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Chapter 07

Continuous Probability Distributions

True / False Questions

1. A continuous uniform distribution is always symmetric.

True False

2. The height and width of a continuous uniform distribution's PDF are the same.

True False

3. A continuous uniform distribution U(0, 800) will have μ = 400 and σ = 230.94.

True False

4. A continuous uniform distribution U(100, 200) will have the same standard deviation as a
continuous uniform distribution U(200,300).

True False

5. For a continuous uniform distribution U(200, 400), the parameters are μ = 300 and σ = 100.

True False

6. The exponential distribution describes the number of arrivals per unit of time.

True False

7. The exponential distribution is always skewed right.

True False

7-1
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8. If arrivals follow a Poisson distribution, waiting times follow the exponential distribution.

True False

9. The triangular distribution is used in "what-if" analysis for business planning.

True False

10. The triangular distribution is symmetric.

True False

11. The triangular distribution T(0, 10, 20) is skewed left.

True False

12. A triangular distribution can be skewed either left or right.

True False

13. For a continuous random variable, the total area beneath the PDF will be greater than zero
but less than one.

True False

14. The exponential distribution is continuous and the Poisson distribution is discrete, yet the
two distributions are closely related.

True False

15. The mean, median, and mode of a normal distribution will always be the same.

True False

16. There is a simple formula for normal areas, but we prefer a table for greater accuracy.

True False

7-2
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17. Normal distributions differ only in their means and variances.

True False

18. Any normal distribution has a mean of 0 and a standard deviation of 1.

True False

19. We would use a normal distribution to model the waiting time until the next Florida hurricane
strike.

True False

20. Experience suggests that 4 percent of all college students had a tonsillectomy. In a sample of
300 college students, we need to find the probability that at least 10 had a tonsillectomy. It is
acceptable to use the normal distribution to estimate this probability.

True False

21. The normal is a good approximation to the binomial when n is greater than or equal to 10.

True False

22. The true proportion of accounts receivable with some kind of error is 4 percent for Venal
Enterprises. If an auditor randomly samples 50 accounts receivable, it is acceptable to use
the normal approximation to estimate the probability that fewer than two will contain errors.

True False

23. The normal distribution is a good approximation to the binomial if both π ≥ 10 and n ≥ 10.

True False

24. The normal distribution is a good approximation to the binomial if n = 200 and π = .03.

True False

7-3
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25. The normal distribution is a good approximation to the binomial if n = 25 and π = .50.

True False

26. The exponential distribution can be either right-skewed or left-skewed, depending on λ

True False

27. The number of lightning strikes in a day in Miami is a continuous random variable.

True False

28. The area under a normal curve is 1 only if the distribution is standardized N(0, 1).

True False

29. The area under an exponential curve can exceed 1 because the distribution is right-skewed.

True False

Multiple Choice Questions

30. A machine dispenses water into a glass. Assuming that the amount of water dispensed
follows a continuous uniform distribution from 10 ounces to 16 ounces, the average amount
of water dispensed by the machine is:

A. 12 ounces.
B. 13 ounces.
C. 14 ounces.
D. 16 ounces.

7-4
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31. A machine dispenses water into a glass. Assuming that the amount of water dispensed
follows a continuous uniform distribution from 10 ounces to 16 ounces, the standard
deviation of the amount of water dispensed is about:

A. 1.73 ounces.
B. 3.00 ounces.
C. 0.57 ounce.
D. 3.51 ounces.

32. A machine dispenses water into a glass. Assuming that the amount of water dispensed
follows a continuous uniform distribution from 10 ounces to 16 ounces, what is the
probability that 13 or more ounces will be dispensed in a given glass?

A. .1666
B. .3333
C. .5000
D. .6666

33. A random variable X is best described by a continuous uniform distribution from 20 to 45


inclusive. The mean of this distribution is:

A. 30.5.
B. 31.5.
C. 32.5.
D. 33.5.

34. A random variable X is best described by a continuous uniform distribution from 20 to 45


inclusive. The standard deviation of this distribution is approximately:

A. 52.1.
B. 32.5.
C. 6.85.
D. 7.22.

7-5
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35. A random variable X is best described by a continuous uniform distribution from 20 to 45
inclusive. What is P(30 ≤ X ≤ 40)?

A. .20
B. .40
C. .60
D. .80

36. The Excel function =800*RAND() would generate random numbers with standard deviation
approximately equal to:

A. 200.
B. 188.
C. 231.
D. 400.

37. The Excel function =40*RAND() would generate random numbers with standard deviation
approximately equal to

A. 13.33.
B. 20.00.
C. 11.55.
D. 19.27.

38. If arrivals occur at a mean rate of 3.6 events per hour, the exponential probability of waiting
more than 0.5 hour for the next arrival is:

A. .2407.
B. .1653.
C. .1222.
D. .5000.

7-6
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39. If arrivals occur at a mean rate of 3.6 events per hour, the exponential probability of waiting
less than 0.5 hour for the next arrival is:

A. .7122.
B. .8105.
C. .8347.
D. .7809.

40. If arrivals occur at a mean rate of 2.6 events per minute, the exponential probability of waiting
more than 1.5 minutes for the next arrival is:

A. .0202.
B. .0122.
C. .0535.
D. .2564.

41. If arrivals occur at a mean rate of 1.6 events per minute, the exponential probability of waiting
less than 1 minute for the next arrival is:

A. .2019.
B. .7104.
C. .8812.
D. .7981.

42. Bob's z-score for the last exam was 1.52 in Prof. Axolotl's class BIO 417, "Life Cycle of the
Ornithorhynchus." Bob said, "Oh, good, my score is in the top 10 percent." Assuming a normal
distribution of scores, is Bob right?

A. Yes.
B. No.
C. Must have n to answer.

7-7
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43. The lengths of brook trout caught in a certain Colorado stream are normally distributed with a
mean of 14 inches and a standard deviation of 3 inches. What proportion of brook trout
caught will be between 12 and 18 inches in length?

A. .6563
B. .6826
C. .2486
D. .4082

44. The lengths of brook trout caught in a certain Colorado stream are normally distributed with a
mean of 14 inches and a standard deviation of 3 inches. The first quartile for the lengths of
brook trout would be:

A. 16.01 inches.
B. 11.00 inches.
C. 11.98 inches.
D. 10.65 inches.

45. The lengths of brook trout caught in a certain Colorado stream are normally distributed with a
mean of 14 inches and a standard deviation of 3 inches. What lower limit should the State
Game Commission set on length if it is desired that 80 percent of the catch may be kept by
fishers?

A. 12.80 inches
B. 11.48 inches
C. 12.00 inches
D. 9.22 inches

7-8
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46. In Melanie's Styling Salon, the time to complete a simple haircut is normally distributed with
a mean of 25 minutes and a standard deviation of 4 minutes. What percentage of customers
require less than 32 minutes for a simple haircut?

A. 95.99 percent
B. 99.45 percent
C. 97.72 percent
D. 45.99 percent

47. In Melanie's Styling Salon, the time to complete a simple haircut is normally distributed with
a mean of 25 minutes and a standard deviation of 4 minutes. The slowest quartile of
customers will require longer than how many minutes for a simple haircut?

A. 3(n + 1)/4 minutes


B. 26 minutes
C. 25.7 minutes
D. 27.7 minutes

48. In Melanie's Styling Salon, the time to complete a simple haircut is normally distributed with
a mean of 25 minutes and a standard deviation of 4 minutes. For a simple haircut, the middle
90 percent of the customers will require:

A. between 18.4 and 31.6 minutes.


B. between 19.9 and 30.1 minutes.
C. between 20.0 and 30.0 minutes.
D. between 17.2 and 32.8 minutes.

49. The area under the normal curve between z = 0 and z = 1 is ______________ the area under
the normal curve between z = 1 and z = 2.

A. less than
B. greater than
C. equal to

7-9
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50. The price-earnings ratio for firms in a given industry follows the normal distribution. In this
industry, a firm whose price-earnings ratio has a standardized value of z = 1.00 is
approximately in the highest ______ percent of firms in the industry.

A. 16 percent
B. 34 percent
C. 68 percent
D. 75 percent

51. A student's grade on an examination was transformed to a z value of 0.67. Assuming a normal
distribution, we know that she scored approximately in the top:

A. 15 percent.
B. 50 percent.
C. 40 percent.
D. 25 percent.

52. The MPG (miles per gallon) for a certain compact car is normally distributed with a mean of
31 and a standard deviation of 0.8. What is the probability that the MPG for a randomly
selected compact car would be less than 32?

A. 0.3944
B. 0.8944
C. 0.1056
D. 0.5596

53. The probability is .80 that a standard normal random variable is between -z and +z. The value
of z is approximately:

A. 1.28.
B. 1.35.
C. 1.96.
D. 1.45.

7-10
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54. The time required for a citizen to complete the 2010 U.S. Census "long" form is normally
distributed with a mean of 40 minutes and a standard deviation of 10 minutes. What
proportion of the citizens will require less than one hour?

A. 0.4772
B. 0.9772
C. 0.9974
D. 0.9997

55. The time required for a citizen to complete the 2010 U.S. Census "long" form is normally
distributed with a mean of 40 minutes and a standard deviation of 10 minutes. The slowest
10 percent of the citizens would need at least how many minutes to complete the form?

A. 27.2
B. 35.8
C. 52.8
D. 59.6

56. The time required for a citizen to complete the 2010 U.S. Census "long" form is normally
distributed with a mean of 40 minutes and a standard deviation of 10 minutes. What is the
third quartile (in minutes) for the time required to complete the form?

