 𝑌 cm, are modeled as 𝑌~𝑁 (100, 𝜎 2 ). If 68% of

The snakes have a length between 93cm and 107 cm, find 𝜎 2

The weights of a group of mice, 𝐷 grams, are modeled as 𝐷~𝑁(𝜇, 25).

If 97.5% of the mice weigh less than 70 grams, find 𝜇

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The masses of the sheep, 𝑀 kg, on a farm are modeled as 𝑀~𝑁 (𝜇, 𝜎 2 ). If the

Sheep weigh more than 52kg and 97.5% of the sheep weigh more than 47.5kg find 𝜇 and
𝜎2

The percentage scores, 𝑆 of a group of students in a test are modeled as a normal

distribution

With mean 45 and standard deviation 15. Find.

a P (𝑠 > 45) b P(30 < 𝑠 < 60) c P 915 < 𝑠 < 75)

Alexia states that since it is impossible to score above 100%, this is not a suitable model.

d State, with a reason, whether or not Alexia is correct.

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The diagram shows the distribution of heights, in cm, of barn owls in the UK.

An ornithologist notices that the distribution is approximately normal.

a State the value of the mean height.

b Estimate the standard deviation of the heights.

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7. 2 Using tables to find probabilities of the standard normal

distribution 𝑍

 tables are provided in this textbook and exam to help you calculate probabilities for
the standard normal distribution, 𝑍.
 The standard normal variable is usually denoted by 𝑍 and has a mean of 0 and a standard
deviation of 1. The common way of writing this is:
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Example 2 SKILLS INTERPRETATION

Use the normal distribution tables to find :

a P(𝑍 < 1.54) b P(𝑍 > 2.65)

c P(𝑍 < −0.75) d P (−1.20 < 𝑍 < 1.40)

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Example 7B SKILLS INTERPRETATION

Use the normal distribution tables to find the following:
a P (𝑍 < 2.27) b P(𝑍 > −1.66) c P(𝑍 < −2.28)

d P (𝑍 < −0.38) e P(1.30 < 𝑍 < 1.89) f P(𝑍 < −1.63)

g P(−2.16 < 𝑍 − 0.85) h P(−157 < 𝑍 < 1.57)

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7. 3 Using tables to find the value of 𝑧 given a probability

The table of percentage points of the normal distribution gives the value of 𝑧

For various values of however, sometimes you will need to use main table.

You should remember that be symmetry, if P(𝑍 > 1.286) = 0.1 then P(𝑍 < −1.286) =
0.1 as well.

If P(𝑍 < 𝑎)is greater than 0.5 then 𝑎 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 > 0

If P(𝑍 < 𝑎)is less than 0.5 then 𝑎 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 < 0

If P(𝑍 < 𝑎)is less than 0.5 then 𝑎 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 > 0

If P(𝑍 < 𝑎)is greater than 0.5 then 𝑎 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 < 0

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Example 3 SKILLS INTERPRETATION

Find the value of the constant 𝑎such that P (𝑍 < 𝑎) = 0.7517

Example 4 SKILLS INTERPRETATION

Find the value of the constant 𝑎 such that P(𝑍 > 𝑎) = 0.100

Example 5 SKILLS INTERPRETATION

Find the value of the constant 𝑎 such that P(𝑍 > 𝑎) = 0.0322
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Example 6 SKILLS INTERPRETATION

Find the value of the constant 𝑎 such that P(𝑍 > 𝑎) = 0.1075

Example 7 SKILLS INTERPRETATION

Use the tables to find P (𝑍 < 𝑎) = 0.75
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Exercise 7C SKILLS INTERPRETATION

Find the value of 𝑎 in the following:
a P(𝑍 < 𝑎) = 0.3336 b P (𝑍 > 𝑎) = 0.6879

c P(𝑍 > 𝑎) = 0.1112 d P(−𝑎 < 𝑍 < 𝑎) = 5820

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For the standard normal distribution 𝑍~𝑁(0,12 ), find values of 𝑎 such that:
a P(𝑍 < 𝑎) = 0.9082 b P(𝑍 > 𝑎) = 0.0314

c P(𝑍 > 𝑎) = 0.1500 d P(𝑍 > 𝑎) = 0.9500

e P(0 < 𝑍 < 𝑎) = 0.35554 f P(0 < 𝑍 < 𝑎) = 0.4946

g P(−𝑎 < 𝑍 < 𝑎) = 0.80) h P(−𝑎 < 𝑍 < 𝑎) = 0.40

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7. 4 The standard normal distribution

It is often useful to standardise normally distributed random variables. You do this by

coding

The data so that it can be modelled be the standard normal distribution .

The standard normal distribution has mean 0 and standard deviation1.

If 𝑋~𝑁 (𝜇, 𝜎 2 ) is a normal random variable with mean 𝜇 and standard deviation 𝜎,
𝑋−𝜇
Then you can code 𝑍 using the formula: 𝑍 =
𝜎

Hint
𝑥−𝜇
If 𝑋 = 𝑥 then the corresponding value of 𝑋 will be 𝑧 = .
𝜎

𝑥−𝜇 𝜎
The mean of the coded data will be = 0 and the standard deviation will =1
𝜎 𝜎

The resulting 𝑍 –values will be normally distributed with 0 and standard deviation 1.

For the standard normal curve 𝑍~𝑁(0,12 ), the probability P (𝑍 < 𝑎) is sometimes written
as Ф(𝑎).

You can find it by entering 𝜇 = 0 and 𝜎 = 1 into the normal cumulative distribution
function on your calculator, or by using the tables.
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Example 8 SKILLS INTERPRETATION

The random variable 𝑋~𝑁(50,42 ). Find

a P (𝑋 < 53) b P(𝑋 ≥ 55)

Example 9 SKILLS INTERPRETATION

The random variable 𝑋~𝑁(20,9).Find the of 𝑏 such that P (𝑌 > 𝑏) = 0.0485
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Example 10 Skills – Problem-Solving; Analysis

The blood pressure of an adult population, 𝑆mmHg, is modelled as a normal distribution
with mean 127 and standard deviation 16.

A medical researcher wants to study adults with blood pressures higher than the 95 th
percentile. Find the minimum blood pressure for an adult included in her study.

Exercise 7D Skills – Problem-Solving; Analysis

The random variable 𝑋~𝑁 (20,42 ). Find

a P (𝑋 ≤ 26) b P (𝑋 < 30) c P (𝑋 ≥ 17)

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Given that 𝑋~𝑁(18,10), find the following probabilities:

a P (𝑋 ≤ 20) b P (𝑋 < 15)

The random variable 𝑋~𝑁(24,32 ). Find :

a P(𝑋 ≤ 29) b P (𝑋 ≥ 22)

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The random variable 𝑋~𝑁(30,25)

Find the value of 𝑎 such that P(𝑌 > 𝑎) = 0.30

The random variable 𝑋~𝑁 (15,9)

Find the value of 𝑎 such that P(𝑌 > 𝑎) = 0.15

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The random variable 𝑋~𝑁(100,225)

Find the value of 𝑠 and 𝑡 such that:

a P (𝑌 > 𝑠) = 975 b P(𝑌 > 𝑡) = 0.10 c Write down P(𝑠 < 𝑌 < 𝑡)

Given that 𝑋~𝑁(80,42 ),

a find the values 𝑎 and 𝑏when:

i P(𝑋 > 𝑎) = 0.40 ii P(𝑋 < 𝑏) = 0.5636

b write down P(𝑏 < 𝑋 < 𝑎)

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The random variable 𝑋~𝑁 (0.8,0.052 ). for each of the following values of 𝑋,write down
the corresponding value of the standardized normal distribution , 𝑍~𝑁(0,12 )

a 𝑥 = 0.8 b 𝑥 = 0.792 c 𝑥 = 0.81 d 𝑥 = 0.837

The normal distribution 𝑋~𝑁(154,122 ). Write in terms of Ф(𝑧):

a P(𝑋 < 154) b P(𝑋 < 160)

c P (𝑋 > 151) d P (140 < 𝑋 < 155)