A. 44.75
B. 46.75
C. 47.50
D. 52.50

57. Exam scores were normal in BIO 200. Jason's exam score was one standard deviation above
the mean. What percentile is he in?

A. 68th
B. 75th
C. 78th
D. 84th

7-11
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58. Compared to the area between z = 1.00 and z = 1.25, the area between z = 2.00 and z = 2.25
in the standard normal distribution will be:

A. smaller.
B. larger.
C. the same.
D. impossible to compare without knowing μ and σ.

59. A large number of applicants for admission to graduate study in business are given an
aptitude test. Scores are normally distributed with a mean of 460 and standard deviation of
80. What fraction of applicants would you expect to have scores of 600 or above?

A. 0.0401
B. 0.4599
C. 0.5401
D. 0.0852

60. A large number of applicants for admission to graduate study in business are given an
aptitude test. Scores are normally distributed with a mean of 460 and standard deviation of
80. What fraction of the applicants would you expect to have a score of 400 or above?

A. 0.2734
B. 0.7734
C. 0.7266
D. 0.7500

7-12
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61. A large number of applicants for admission to graduate study in business are given an
aptitude test. Scores are normally distributed with a mean of 460 and standard deviation of
80. The top 2.5 percent of the applicants would have a score of at least (choose the nearest
integer):

A. 606.
B. 617.
C. 600.
D. 646.

62. If the random variable Z has a standard normal distribution, then P(1.25 ≤ Z ≤ 2.17) is:

A. 0.0906.
B. 0.9200.
C. 0.4700.
D. 0.3944.

63. If the random variable Z has a standard normal distribution, then P(Z ≤ -1.37) is:

A. 0.9147.
B. 0.4147.
C. 0.5016.
D. 0.0853.

64. Assume that X is normally distributed with a mean μ = $64. Given that P(X ≥ $75) = 0.2981,
we can calculate that the standard deviation of X is approximately:

A. $20.76.
B. $13.17.
C. $5.83.
D. $7.05.

7-13
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65. The standard deviation of a normal random variable X is $20. Given that P(X ≤ $10) = 0.1841.
From this we can determine that the mean of the distribution is equal to:

A. $13.
B. $26.
C. $20.
D. $28.

66. The random variable X is normally distributed with mean of 80 and variance of 36. The 67 th
percentile of the distribution is:

A. 72.00.
B. 95.84.
C. 90.00.
D. 82.64.

67. The area under the normal curve between the 20th and 70th percentiles is equal to:

A. 0.7000.
B. 0.5000.
C. 0.9193.

68. The variable in a normal distribution can assume any value between

A. -3 and +3.
B. -4 and +4.
C. -1 and +1.
D. -∞ and +∞.

7-14
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69. What are the mean and standard deviation for the standard normal distribution?

A. μ = 0, σ = 0
B. μ = 1, σ = 1
C. μ = 1, σ = 0
D. μ = 0, σ = 1

70. Any two normal curves are the same except for their:

A. standard deviations.
B. means.
C. standard deviations and means.
D. standard deviations, means, skewness, and kurtosis.

71. Light bulbs are normally distributed with an average lifetime of 1000 hours and a standard
deviation of 250 hours. The probability that a light bulb picked at random will last less than
1500 hours is about:

A. 97.72 percent.
B. 95.44 percent.
C. 75.00 percent.
D. 68.00 percent.

72. To convert a normally distributed variable X into a standard Z score we would:

A. subtract the mean from the original observation and divide the result by the variance.
B. subtract the mean from the original observation and divide the result by the standard
deviation.
C. add the mean and the original observation, then divide by the variance.
D. subtract the mean from the standard deviation and divide by the variance.

7-15
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73. Regarding continuous probability distributions, which statement is incorrect?

A. The triangular distribution may be skewed left or right.


B. The uniform distribution is never skewed.
C. The normal distribution is sometimes skewed.
D. The exponential distribution is always skewed right.

74. Which model best describes your waiting time until you get the next nonworking web URL
("This page cannot be displayed") as you click on various websites for Florida condo rentals?

A. Triangular
B. Uniform
C. Normal
D. Exponential

75. On average, a major earthquake (Richter scale 6.0 or above) occurs 3 times a decade in a
certain California county. What is the probability that less than six months will pass before
the next earthquake?

A. .1393
B. .8607
C. .0952
D. .9048

76. If the mean time between in-flight aircraft engine shutdowns is 12,500 operating hours, the
90th percentile of waiting times to the next shutdown will be:

A. 20,180 hours.
B. 28,782 hours.
C. 23,733 hours.
D. 18,724 hours.

7-16
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77. On average, 15 minutes elapse between discoveries of fraudulent corporate tax returns in a
certain IRS office. What is the probability that less than 30 minutes will elapse before the
next fraudulent corporate tax return is discovered?

A. .1353
B. .6044
C. .7389
D. .8647

78. If the mean time between unscheduled maintenance of LCD displays in a hospital's CT scan
facility is 4,000 operating hours, what is the probability of unscheduled maintenance in the
next 5,000 hours?

A. .8000
B. .7135
C. .2865
D. .5000

79. A certain assembly line at Vexing Manufacturing Company averages 30 minutes between
breakdowns. What is the probability that less than 6 minutes will elapse before the next
breakdown?

A. .8187
B. .0488
C. .1813
D. .2224

80. A certain assembly line at Vexing Manufacturing Company averages 30 minutes between
breakdowns. The median time between breakdowns is:

A. 30.0 minutes.
B. 35.7 minutes.
C. 25.4 minutes.
D. 20.8 minutes.

7-17
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81. Which probability model is most appropriate to describe the waiting time (working days) until
an office photocopier breaks down (i.e., requires unscheduled maintenance)?

A. Normal
B. Uniform
C. Exponential
D. Poisson

82. Bob's z-score for the last exam was -1.15 in FIN 417, "Capital Budgeting Strategies." Bob
said, "Yipe! My score is within the bottom quartile." Assuming a normal distribution, is Bob
right?

A. Yes
B. No
C. Must know the class size to answer

83. Exam scores were normal in MIS 200. Jason's exam score was 1.41 standard deviations
above the mean. What percentile is he in?

A. 68th.
B. 75th.
C. 84th.
D. 92nd.

84. Compared to the area between z = 0.50 and z = 0.75, the area between z = 1.50 and z = 1.75
in the standard normal distribution will be:

A. smaller
B. larger
C. the same

7-18
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85. If GMAT scores for applicants at Oxnard Graduate School of Business are N(500, 50), then
the top 5 percent of the applicants would have a score of at least (choose the nearest
integer):

A. 575.
B. 582.
C. 601.
D. 608.

86. If the random variable Z has a standard normal distribution, then P(1.17 ≤ Z ≤ 2.26) is:

A. 0.1091.
B. 0.1203.
C. 0.2118.
D. 0.3944.

87. If the random variable Z has a standard normal distribution, then P(Z ≤ -1.72) is:

A. 0.9573.
B. 0.0446.
C. 0.5016.
D. 0.0427.

88. Excel's =100*RAND() function produces continuous random numbers that are uniformly
distributed between 0 and 100. The standard deviation of this distribution is approximately:

A. 50.00.
B. 28.87.
C. 33.33.
D. 25.00.

7-19
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89. Excel's =RAND() function produces random numbers that are uniformly distributed between
0 and 1. The mean of this distribution is approximately

A. .5000.
B. .2500.
C. .3333.
D. .2887.

90. Excel's =RAND() function produces random numbers that are uniformly distributed from 0 to
1. What is the probability that the random number exceeds .75?

A. 75 percent
B. 50 percent
C. 25 percent

91. Which is the correct Excel formula for the 80th percentile of a distribution that is N(475, 33)?

A. =NORM.DIST(80,475,33,1)
B. =NORM.INV(0.80,475,33)
C. =NORM.S.INV((80-475)/33)

92. If arrivals follow a Poisson distribution with mean 1.2 arrivals per minute, find the 75 th
percentile of waiting times until the next arrival (i.e., 75 percent below).

A. 1.155 minutes (69.3 seconds)


B. 0.240 minute (14.4 seconds)
C. 1.919 minutes (115.1 seconds)

7-20
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93. A software developer makes 175 phone calls to its current customers. There is an 8 percent
chance of reaching a given customer (instead of a busy signal, no answer, or answering
machine). The normal approximation of the probability of reaching at least 20 customers is:

A. .022.
B. .007.
C. .063.
D. .937.

94. For Gardyloo Manufacturing, the true proportion of accounts receivable with some kind of
error is .20. If an auditor randomly samples 225 accounts receivable, what is the approximate
normal probability that 39 or fewer will contain errors?

A. .1797
B. .2097
C. .1587
D. .0544

95. A letter is mailed to a sample of 500 homeowners. Based on past experience, the probability
of an undeliverable letter is 0.06. The normal approximation to the binomial probability of 40
or more undeliverable letters is:

A. 0.9632
B. 0.0368
C. 0.2305
D. 0.7695

96. In a T-F exam with 100 questions, passing requires a score of at least 60. What is the
approximate normal probability that a "guesser" will score at least 60 points?

A. .0287
B. .4713
C. .0251
D. .0377

7-21
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97. A multiple choice exam has 100 questions. Each question has five choices. What would be
the approximate probability that a "guesser" could achieve a score of 30 or more?