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a Use the percentage points table to find a value of 𝑧 such that P (𝑍 > 𝑧) = 0.025
(1mark)

b A pilot training programme takes only the top 2.5% of candidates on a test.
with mean 80 and Given that the scores can be modeled using a normal distribution
standard deviation 4, use your answer to part 𝒂 to find the score necessary to get on
the programme. (2marks)

a Use the percentage points table to find a value of 𝑧 such that P(𝑍 < 𝑧) = 0.15
(1mark)

b A hat manufacturer makes a special ‘little’ hat which should fit 15% of its customers.
Given that hat sizes can be modeled using a normal distribution with mean 57cm and
standard deviation 2 cm, use your answer to part 𝒂 to find the size of a ‘little’ hat. . (2
marks)
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a Use the percentage points table to find a value of 𝑧 that correspond to the 10% to
90% inter- percentile range. (2 mark)

A particular of light bulb has a life modeled as a normal distribution with mean 1175
hours and standard deviation 56 hours. The bulb life is considered ‘standard’ if its life falls
into the 10% to 90% inter-percentile range.

b Use your answer to part 𝒂 to find the range of life to the nearest hour for a ‘standard’
bulb. (2 mark)
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7.5 Finding 𝝁 and 𝝈

Example 11 SKILLS INTERPRETATION
The random variable 𝑋~𝑁(𝜇, 32 ).

Given that P (𝑋 > 20) = 0.20, find the value of 𝜇

Example 12
A machine makes metal sheets with width , 𝑋cm ,modeled as a normal distribution such
that

𝑋~𝑁 (50𝜎 2 ).

a Given that P (𝑋 < 46) = 0.2119,find the value of 𝜎.

b Find the 90𝑡ℎ percentile of the widths.

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Example 13 Skills – Problem-Solving

The random variable 𝑋~𝑁(𝜇, 𝜎 2 ).

Given that P(𝑋 > 35) = 0.025 and P (𝑋 < 15) = 0.1469, find the value of 𝜇 and the value
of 𝜎.

Exercise 7E
1. The random variable 𝑋~𝑁(𝜇, 52 ) and P (𝑋 < 18) = 0.9032 Find the value of 𝜎

2. The random variable 𝑋~𝑁(11, 𝜎 2 ) and P (𝑋 > 20) = 0.01 Find the value of 𝜎
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3. The random variable 𝑌~𝑁(𝜇, 40) and P (𝑌 < 25) = 0.15 Find the value of 𝜎

4. The random variable 𝑌~𝑁(50, 𝜎 2 ) and P (𝑌 > 40) = 0.6554 Find the value of 𝜎

The random variable 𝑋~𝑁(𝜇, 𝜎 2 ).

Given that P(𝑋 < 17) = 0.8159 and P(𝑋 < 25) = 0.9970,find the value of 𝜇
and the value of 𝜎
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The random variable 𝑌~𝑁 (𝜇, 𝜎 2 ).

Given that P(𝑌 < 15) = 0.10 and P (𝑌 > 35) = 0.005 , find the value 𝜇 and the value of 𝜎.

The random variable 𝑌~𝑁(𝜇, 𝜎 2 ).

Given that P (𝑋 > 15) = 0.20 and P(𝑋 < 9) = 0.20 find the value of 𝜇 and the value of 𝜎.
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The random variable 𝑋~𝑁(𝜇, 𝜎 2 ). The lower quartile of 𝑋 is 25 and the upper quartile
of 𝑋is 45.find the value of 𝜇 and the value of 𝜎.

The random variable 𝑋~𝑁(0, 𝜎 2 ). Given that P(−4 < 𝑋 < 4) = 0.6, find the value of
𝜎.

The random variable 𝑋~𝑁(2.58, 𝜎 2 ).

Given that P (𝑋 > 2𝑎 ) = 0.2 and P (𝑋 < 𝑎) = 0.4, find the value of 𝑎.
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An automated wheel is used to make bowls. The diameter of the bowls, 𝐷mm, is
normally distributed with mean 𝜇 and standard deviation 5mm. given that 75% of bowls are
greater than 200mm in diameter, find :

a the value of 𝜇 (2 marks)

b P (204 < 𝐷 < 206) (1 marks)

Three bowls are chosen at random.

c Find the probability that all three bowls are greater than 205 mm in diameter. (3
marks)
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A loom makes tablecloths with an average thickness of 2.5 mm. The thickness,

mm, can be modeled using a normal distribution. Given that 65% of tablecloths are lessT

than 2.55mm thick, find:

A the standard deviation the thickness (2 marks)

B the proportion of tablecloths with thickness between 2.4 mm and 2.6mm. (1

marks)

A tablecloth can be sold if the thickness is between2.4mm and 2.6 mm

A sample of 20 tablecloths is taken.

C Find the Probability that at least 15 tablecloths can sold. (3 marks)

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The masses of the penguin on an island are found to be normally distributed with

mean𝜇, and standard deviation 𝜎. Given that 10% of the penguins have a mass less then

18 kg and 5% of the penguins have a mass greater than 30kg.

a sketch a diagram to represent this information (2 marks)

b find the value of 𝜇 and the value of 𝜎. (6 marks)

penguins are chosen at random.

c Find the probability that at least 4 of than have mass greater than 24 kg. (4
marks)
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The length of an adult Dachshund dog is found to be normally distributed with

mean 𝜇 and standard deviation 𝜎. Given that 20% of Dachshunds have a length less than 16
inches and 10% have a length greater that 18 inches, find :

a the value of 𝜇 and the value 𝜎 (6 marks)

b the interquartile range. (2 marks)

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Challenge Skills ANALYSIS

A normally distributed random variable 𝑋~𝑁(𝜇, 𝜎 2 ) has interquartile range 𝑞.

a Show that 𝜎 = 0.742𝑞, where the coefficient of 𝑞 is correct to 3 s. f.

b Explain why it is not possible to write 𝜇 in terms of 𝑞only.

Use of calculators
You may be able to find probabilities for a normal distribution using your calculator.

You will need to refer to the instruction for your particular calculator.

These calculators can be used in your S1 examination but you are advised to clearly state
the

probability you can are finding and give your final answer to 3 significant figures.

For example, P (𝑋 < 53) = 0.5 + 0.27337 … = 0.77337 … = 0.773 (3 s.f.)

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Chapter review 7 Skills – Problem-Solving; Analysis

The heights of a large group of men are normally distributed with a mean of 178 cm
and a standard deviation of 4 cm. A man is selected at random from this group.

A. Find the probability that he is taller than 185 cm. (2marks)

B. Find the probability that three men, selected at random, are all less than 180 cm tall.
(3marks)

A manufacturer of door frames wants to ensure that fewer than 0,005 men have to bend
down to pass through the frame.

C. On the basis of this group, find the minimum height of a door frame to the nearest
centimeter. (2marks)
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The weights steel sheets produced by a factory are known to be normally distributed
with mean 32.5kg and standard deviation 2.2kg.

A. Find the percentage of sheets that weigh less than 30kg. (1mark)

Bob requires sheets that weigh between 31.6kg and 34.8kg.

B. Find the percentage of sheets produced that satisfy Bob’s requirements. (3marks)
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The time a smartphone battery lasts before needing to be recharged is assumed to

be normally distributed with a mean of 48 hours and a standard deviation of 8 hours.

A. Find the probability that a battery will last for more than 60 hours. (2marks)

B. Find the probability that the battery lasts less than 35 hours. (1mark)
A random sample of 30 smartphone batteries is taken.

C. Find the probability that 3 or fewer last less than 35 hours. (2marks)
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The random variable 𝑋~𝑁(24, 𝜎 2 ). Given that P (𝑋 > 30) = 0.05, find :

a the value of 𝜎 (2marks)

b P(𝑋 < 20) (1marks)

c the value of 𝑑 so that P(𝑋 > 𝑑 ) = 0.01 (2marks)

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A machine puts liquid into plastic cups in such a way that the given volume of 140 ml

and the probability that the machine puts in too much liquid so that the cup overflows is
0.01.

a Find the standard deviation of the volume of liquid dispensed. (2marks)

b Find the probability that machine puts in less than 110 ml. (1marks)