A. 0.0088
B. 0.0062
C. 0.0015
D. 0.4913

98. For which binomial distribution would a normal approximation be most acceptable?

A. n = 50, π = 0.05
B. n = 100, π = 0.04
C. n = 40, π = 0.25
D. n = 400, π = 0.02

99. Historically, the default rate on a certain type of commercial loan is 20 percent. If a bank
makes 100 of these loans, what is the approximate probability that at least 26 will result in
default?

A. 0.2000
B. 0.0668
C. 0.0846
D. 0.0336

100.A company employs 300 employees. Each year, there is a 30 percent turnover rate for
employees. We want to do a normal approximation to the binomial distribution of the number
of employees who leave each year. For this normal approximation, the mean is ______ and
the standard deviation is _____.

A. 90; 63
B. 90; 7.937
C. 90; 30
D. 90; 15

7-22
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101.The probability that a rental car will be stolen is 0.001. If 25,000 cars are rented from Hertz,
what is the normal approximation to the probability that fewer than 20 will be stolen?

A. .2577
B. .1335
C. .1128
D. .8335

102.If adult male heights are normally distributed with a mean of 180 cm and a standard
deviation of 7 cm, how high should an aircraft lavatory door be to ensure that 99.9 percent of
adult males will not have to stoop as they enter?

A. 195.7 cm
B. 201.6 cm
C. 207.3 cm
D. 201.4 cm

103.TotCo is developing a new deluxe baby bassinet. If the length of a newborn baby is normally
distributed with a mean of 50 cm and a standard deviation of 5 cm, what should be the
interior length of the bassinet to ensure that 99 percent of newborn babies will fit, with a
safety margin of 15 cm on each end of the bassinet?

A. 95.45 cm
B. 85.22 cm
C. 91.63 cm
D. 98.92 cm

104.The triangular distribution T(4, 12, 26) has a mean of:

A. 14.
B. 18.
C. 12.
D. 13.

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105.The triangular distribution T(0, 10, 20) has a standard deviation of:

A. 4.082.
B. 3.775.
C. 3.024.
D. 2.994.

106.The triangular distribution T(5, 23, 62) has a mean of:

A. 23.
B. 30.
C. 33.
D. 35.

107.The triangular distribution T(10, 20, 50) has a standard deviation of:

A. 9.498.
B. 9.225.
C. 8.498.
D. 7.710.

108.Which statement is incorrect?

A. The triangular distribution always has a single mode.


B. The mean of the triangular distribution is ( a + b + c)/3.
C. The triangular distribution is right-skewed.

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109.Bob used a triangular distribution of T(20, 30, 61) to represent his daily commute time
(minutes). Which statement is incorrect?

A. The distribution is right-skewed.


B. The mode of the distribution exceeds the mean.
C. The mean of the distribution is 37.
D. The midrange of the distribution is 40.5.

110.Phyllis used a triangular distribution of T(10, 15, 20) to represent her daily commute time
(minutes). Which statement is incorrect?

A. The distribution is right-skewed.


B. The mode of the distribution is at the mean.
C. The mean of the distribution is 15.
D. The midrange of the distribution is 15.

111.In a continuous distribution:

A. P(X < 5) is the same as P(X ≤ 5).


B. P(X < 5) is less than P(X ≤ 5).
C. P(X < 5) is more than P(X ≤ 5).

112.In a continuous distribution the

A. PDF is usually higher than the CDF.


B. CDF is used to find left-tail probabilities.
C. PDF shows the area under the curve.
D. CDF is usually the same as the PDF.

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113.If the mean waiting time for the next arrival is 12 minutes, what is the median waiting time?

A. 7.2 minutes
B. 8.3 minutes
C. 9.1 minutes
D. 12 minutes

114.If the mean waiting time for the next arrival is 18 minutes, what is the first quartile (25 th
percentile) for waiting times?

A. 13 minutes
B. 7.9 minutes
C. 5.2 minutes
D. 3.1 minutes

115.Could this function be a PDF?

A. Yes.
B. No.
C. It depends on x.

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116.Could this function be a PDF?

A. Yes.
B. No.
C. It depends on x.

117.The ages of job applicants for a security guard position are uniformly distributed between 25
and 65. Could a 25-year-old job applicant be two standard deviations below the mean (or
more than two standard deviations)?

A. Yes.
B. No.
C. Impossible to determine from given information.

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118.The figure shows a standard normal N(0, 1) distribution. Find the shaded area.

A. .6444
B. .7514
C. .9245
D. .9850

119.The figure shows a standard normal N(0, 1) distribution. Find the shaded area.

A. .4400
B. .3300
C. .2998
D. .2502

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120.The figure shows a standard normal N(0, 1) distribution. Find the z value for the shaded area.

A. -1.98
B. -1.87
C. -1.75
D. -1.62

121.The figure shows a standard normal N(0, 1) distribution. Find the z value for the shaded area.

A. -2.17
B. -2.09
C. -1.99
D. -1.94

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122.The figure shows a normal N(400, 23) distribution. Find the approximate shaded area.

A. .0410
B. .0501
C. .0724
D. .0838

123.The figure shows a normal N(400, 23) distribution. Find the approximate shaded area.

A. .3811
B. .3527
C. .2299
D. .1940

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124.The figure shows a normal N(400, 23) distribution. Find the x value for the shaded area.

A. 379.1
B. 362.2
C. 355.7
D. 347.6

125.The figure shows a normal N(400, 23) distribution. Find the x value for the shaded area.

A. 412.9
B. 426.7
C. 436.2
D. 440.3

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Chapter 07 Continuous Probability Distributions Answer Key

True / False Questions

1. A continuous uniform distribution is always symmetric.

TRUE

The PDF is the same height for all X values.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-02 Calculate uniform probabilities.
Topic: Uniform Continuous Distribution

2. The height and width of a continuous uniform distribution's PDF are the same.

FALSE

The PDF height must be 1/(b - a) so that the total area is unity.

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Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-02 Calculate uniform probabilities.
Topic: Uniform Continuous Distribution

3. A continuous uniform distribution U(0, 800) will have μ = 400 and σ = 230.94.

TRUE

Apply the formulas for the uniform distribution mean and standard deviation.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking

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Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-02 Calculate uniform probabilities.
Topic: Uniform Continuous Distribution

4. A continuous uniform distribution U(100, 200) will have the same standard deviation as a
continuous uniform distribution U(200,300).

TRUE

In the standard deviation formula, (b - a)2 is the same for both these examples.

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Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-02 Calculate uniform probabilities.
Topic: Uniform Continuous Distribution

5. For a continuous uniform distribution U(200, 400), the parameters are μ = 300 and σ =
100.

FALSE

The standard deviation is [(400 - 200)2/12]1/2 = 57.7.

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Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-02 Calculate uniform probabilities.
Topic: Uniform Continuous Distribution

6. The exponential distribution describes the number of arrivals per unit of time.

FALSE

Arrivals per unit of time would be Poisson (but waiting time is exponential).

AACSB: Analytical Thinking

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Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-07 Find the exponential probability for a given x.
Topic: Exponential Distribution

7. The exponential distribution is always skewed right.

TRUE

The PDF clearly shows extreme right-skewness.

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Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-07 Find the exponential probability for a given x.
Topic: Exponential Distribution

8. If arrivals follow a Poisson distribution, waiting times follow the exponential distribution.

TRUE

Poisson arrivals (discrete) imply exponential waiting times (continuous).

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Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-07 Find the exponential probability for a given x.
Topic: Exponential Distribution

9. The triangular distribution is used in "what-if" analysis for business planning.

TRUE

Simplicity in visualizing planning scenarios is an attraction of the triangular distribution.

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Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-09 Use the triangular distribution for "what-if" analysis (optional).
Topic: Triangular Distribution (Optional)

10. The triangular distribution is symmetric.

FALSE

Triangular distribution is symmetric only if the mode is at the axis midpoint.

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Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-09 Use the triangular distribution for "what-if" analysis (optional).
Topic: Triangular Distribution (Optional)

11. The triangular distribution T(0, 10, 20) is skewed left.

FALSE

Only left-skewed if the mode is right of the axis midpoint.

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Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-09 Use the triangular distribution for "what-if" analysis (optional).
Topic: Triangular Distribution (Optional)

12. A triangular distribution can be skewed either left or right.

TRUE

Left-skewed if the mode is right of the axis midpoint, and vice versa.

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Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-09 Use the triangular distribution for "what-if" analysis (optional).

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Topic: Triangular Distribution (Optional)

13. For a continuous random variable, the total area beneath the PDF will be greater than zero
but less than one.

FALSE

If it is a PDF, the total area must be 1.

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Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-01 Define a continuous random variable.
Topic: Continuous Probability Distributions

14. The exponential distribution is continuous and the Poisson distribution is discrete, yet the
two distributions are closely related.

TRUE

Poisson arrivals (discrete) imply exponential waiting times (continuous).

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Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Understand
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-07 Find the exponential probability for a given x.
Topic: Exponential Distribution

15. The mean, median, and mode of a normal distribution will always be the same.

TRUE

A normal distribution is perfectly symmetric.

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Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-03 Know the form and parameters of the normal distribution.

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Topic: Normal Distribution

16. There is a simple formula for normal areas, but we prefer a table for greater accuracy.

FALSE

We have a formula for the PDF, but there is no exact formula for areas under the curve.

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Blooms: Understand
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-03 Know the form and parameters of the normal distribution.
Topic: Normal Distribution

17. Normal distributions differ only in their means and variances.

TRUE

All normal distributions look the same except for scaling.

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Blooms: Understand
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-03 Know the form and parameters of the normal distribution.
Topic: Normal Distribution

18. Any normal distribution has a mean of 0 and a standard deviation of 1.

FALSE

Only the standardized normal is N(0, 1).

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Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-03 Know the form and parameters of the normal distribution.
Topic: Normal Distribution

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19. We would use a normal distribution to model the waiting time until the next Florida
hurricane strike.

FALSE

Hurricane arrivals might be regarded as Poisson events, so waiting times are exponential.

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Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-07 Find the exponential probability for a given x.
Topic: Exponential Distribution

20. Experience suggests that 4 percent of all college students had a tonsillectomy. In a sample
of 300 college students, we need to find the probability that at least 10 had a
tonsillectomy. It is acceptable to use the normal distribution to estimate this probability.

TRUE

The quick rule is nπ ≥ 10 and n(1 - π) ≥ 10, which is the case in this example.

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Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-06 Use the normal approximation to a binomial or a Poisson.
Topic: Normal Approximations

21. The normal is a good approximation to the binomial when n is greater than or equal to 10.

FALSE

The quick rule is nπ ≥ 10 and n(1 - π) ≥ 10.

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Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-06 Use the normal approximation to a binomial or a Poisson.
Topic: Normal Approximations

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22. The true proportion of accounts receivable with some kind of error is 4 percent for Venal
Enterprises. If an auditor randomly samples 50 accounts receivable, it is acceptable to use
the normal approximation to estimate the probability that fewer than two will contain
errors.

FALSE

The quick rule is nπ ≥ 10 and n(1 - π) ≥ 10, which is not fulfilled in this case.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-06 Use the normal approximation to a binomial or a Poisson.
Topic: Normal Approximations

23. The normal distribution is a good approximation to the binomial if both π ≥ 10 and n ≥
10.

FALSE

The quick rule is nπ ≥ 10 and n(1 - π) ≥ 10.

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Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-06 Use the normal approximation to a binomial or a Poisson.
Topic: Normal Approximations

24. The normal distribution is a good approximation to the binomial if n = 200 and π = .03.

FALSE

The quick rule is nπ ≥ 10 and n(1 - π) ≥ 10, which is not fulfilled in this case.

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Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-06 Use the normal approximation to a binomial or a Poisson.
Topic: Normal Approximations

25. The normal distribution is a good approximation to the binomial if n = 25 and π = .50.

TRUE

The quick rule is nπ ≥ 10 and n(1 - π) ≥ 10, which is fulfilled in this case.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-06 Use the normal approximation to a binomial or a Poisson.
Topic: Normal Approximations

26. The exponential distribution can be either right-skewed or left-skewed, depending on λ

FALSE

The PDF of the exponential shows that it is always right-skewed.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Understand
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-07 Find the exponential probability for a given x.
Topic: Exponential Distribution

27. The number of lightning strikes in a day in Miami is a continuous random variable.

FALSE

The "number of …" anything is discrete.

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Blooms: Understand
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-01 Define a continuous random variable.

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Topic: Continuous Probability Distributions

28. The area under a normal curve is 1 only if the distribution is standardized N(0, 1).

FALSE

Any normal distribution has a total area of one under the PDF.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


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Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-03 Know the form and parameters of the normal distribution.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

29. The area under an exponential curve can exceed 1 because the distribution is right-
skewed.

FALSE

If it's a PDF, the total area under the PDF is one.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


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Blooms: Understand
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-07 Find the exponential probability for a given x.
Topic: Exponential Distribution

Multiple Choice Questions

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30. A machine dispenses water into a glass. Assuming that the amount of water dispensed
follows a continuous uniform distribution from 10 ounces to 16 ounces, the average
amount of water dispensed by the machine is:

A. 12 ounces.
B. 13 ounces.
C. 14 ounces.
D. 16 ounces.

The mean is halfway between the end points of the distribution.

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Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-02 Calculate uniform probabilities.
Topic: Uniform Continuous Distribution

31. A machine dispenses water into a glass. Assuming that the amount of water dispensed
follows a continuous uniform distribution from 10 ounces to 16 ounces, the standard
deviation of the amount of water dispensed is about:

A. 1.73 ounces.
B. 3.00 ounces.
C. 0.57 ounce.
D. 3.51 ounces.

The standard deviation is [(16 - 10)2/12]1/2 = 1.73.

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Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-02 Calculate uniform probabilities.
Topic: Uniform Continuous Distribution

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32. A machine dispenses water into a glass. Assuming that the amount of water dispensed
follows a continuous uniform distribution from 10 ounces to 16 ounces, what is the
probability that 13 or more ounces will be dispensed in a given glass?

A. .1666
B. .3333
C. .5000
D. .6666

Half the area is above 13.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


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Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-02 Calculate uniform probabilities.
Topic: Uniform Continuous Distribution

33. A random variable X is best described by a continuous uniform distribution from 20 to 45


inclusive. The mean of this distribution is:

A. 30.5.
B. 31.5.
C. 32.5.
D. 33.5.

The mean is halfway between the end points of the distribution.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


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Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-02 Calculate uniform probabilities.
Topic: Uniform Continuous Distribution

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34. A random variable X is best described by a continuous uniform distribution from 20 to 45
inclusive. The standard deviation of this distribution is approximately:

A. 52.1.
B. 32.5.
C. 6.85.
D. 7.22.

The standard deviation is [(45 - 20)2/12]1/2 = 7.22.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-02 Calculate uniform probabilities.
Topic: Uniform Continuous Distribution

35. A random variable X is best described by a continuous uniform distribution from 20 to 45


inclusive. What is P(30 ≤ X ≤ 40)?

A. .20
B. .40
C. .60
D. .80

The desired area is 10/25 = .40.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


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Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-02 Calculate uniform probabilities.
Topic: Uniform Continuous Distribution

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36. The Excel function =800*RAND() would generate random numbers with standard
deviation approximately equal to:

A. 200.
B. 188.
C. 231.
D. 400.

The standard deviation is [(800 - 0)2/12]1/2 = 230.94.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


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Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-02 Calculate uniform probabilities.
Topic: Uniform Continuous Distribution

37. The Excel function =40*RAND() would generate random numbers with standard deviation
approximately equal to

A. 13.33.
B. 20.00.
C. 11.55.
D. 19.27.

The standard deviation is [(40 - 0)2/12]1/2 = 11.55.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


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Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-02 Calculate uniform probabilities.
Topic: Uniform Continuous Distribution

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38. If arrivals occur at a mean rate of 3.6 events per hour, the exponential probability of
waiting more than 0.5 hour for the next arrival is:

A. .2407.
B. .1653.
C. .1222.
D. .5000.

P(X > .50) = exp(-3.6 × 0.50) = .1653.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


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Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-07 Find the exponential probability for a given x.
Topic: Exponential Distribution

39. If arrivals occur at a mean rate of 3.6 events per hour, the exponential probability of
waiting less than 0.5 hour for the next arrival is:

A. .7122.
B. .8105.
C. .8347.
D. .7809.

P(X < .50) = 1 - exp(-3.6 × 0.50) = 1 - .1653 = .8347.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


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Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-07 Find the exponential probability for a given x.
Topic: Exponential Distribution

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40. If arrivals occur at a mean rate of 2.6 events per minute, the exponential probability of
waiting more than 1.5 minutes for the next arrival is:

A. .0202.
B. .0122.
C. .0535.
D. .2564.

P(X > 1.5) = exp(-2.6 × 1.50) = .0202.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-07 Find the exponential probability for a given x.
Topic: Exponential Distribution

41. If arrivals occur at a mean rate of 1.6 events per minute, the exponential probability of
waiting less than 1 minute for the next arrival is:

A. .2019.
B. .7104.
C. .8812.
D. .7981.

(X < 1) = 1 - exp(-1.6 × 1) = 1 - .2019 = .7981.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


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Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-07 Find the exponential probability for a given x.
Topic: Exponential Distribution

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42. Bob's z-score for the last exam was 1.52 in Prof. Axolotl's class BIO 417, "Life Cycle of the
Ornithorhynchus." Bob said, "Oh, good, my score is in the top 10 percent." Assuming a
normal distribution of scores, is Bob right?

A. Yes.
B. No.
C. Must have n to answer.

P(Z < 1.52) = .9357.

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Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-04 Find the normal probability for a given z or x using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

43. The lengths of brook trout caught in a certain Colorado stream are normally distributed
with a mean of 14 inches and a standard deviation of 3 inches. What proportion of brook
trout caught will be between 12 and 18 inches in length?

A. .6563
B. .6826
C. .2486
D. .4082

P(12 < X < 18) = P(-.67 < Z < 1.33) = .6568 (from Appendix C) or .6563 using Excel.

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Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-04 Find the normal probability for a given z or x using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

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44. The lengths of brook trout caught in a certain Colorado stream are normally distributed
with a mean of 14 inches and a standard deviation of 3 inches. The first quartile for the
lengths of brook trout would be:

A. 16.01 inches.
B. 11.00 inches.
C. 11.98 inches.
D. 10.65 inches.

Using Excel =NORM.INV(.25,14,3) = 11.98, or Q1 = 14 - 0.675(3) = 11.975 using Appendix


C.

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Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 07-05 Solve for z or x for a given normal probability using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

45. The lengths of brook trout caught in a certain Colorado stream are normally distributed
with a mean of 14 inches and a standard deviation of 3 inches. What lower limit should the
State Game Commission set on length if it is desired that 80 percent of the catch may be
kept by fishers?

A. 12.80 inches
B. 11.48 inches
C. 12.00 inches
D. 9.22 inches

Using Excel =NORM.INV(.20,14,3) = 11.475, or X = 14 - 0.84(3) = 11.48 using Appendix C.