Ten percent of customers complain that the machine has not given enough liquid.

c Find the largest volume of liquid, to the nearest millilire that will lead to a complaint.
(2marks)
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The random variable 𝑋~𝑁(𝜇, 𝜎 2 ). The lower quartile of 𝑋 is 20 and upper quartile
is 40

a Find 𝜇 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜎. (3marks)

b Find the 10%interpercentile range. (3marks)

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The heights of seedlings are normally distributed. Given that 10%of the seedlings
are taller than 15cm and 5% are shorter than 4cm, find the mean and standard deviation of
the heights. (4marks)

A psychologist gives a student two different tests. The first test a mean of 80 and a
standard deviation of 10, and the student scores85.

a Find the probability of scoring 83 or more on the first test. (2marks)

The second test has a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15.

The student scores 105 on the second test.

b Find the probability of a score of 105 or more on the second test (2marks)

c State, giving a reason, which of the students two test scores was better. (2marks)
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Jam is sold in jars and the mean weight of the contents is 108 grams.

Only 3%of jars have contents weighing less than 100 grams . Assuming that the weight of

Jam in a jar is normally distributed. Find:

a the standard deviation of the weight of jam in ajar (2marks)

b the proportion of jars where the contents weigh more that 115 grams. (2marks)

A random the sample 25 jars taken.

c Find the probability that 2 or fewer jars have contents weighing more that 115 grams.
(3marks)
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The waiting time at a doctor’s surgery is assumed to be normally distributed with

standard deviation of 3.8 minutes .Given that the probability of waiting more that 15
minutes is 0.0446, find :

a the mean waiting time (2marks)

b the probability of waiting less 5 minutes. (2marks)

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The thickness of some plastic shelving produced by a factory is normally distributed .

As part of the production process, the shelving is tested with two gauges (used for
measuring).

The first gauge is 7 mm thick and 98.61% of the shelving passes through this gauge. The
second

gauge is 5.2 mm thick and only 1.02% of the shelves pass through this gauge.

Find the mean and standard deviation of the thickness of the shelving. (4marks)
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Challenge – Skills Critical Thinking

1. The lifespan of televisions has a normal distribution with a mean of 58 months and a
standard deviation of 10 months. A company gives a warranty of 36 months to replace
any defective television with a new one. Suppose the company makes 2 million
televisions per year. How many televisions may be replaced?
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2. The times taken by a large number of people to travel between two cities can be
modelled by a normal distribution with a mean of 5.2 hours. It is found that 62.5% of the
people took more than 4.5 hours to travel between the two cities.

A. If a number of extra people are taken into account, all of whom took exactly 5.2 hours
to travel between the two cities, state with reasons what would happen to:
I. The mean
II. The variance.

B. Explain why the distribution would no longer be normal.

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Summary of key points

1 Total area under the normal distribution curve =1
2 The normal distribution is perfectly symmetrical, and therefore:
P (𝑍 < 0) = 0.5
P (𝑍 > 0) = 0.5
3 P (𝑍 ≤ 𝑎) is denoted by Ф(𝑎)
4 You can use symmetry properties to find the probability for 𝑎 < 0
P(𝑍 < −𝑎) = 1 P (𝑍 < 𝑎)
P(𝑍 > −𝑎) = P(𝑍 < 𝑎)

6 The random variable 𝑋 that has a normal distribution with mean 𝜇 𝑎𝑛𝑑deviation 𝜎 is

represented by 𝑋~𝑁(𝜇, 𝜎) where 𝜎 2 is the variance of the normal distribution .

𝑋−𝜇
7 If 𝑋~𝑁(𝜇, 𝜎 2 ) and 𝑍~𝑁(0,12) then 𝑍 =
𝜎
8 Normal distribution tables are found in the back of the book and will be provided
in the mathematical Formulae and Statistical Tables book in the exam.
9 Approximately 68% of the date lies within one standard deviation of the mean.
10 95% of the data lies within two standard deviations of the mean.
11 Nearly all of the data (99.7%) lies within three standard deviations of the mean.