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Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 07-05 Solve for z or x for a given normal probability using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

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46. In Melanie's Styling Salon, the time to complete a simple haircut is normally distributed
with a mean of 25 minutes and a standard deviation of 4 minutes. What percentage of
customers require less than 32 minutes for a simple haircut?

A. 95.99 percent
B. 99.45 percent
C. 97.72 percent
D. 45.99 percent

Using Excel =NORMDIST(32,25,4,1) = 0.9599, or use z = (32 - 25)/4 = 1.75 with Appendix
C.

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Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-04 Find the normal probability for a given z or x using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

47. In Melanie's Styling Salon, the time to complete a simple haircut is normally distributed
with a mean of 25 minutes and a standard deviation of 4 minutes. The slowest quartile of
customers will require longer than how many minutes for a simple haircut?

A. 3(n + 1)/4 minutes


B. 26 minutes
C. 25.7 minutes
D. 27.7 minutes

Using Excel =NORM.INV(.75,25,4) = 27.698, or Q3 = 25 + 0.675(4) = 27.7 using Appendix


C.

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Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-05 Solve for z or x for a given normal probability using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

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48. In Melanie's Styling Salon, the time to complete a simple haircut is normally distributed
with a mean of 25 minutes and a standard deviation of 4 minutes. For a simple haircut, the
middle 90 percent of the customers will require:

A. between 18.4 and 31.6 minutes.


B. between 19.9 and 30.1 minutes.
C. between 20.0 and 30.0 minutes.
D. between 17.2 and 32.8 minutes.

The 90 percent range is μ ± 1.645σ.

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Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-05 Solve for z or x for a given normal probability using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

49. The area under the normal curve between z = 0 and z = 1 is ______________ the area
under the normal curve between z = 1 and z = 2.

A. less than
B. greater than
C. equal to

The standard normal PDF grows closer to the axis as z increases to the right of zero.

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Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

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50. The price-earnings ratio for firms in a given industry follows the normal distribution. In this
industry, a firm whose price-earnings ratio has a standardized value of z = 1.00 is
approximately in the highest ______ percent of firms in the industry.

A. 16 percent
B. 34 percent
C. 68 percent
D. 75 percent

About 15.86 percent of the area is above one standard deviation.

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Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-04 Find the normal probability for a given z or x using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

51. A student's grade on an examination was transformed to a z value of 0.67. Assuming a


normal distribution, we know that she scored approximately in the top:

A. 15 percent.
B. 50 percent.
C. 40 percent.
D. 25 percent.

P(Z > 0.67) = 1 - P(Z < 0.67) = 1 - .2514 = .7486.

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Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

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52. The MPG (miles per gallon) for a certain compact car is normally distributed with a mean
of 31 and a standard deviation of 0.8. What is the probability that the MPG for a randomly
selected compact car would be less than 32?

A. 0.3944
B. 0.8944
C. 0.1056
D. 0.5596

P(X < 32) = P(Z < 1.25) = .8944.

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Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-04 Find the normal probability for a given z or x using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

53. The probability is .80 that a standard normal random variable is between -z and +z. The
value of z is approximately:

A. 1.28.
B. 1.35.
C. 1.96.
D. 1.45.

For tail areas of .1000 we would use z = 1.282.

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Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

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54. The time required for a citizen to complete the 2010 U.S. Census "long" form is normally
distributed with a mean of 40 minutes and a standard deviation of 10 minutes. What
proportion of the citizens will require less than one hour?

A. 0.4772
B. 0.9772
C. 0.9974
D. 0.9997

P(X < 60) = P(Z < 2.00) = .9772.

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Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-04 Find the normal probability for a given z or x using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

55. The time required for a citizen to complete the 2010 U.S. Census "long" form is normally
distributed with a mean of 40 minutes and a standard deviation of 10 minutes. The
slowest 10 percent of the citizens would need at least how many minutes to complete the
form?

A. 27.2
B. 35.8
C. 52.8
D. 59.6

Using Excel =NORM.INV(.90,40,10) = 52.82, or 40 + 1.282(10) = 52.82 using Appendix C.

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Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

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56. The time required for a citizen to complete the 2010 U.S. Census "long" form is normally
distributed with a mean of 40 minutes and a standard deviation of 10 minutes. What is the
third quartile (in minutes) for the time required to complete the form?

A. 44.75
B. 46.75
C. 47.50
D. 52.50

Using Excel =NORM.INV(.75,40,10) = 46.75, or Q3 = 40 + 0.675(10) = 46.75 using


Appendix C.

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Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 07-05 Solve for z or x for a given normal probability using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

57. Exam scores were normal in BIO 200. Jason's exam score was one standard deviation
above the mean. What percentile is he in?

A. 68th
B. 75th
C. 78th
D. 84th

About 15.87 percent of the area lies above one standard deviation.

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Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

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58. Compared to the area between z = 1.00 and z = 1.25, the area between z = 2.00 and z =
2.25 in the standard normal distribution will be:

A. smaller.
B. larger.
C. the same.
D. impossible to compare without knowing μ and σ.

The normal PDF approaches the axis as z increases beyond zero.

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Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-04 Find the normal probability for a given z or x using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

59. A large number of applicants for admission to graduate study in business are given an
aptitude test. Scores are normally distributed with a mean of 460 and standard deviation
of 80. What fraction of applicants would you expect to have scores of 600 or above?

A. 0.0401
B. 0.4599
C. 0.5401
D. 0.0852

P(X > 600) = P(Z > 1.75) = .0401.

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60. A large number of applicants for admission to graduate study in business are given an
aptitude test. Scores are normally distributed with a mean of 460 and standard deviation
of 80. What fraction of the applicants would you expect to have a score of 400 or above?

A. 0.2734
B. 0.7734
C. 0.7266
D. 0.7500

P(X > 400) = P(Z > -0.75) = .7734.

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Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-04 Find the normal probability for a given z or x using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

61. A large number of applicants for admission to graduate study in business are given an
aptitude test. Scores are normally distributed with a mean of 460 and standard deviation
of 80. The top 2.5 percent of the applicants would have a score of at least (choose the
nearest integer):

A. 606.
B. 617.
C. 600.
D. 646.

Using z = 1.96, we get X = 460 + 1.96 × 80 = 616.8.

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Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

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62. If the random variable Z has a standard normal distribution, then P(1.25 ≤ Z ≤ 2.17) is:

A. 0.0906.
B. 0.9200.
C. 0.4700.
D. 0.3944.

P(Z ≤ 2.17) - P(Z ≤ 1.25) = .0906.

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Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-04 Find the normal probability for a given z or x using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

63. If the random variable Z has a standard normal distribution, then P(Z ≤ -1.37) is:

A. 0.9147.
B. 0.4147.
C. 0.5016.
D. 0.0853.

From Appendix C we get the left-tail area of .0853.

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Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

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64. Assume that X is normally distributed with a mean μ = $64. Given that P(X ≥ $75) =
0.2981, we can calculate that the standard deviation of X is approximately:

A. $20.76.
B. $13.17.
C. $5.83.
D. $7.05.

For a right-tail area of .2981, we need z = -.53. So with x = 75, we set z = (x - μ)/σ and
solve for σ.

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Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 07-05 Solve for z or x for a given normal probability using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

65. The standard deviation of a normal random variable X is $20. Given that P(X ≤ $10) =
0.1841. From this we can determine that the mean of the distribution is equal to:

A. $13.
B. $26.
C. $20.
D. $28.

For a left-tail area of .1841, we need z = -.90. With x = 10, we set z = (x - μ)/σ and solve
for μ.

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Learning Objective: 07-05 Solve for z or x for a given normal probability using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

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66. The random variable X is normally distributed with mean of 80 and variance of 36. The 67 th
percentile of the distribution is:

A. 72.00.
B. 95.84.
C. 90.00.
D. 82.64.

Since P(Z < 0.44) = .6700, (from Appendix C), we get 80 + 0.44(6) = 82.64.

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Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-05 Solve for z or x for a given normal probability using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

67. The area under the normal curve between the 20th and 70th percentiles is equal to:

A. 0.7000.
B. 0.5000.
C. 0.9193.

Logically, this must be .70 - .20 = .50, as you can verify from Appendix C.

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Learning Objective: 07-04 Find the normal probability for a given z or x using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

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68. The variable in a normal distribution can assume any value between

A. -3 and +3.
B. -4 and +4.
C. -1 and +1.
D. -∞ and +∞.

Almost all the area is within -3 and +3, but the curve never quite touches the z-axis.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


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Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-03 Know the form and parameters of the normal distribution.
Topic: Normal Distribution

69. What are the mean and standard deviation for the standard normal distribution?

A. μ = 0, σ = 0
B. μ = 1, σ = 1
C. μ = 1, σ = 0
D. μ = 0, σ = 1

It's a standardized normal distribution, so the mean must be zero.

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Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-03 Know the form and parameters of the normal distribution.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

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70. Any two normal curves are the same except for their:

A. standard deviations.
B. means.
C. standard deviations and means.
D. standard deviations, means, skewness, and kurtosis.

We write N(μ, σ) to show the similar form of all normals.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


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Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-03 Know the form and parameters of the normal distribution.
Topic: Normal Distribution

71. Light bulbs are normally distributed with an average lifetime of 1000 hours and a standard
deviation of 250 hours. The probability that a light bulb picked at random will last less than
1500 hours is about:

A. 97.72 percent.
B. 95.44 percent.
C. 75.00 percent.
D. 68.00 percent.

P(Z < 1500) = P(Z < 2.00) = .9772 from Appendix C (or from Excel).

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Learning Objective: 07-04 Find the normal probability for a given z or x using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

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72. To convert a normally distributed variable X into a standard Z score we would:

A. subtract the mean from the original observation and divide the result by the variance.
B. subtract the mean from the original observation and divide the result by the standard
deviation.
C. add the mean and the original observation, then divide by the variance.
D. subtract the mean from the standard deviation and divide by the variance.

Review the z-score transformation.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


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Blooms: Understand
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-03 Know the form and parameters of the normal distribution.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

73. Regarding continuous probability distributions, which statement is incorrect?

A. The triangular distribution may be skewed left or right.


B. The uniform distribution is never skewed.
C. The normal distribution is sometimes skewed.
D. The exponential distribution is always skewed right.

Review the characteristics of these four distributions.

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Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-03 Know the form and parameters of the normal distribution.
Topic: Normal Distribution

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74. Which model best describes your waiting time until you get the next nonworking web URL
("This page cannot be displayed") as you click on various websites for Florida condo
rentals?

A. Triangular
B. Uniform
C. Normal
D. Exponential

Waiting time until the next event resembles an exponential distribution.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


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Blooms: Understand
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-07 Find the exponential probability for a given x.
Topic: Exponential Distribution

75. On average, a major earthquake (Richter scale 6.0 or above) occurs 3 times a decade in a
certain California county. What is the probability that less than six months will pass before
the next earthquake?

A. .1393
B. .8607
C. .0952
D. .9048

Set λ = 3/120 = 0.025 earthquake/month so P(X < 6) = 1 - exp(-0.025 × 6) = 1 - .8607 =


.1393.

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Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 07-07 Find the exponential probability for a given x.
Topic: Exponential Distribution

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76. If the mean time between in-flight aircraft engine shutdowns is 12,500 operating hours,
the 90th percentile of waiting times to the next shutdown will be:

A. 20,180 hours.
B. 28,782 hours.
C. 23,733 hours.
D. 18,724 hours.

Set λ = 1/12500 and solve for x in left-tail area of 1 - exp(-λx) = .90 by taking logs of
both sides.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


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Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 07-08 Solve for x for a given exponential probability.
Topic: Exponential Distribution

77. On average, 15 minutes elapse between discoveries of fraudulent corporate tax returns in
a certain IRS office. What is the probability that less than 30 minutes will elapse before
the next fraudulent corporate tax return is discovered?

A. .1353
B. .6044
C. .7389
D. .8647

P(X < 30) = 1 - exp(-λx) = 1 - exp(-(1/15) × 30) = 1 - .1353 = .8647.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


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Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 07-07 Find the exponential probability for a given x.
Topic: Exponential Distribution

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78. If the mean time between unscheduled maintenance of LCD displays in a hospital's CT
scan facility is 4,000 operating hours, what is the probability of unscheduled maintenance
in the next 5,000 hours?

A. .8000
B. .7135
C. .2865
D. .5000

P(X < 5000) = 1 - exp(-λx) = 1 - exp(-(1/4000) × 5000) = 1 - .2865 = .7135.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


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Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-07 Find the exponential probability for a given x.
Topic: Exponential Distribution

79. A certain assembly line at Vexing Manufacturing Company averages 30 minutes between
breakdowns. What is the probability that less than 6 minutes will elapse before the next
breakdown?

A. .8187
B. .0488
C. .1813
D. .2224

(X < 6) = 1 - exp(-λx) = 1 - exp(-(1/30) × 6) = 1 - .8187 = .1813.

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Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 07-07 Find the exponential probability for a given x.
Topic: Exponential Distribution

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80. A certain assembly line at Vexing Manufacturing Company averages 30 minutes between
breakdowns. The median time between breakdowns is:

A. 30.0 minutes.
B. 35.7 minutes.
C. 25.4 minutes.
D. 20.8 minutes.

Set λ = 1/30 and solve for x in right-tail area of 1 - exp(-λx) = .50 by taking logs of both
sides.

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Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 07-08 Solve for x for a given exponential probability.
Topic: Exponential Distribution

81. Which probability model is most appropriate to describe the waiting time (working days)
until an office photocopier breaks down (i.e., requires unscheduled maintenance)?

A. Normal
B. Uniform
C. Exponential
D. Poisson

Poisson breakdowns suggest exponential waiting time.

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Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-07 Find the exponential probability for a given x.
Topic: Exponential Distribution

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82. Bob's z-score for the last exam was -1.15 in FIN 417, "Capital Budgeting Strategies." Bob
said, "Yipe! My score is within the bottom quartile." Assuming a normal distribution, is Bob
right?

A. Yes
B. No
C. Must know the class size to answer

The bottom quartile would be below z = -.675 so Bob is indeed below that point.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


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Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-04 Find the normal probability for a given z or x using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

83. Exam scores were normal in MIS 200. Jason's exam score was 1.41 standard deviations
above the mean. What percentile is he in?

A. 68th.
B. 75th.
C. 84th.
D. 92nd.

P(Z < 1.41) = .9207.

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Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-04 Find the normal probability for a given z or x using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

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84. Compared to the area between z = 0.50 and z = 0.75, the area between z = 1.50 and z =
1.75 in the standard normal distribution will be:

A. smaller
B. larger
C. the same

The normal PDF approaches the axis as z increases beyond zero, so areas get smaller.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


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Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-04 Find the normal probability for a given z or x using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

85. If GMAT scores for applicants at Oxnard Graduate School of Business are N(500, 50), then
the top 5 percent of the applicants would have a score of at least (choose the nearest
integer):

A. 575.
B. 582.
C. 601.
D. 608.

The top 5 percent would require z = 1.645, so x = 500 + 1.645(50) = 582.25.

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Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-05 Solve for z or x for a given normal probability using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

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86. If the random variable Z has a standard normal distribution, then P(1.17 ≤ Z ≤ 2.26) is:

A. 0.1091.
B. 0.1203.
C. 0.2118.
D. 0.3944.

Subtract P(Z ≤ 2.26) - P(Z ≤ 1.17).

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Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-04 Find the normal probability for a given z or x using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

87. If the random variable Z has a standard normal distribution, then P(Z ≤ -1.72) is:

A. 0.9573.
B. 0.0446.
C. 0.5016.
D. 0.0427.

Use Appendix C or Excel =NORM.S.DIST(-1.72,1).

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Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-04 Find the normal probability for a given z or x using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

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88. Excel's =100*RAND() function produces continuous random numbers that are uniformly
distributed between 0 and 100. The standard deviation of this distribution is
approximately:

A. 50.00.
B. 28.87.
C. 33.33.
D. 25.00.

The standard deviation of a uniform is [(b - a)2/12]1/2 = [(100 - 0)2/12]1/2.

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Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-02 Calculate uniform probabilities.
Topic: Uniform Continuous Distribution

89. Excel's =RAND() function produces random numbers that are uniformly distributed
between 0 and 1. The mean of this distribution is approximately

A. .5000.
B. .2500.
C. .3333.
D. .2887.

The mean is halfway between the end points.

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Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-02 Calculate uniform probabilities.
Topic: Uniform Continuous Distribution

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90. Excel's =RAND() function produces random numbers that are uniformly distributed from 0
to 1. What is the probability that the random number exceeds .75?

A. 75 percent
B. 50 percent
C. 25 percent

This is the upper 25 percent.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


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Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-02 Calculate uniform probabilities.
Topic: Uniform Continuous Distribution

91. Which is the correct Excel formula for the 80th percentile of a distribution that is N(475,
33)?

A. =NORM.DIST(80,475,33,1)
B. =NORM.INV(0.80,475,33)
C. =NORM.S.INV((80-475)/33)

Review Excel functions in Appendix J.

AACSB: Technology
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-05 Solve for z or x for a given normal probability using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

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92. If arrivals follow a Poisson distribution with mean 1.2 arrivals per minute, find the 75 th
percentile of waiting times until the next arrival (i.e., 75 percent below).

A. 1.155 minutes (69.3 seconds)


B. 0.240 minute (14.4 seconds)
C. 1.919 minutes (115.1 seconds)

Set λ = 1.2 and solve for x in right-tail area of exp(-λx) = .25 by taking logs of both sides.

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Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 07-08 Solve for x for a given exponential probability.
Topic: Exponential Distribution

93. A software developer makes 175 phone calls to its current customers. There is an 8
percent chance of reaching a given customer (instead of a busy signal, no answer, or
answering machine). The normal approximation of the probability of reaching at least 20
customers is:

A. .022.
B. .007.
C. .063.
D. .937.

Set n = 175 and π = .08. Calculate μ = nπ = (175)(.08) = 14 and σ = [nπ(1 - π)]1/2 =


[175(.08)(1 - .08)]1/2 = 3.588872. Use x = 19.5 (with the continuity correction) and
calculate the binomial P(X ≥ 20) ≈ P(z ≥ 1.532515) using z = (x - μ)/σ = 1.532515.

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Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 07-06 Use the normal approximation to a binomial or a Poisson.
Topic: Normal Approximations

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94. For Gardyloo Manufacturing, the true proportion of accounts receivable with some kind of
error is .20. If an auditor randomly samples 225 accounts receivable, what is the
approximate normal probability that 39 or fewer will contain errors?

A. .1797
B. .2097
C. .1587
D. .0544

Set μ = nπ and σ = [nπ(1 - π)]1/2 and convert x = 39.5 (using the continuity correction)
to a z score with z = (x - μ)/σ. Set n = 225 and π = .20. Calculate μ = nπ = (225)(.20)
= 45 and σ = [nπ(1 - π)]1/2 = [225(.20)(1 - .20)]1/2 = 6.000. Use x = 39.5 (with the
continuity correction) and calculate the binomial P(X ≤ 39) ≈ P(z ≤ -.916667) using z = (x
- μ)/σ = -.916667.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 07-06 Use the normal approximation to a binomial or a Poisson.
Topic: Normal Approximations

95. A letter is mailed to a sample of 500 homeowners. Based on past experience, the
probability of an undeliverable letter is 0.06. The normal approximation to the binomial
probability of 40 or more undeliverable letters is:

A. 0.9632
B. 0.0368
C. 0.2305
D. 0.7695

Set n = 500 and π = .06. Calculate μ = nπ = (500)(.06) = 30 and σ = [nπ(1 - π)]1/2 =


[500(.06)(1 - .06)]1/2 = 5.31037. Use x = 39.5 (with the continuity correction) and calculate
the binomial P(X ≥ 40) ≈ P(z ≥ 1.78895) using z = (x - μ)/σ = 1.78895.

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Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 07-06 Use the normal approximation to a binomial or a Poisson.
Topic: Normal Approximations

96. In a T-F exam with 100 questions, passing requires a score of at least 60. What is the
approximate normal probability that a "guesser" will score at least 60 points?

A. .0287
B. .4713
C. .0251
D. .0377

A guesser would have a 50 percent chance of a correct answer, so we set π = .50. There
are n = 100 questions, so we calculate μ = nπ = (100)(.50) = 50 and σ = [nπ(1 - π)]1/2
= [100(.50)(1 - .50)]1/2 = 5. Use x = 59.5 (with the continuity correction) and calculate the
binomial P(X ≥ 60) ≈ P(z ≥ 1.90) using z = (x - μ)/σ = 1.90.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


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Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 07-06 Use the normal approximation to a binomial or a Poisson.
Topic: Normal Approximations

7-75
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97. A multiple choice exam has 100 questions. Each question has five choices. What would be
the approximate probability that a "guesser" could achieve a score of 30 or more?

A. 0.0088
B. 0.0062
C. 0.0015
D. 0.4913

A guesser would have a 20 percent chance of a correct answer (1 out of 5), so we set π =
.20. There are n = 100 questions, so we calculate μ = nπ = (100)(.20) = 20 and σ =
[nπ(1 - π)]1/2 = [100(.20)(1 - .20)]1/2 = 4. Use x = 29.5 (with the continuity correction)
and calculate the binomial P(X ≥ 30) ≈ P(z ≥ 2.375) using z = (x - μ)/σ = 2.375.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 07-06 Use the normal approximation to a binomial or a Poisson.
Topic: Normal Approximations

98. For which binomial distribution would a normal approximation be most acceptable?

A. n = 50, π = 0.05
B. n = 100, π = 0.04
C. n = 40, π = 0.25
D. n = 400, π = 0.02

We want nπ ≥ 10 and n(1 - π) ≥ 10.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-06 Use the normal approximation to a binomial or a Poisson.
Topic: Normal Approximations

7-76
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99. Historically, the default rate on a certain type of commercial loan is 20 percent. If a bank
makes 100 of these loans, what is the approximate probability that at least 26 will result in
default?

A. 0.2000
B. 0.0668
C. 0.0846
D. 0.0336

Set n = 100 and π = .20. Calculate μ = nπ = (100)(.20) = 20 and σ = [nπ(1 - π)]1/2 =


[100(.20)(1 - .20)]1/2 = 4. Use x = 25.5 (with the continuity correction) and calculate the
binomial P(X ≥ 26) ≈ P(z ≥ 1.375) using z = (x - μ)/σ = 1.375.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 07-06 Use the normal approximation to a binomial or a Poisson.
Topic: Normal Approximations

100. A company employs 300 employees. Each year, there is a 30 percent turnover rate for
employees. We want to do a normal approximation to the binomial distribution of the
number of employees who leave each year. For this normal approximation, the mean is
______ and the standard deviation is _____.

A. 90; 63
B. 90; 7.937
C. 90; 30
D. 90; 15

Use n = 300 and π = .30, and then calculate μ = nπ and σ = [nπ(1 - π)]1/2.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-06 Use the normal approximation to a binomial or a Poisson.
Topic: Normal Approximations

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101. The probability that a rental car will be stolen is 0.001. If 25,000 cars are rented from
Hertz, what is the normal approximation to the probability that fewer than 20 will be
stolen?

A. .2577
B. .1335
C. .1128
D. .8335

Set n = 25,000 and π = .001. Calculate μ = nπ = (25000)(.001) = 25 and σ = [nπ(1 -


π)]1/2 = [25000(.001)(1 - .001)]1/2 = 4.9975. Use x = 19.5 (with the continuity correction)
and calculate the binomial P(X < 20) ≈ P(z < -1.10055) using z = (x - μ)/σ = - 1.10055.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 07-06 Use the normal approximation to a binomial or a Poisson.
Topic: Normal Approximations

102. If adult male heights are normally distributed with a mean of 180 cm and a standard
deviation of 7 cm, how high should an aircraft lavatory door be to ensure that 99.9 percent
of adult males will not have to stoop as they enter?

A. 195.7 cm
B. 201.6 cm
C. 207.3 cm
D. 201.4 cm

With Excel we get =NORM.INV(.999,180,7) = 201.63, or Appendix C with z = 3.09.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


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Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-05 Solve for z or x for a given normal probability using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

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103. TotCo is developing a new deluxe baby bassinet. If the length of a newborn baby is
normally distributed with a mean of 50 cm and a standard deviation of 5 cm, what should
be the interior length of the bassinet to ensure that 99 percent of newborn babies will fit,
with a safety margin of 15 cm on each end of the bassinet?

A. 95.45 cm
B. 85.22 cm
C. 91.63 cm
D. 98.92 cm

With Excel we get =NORM.INV(.99,50,5)+30 = 91.63, or Appendix C with z = 2.33.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-05 Solve for z or x for a given normal probability using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

104. The triangular distribution T(4, 12, 26) has a mean of:

A. 14.
B. 18.
C. 12.
D. 13.

Mean is (4 + 12 + 26)/3.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-09 Use the triangular distribution for "what-if" analysis (optional).
Topic: Triangular Distribution (Optional)

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105. The triangular distribution T(0, 10, 20) has a standard deviation of:

A. 4.082.
B. 3.775.
C. 3.024.
D. 2.994.

Set a = 0, b = 10, c = 20, and use the triangular standard deviation formula σ = [(a2 + b2
+ c2 - ab - ac - bc)/18]1/2 = 4.082.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-09 Use the triangular distribution for "what-if" analysis (optional).
Topic: Triangular Distribution (Optional)

106. The triangular distribution T(5, 23, 62) has a mean of:

A. 23.
B. 30.
C. 33.
D. 35.

Mean is (5 + 23 + 62)/3.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 07-09 Use the triangular distribution for "what-if" analysis (optional).
Topic: Triangular Distribution (Optional)

7-80
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107. The triangular distribution T(10, 20, 50) has a standard deviation of:

A. 9.498.
B. 9.225.
C. 8.498.
D. 7.710.

Set a = 10, b = 20, c = 50, and use the triangular standard deviation formula σ = [(a2 + b2
+ c2 - ab - ac - bc)/18]1/2 = 8.498.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-09 Use the triangular distribution for "what-if" analysis (optional).
Topic: Triangular Distribution (Optional)

108. Which statement is incorrect?

A. The triangular distribution always has a single mode.


B. The mean of the triangular distribution is ( a + b + c)/3.
C. The triangular distribution is right-skewed.

The triangular distribution may be skewed right or left, and is symmetric only if the mode
is halfway between a and c. Review properties of the triangular distribution.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-09 Use the triangular distribution for "what-if" analysis (optional).
Topic: Triangular Distribution (Optional)

7-81
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109. Bob used a triangular distribution of T(20, 30, 61) to represent his daily commute time
(minutes). Which statement is incorrect?

A. The distribution is right-skewed.


B. The mode of the distribution exceeds the mean.
C. The mean of the distribution is 37.
D. The midrange of the distribution is 40.5.

This triangular distribution is right-skewed. The mean is (20 + 30 + 61)/3 = 37, which
exceeds the mode b = 30. It would be helpful to sketch a graph of the PDF.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 07-09 Use the triangular distribution for "what-if" analysis (optional).
Topic: Triangular Distribution (Optional)

110. Phyllis used a triangular distribution of T(10, 15, 20) to represent her daily commute time
(minutes). Which statement is incorrect?

A. The distribution is right-skewed.


B. The mode of the distribution is at the mean.
C. The mean of the distribution is 15.
D. The midrange of the distribution is 15.

The distribution is symmetric if the mode b lies halfway between the end points. In this
example, (a + c)/2 = (10 + 20)/2 = 15, so the mode b = 15 is halfway between the
minimum and maximum.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-09 Use the triangular distribution for "what-if" analysis (optional).
Topic: Triangular Distribution (Optional)

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111. In a continuous distribution:

A. P(X < 5) is the same as P(X ≤ 5).


B. P(X < 5) is less than P(X ≤ 5).
C. P(X < 5) is more than P(X ≤ 5).

A point has no area in a continuous CDF.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Understand
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-01 Define a continuous random variable.
Topic: Continuous Probability Distributions

112. In a continuous distribution the

A. PDF is usually higher than the CDF.


B. CDF is used to find left-tail probabilities.
C. PDF shows the area under the curve.
D. CDF is usually the same as the PDF.

The CDF shows P(X ≤ x). Review definitions of PDF and CDF.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Understand
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-01 Define a continuous random variable.
Topic: Continuous Probability Distributions

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113. If the mean waiting time for the next arrival is 12 minutes, what is the median waiting
time?

A. 7.2 minutes
B. 8.3 minutes
C. 9.1 minutes
D. 12 minutes

Set λ = 1/12 minute per arrival and take logs of both sides of exp(-λx) = .50 to solve for
x.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 07-08 Solve for x for a given exponential probability.
Topic: Exponential Distribution

114. If the mean waiting time for the next arrival is 18 minutes, what is the first quartile (25 th
percentile) for waiting times?

A. 13 minutes
B. 7.9 minutes
C. 5.2 minutes
D. 3.1 minutes

Set λ = 1/18 minute per arrival and take logs of both sides of exp(-λx) = .75 to solve for
x.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 07-08 Solve for x for a given exponential probability.
Topic: Exponential Distribution

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115. Could this function be a PDF?

A. Yes.
B. No.
C. It depends on x.

Area = 1/2 × base × height = .500, which is not 1, so it cannot be a PDF.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-01 Define a continuous random variable.
Topic: Continuous Probability Distributions

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116. Could this function be a PDF?

A. Yes.
B. No.
C. It depends on x.

Area = base × height = 2, which is not 1, so it cannot be a PDF.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-01 Define a continuous random variable.
Topic: Continuous Probability Distributions

117. The ages of job applicants for a security guard position are uniformly distributed between
25 and 65. Could a 25-year-old job applicant be two standard deviations below the mean
(or more than two standard deviations)?

A. Yes.
B. No.
C. Impossible to determine from given information.

Since σ = [(65 - 25)2/12]1/2 = 11.54, we can see that 25 is not 2σ below the mean of 45.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


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Blooms: Apply

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Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 07-02 Calculate uniform probabilities.
Topic: Uniform Continuous Distribution

118. The figure shows a standard normal N(0, 1) distribution. Find the shaded area.

A. .6444
B. .7514
C. .9245
D. .9850

Appendix C.2 gives 1 - P(z < -2.17) = 1 - .0150 = 0.9750 =1-NORM.S.DIST(-2.17,1).

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-04 Find the normal probability for a given z or x using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

7-87
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119. The figure shows a standard normal N(0, 1) distribution. Find the shaded area.

A. .4400
B. .3300
C. .2998
D. .2502

Appendix C.2. gives 1 - P(z < .44) = 1 - .6700 = .3300 =1-NORM.S.DIST(0.44,1).

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-04 Find the normal probability for a given z or x using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

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120. The figure shows a standard normal N(0, 1) distribution. Find the z value for the shaded
area.

A. -1.98
B. -1.87
C. -1.75
D. -1.62

Appendix C.2 gives P(z < -1.75) = .0401 or use Excel =NORM.S.INV(0.04) = -1.75.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-05 Solve for z or x for a given normal probability using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

7-89
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121. The figure shows a standard normal N(0, 1) distribution. Find the z value for the shaded
area.

A. -2.17
B. -2.09
C. -1.99
D. -1.94

Appendix C.2 gives P(z < -2.17) = .0150 or use Excel =NORM.S.INV(0.015) = -2.17.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 07-05 Solve for z or x for a given normal probability using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

7-90
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122. The figure shows a normal N(400, 23) distribution. Find the approximate shaded area.

A. .0410
B. .0501
C. .0724
D. .0838

z = (440 - 400)/23 = 1.739, so Appendix C.2 gives 1 - P(z < 1.74) = 1 - .9591 = .0409, or
from Excel =1-NORM.DIST(440,400,23,1) = .0410.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 07-04 Find the normal probability for a given z or x using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

7-91
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123. The figure shows a normal N(400, 23) distribution. Find the approximate shaded area.

A. .3811
B. .3527
C. .2299
D. .1940

z = (417 - 400)/23 = 0.7391, so Appendix C.2 gives 1 - P(z < 0.74) = 1 - .7704 = .2296, or
from Excel =1-NORM.DIST(417,400,23,1) = .2299.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 07-04 Find the normal probability for a given z or x using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

7-92
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124. The figure shows a normal N(400, 23) distribution. Find the x value for the shaded area.

A. 379.1
B. 362.2
C. 355.7
D. 347.6

From Appendix C.2 we get P(z < -1.645) = .05, so x = µ + zσ = 400 - 1.645(23) = 362.2, or
from Excel =NORM.INV(0.05,400,23) = 362.2.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 07-05 Solve for z or x for a given normal probability using tables or Excel.
Topic: Normal Distribution

7-93
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125. The figure shows a normal N(400, 23) distribution. Find the x value for the shaded area.

A. 412.9
B. 426.7
C. 436.2
D. 440.3

From Appendix C.2 we get P(z > 1.75) = .0401, so x = µ + zσ = 400 + 1.75(23) = 440.3, or
from Excel =NORM.INV(0.96,400,23) = 440.3.

AACSB: Analytical Thinking


Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 07-05 Solve for z or x for a given normal probability using tables or Excel.
Topic: Standard Normal Distribution

7-94
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Another random document with
no related content on Scribd:
Beobachtungen [4] . Pour ceux-là leur exercice favori c’est
réellement, comme on l’a dit, l’image de la guerre ; il leur faut de
nombreux périls, des obstacles accumulés, de longues marches,
des privations, la poursuite d’animaux fauves et féroces, qui en se
retournant pourraient, d’un coup de dent ou d’un coup de patte,
anéantir le chasseur au lieu d’être détruits par lui.
[4] Un fort volume chez Kunast, libraire de la Cour,
Hohenmarkt, Vienne.

Des oiseaux de proie planent au-dessus des blocs de rochers ;


les aigles se perdent dans les nuages, et les vautours au sinistre
battement d’ailes viennent chercher leur proie — lorsque la faim les
talonne — jusque parmi les troupeaux qui paissent dans la plaine.
On voit alors l’énorme oiseau fondre comme un aérolithe vivant au
milieu des brebis ; il a choisi la plus belle et la plus grosse, et il
l’emporte dans ses serres avant que les bergers, stupéfaits, aient
songé à accourir.
Mais ces rois des airs ont également leurs ennemis, leurs
persécuteurs acharnés. Ceux-là se rient de tous les obstacles, des
plus hautes montagnes, des aspérités de terrain ; ils grimpent
comme s’ils étaient chez eux, dans leur maison, le long des rochers
nus, et tout à coup ils apparaissent au-dessus des aires taillées dans
les pierres et enlèvent du nid les aiglons, tandis que les parents
cherchent au loin la proie et bravent le soleil en regardant ses
rayons en face.
Dans cette même Herzégovine, il est d’autres tableaux plus doux
et qui vous frappent par des impressions différentes. Dans la vallée,
vous vous trouvez en admiration devant un véritable tableau
méridional. Vous êtes dans l’antichambre de la belle Italie : les
buissons d’oliviers, les figuiers, les oranges et les citrons suspendus
aux arbres, la flore colorée et luxuriante, tout vous parle des pays
chauds, du Midi béni. Et dans ce décor apparaissent des hommes à
tournure fière et martiale, toujours armés, au regard provoquant ;
des femmes d’une correction de traits qui rappelle à la fois la pureté
grecque et la finesse vénitienne.
Mostar, que l’on atteint facilement de Sérajewo par une belle
route carrossable qui traverse un paysage très accidenté, n’a pas
l’aspect vivant et grouillant de la capitale de la Bosnie : c’est une ville
d’un caractère essentiellement oriental, dont les maisons sont de
grandes constructions en bois assez irrégulières, au milieu
desquelles on voit s’élever quelques tours et plusieurs bâtiments à
l’européenne destinés à loger l’administration et les troupes. La
garnison est assez nombreuse et supporte avec philosophie et
entrain cette sorte d’exil qui lui est imposé et qui cependant est un
Eldorado, comparé aux postes d’enfants perdus dans les blockhaus
qui bordent la frontière du côté du Monténégro. Le service est là plus
dur que n’importe ailleurs ; les soldats, isolés de tout contact avec le
monde extérieur, sont sur le perpétuel qui-vive ; s’ils sont envoyés en
patrouille dans les montagnes, obligés de parcourir des sentiers qui
ne sont faits pour être foulés par aucun pied humain, c’est une
distraction, une diversion pénible et périlleuse, il est vrai, à cette
claustration à laquelle les soldats enfermés dans les fortins sont
condamnés. L’autorité militaire supérieure tient compte de cette
situation, et l’on renouvelle le plus souvent possible les petites
garnisons des blockhaus ; on transporte ces troupes ailleurs, avant
que le spleen et la nostalgie aient causé leurs ravages.
La grande ressource agricole et industrielle à la fois de
l’Herzégovine, la seule en quelque sorte, c’est la culture du tabac.
Elle existait déjà à l’époque des Turcs, mais à l’état d’embryon, et les
procédés en usage étaient tout à fait rudimentaires. L’Herzégovien a
toujours eu la passion de fumer, et il a toujours trouvé moyen de
suffire à ses appétits de consommateur de tabac, mais rien au delà.
Aujourd’hui, il ne s’agit pas seulement de planter du tabac pour la
consommation, mais pour gagner quelque argent. Depuis
l’établissement du régime austro-hongrois, l’État s’est réservé le
monopole de la vente du tabac. Pour la culture il a introduit d’abord
un système de primes pour ceux qui obtiennent les meilleurs
résultats et qui apportent le plus de soin à ce travail ; ensuite le
tabac à l’état brut est payé un très bon prix et comptant au
cultivateur par la régie, qui, après avoir pris livraison des feuilles, les
expédie, convenablement séchées et protégées contre les
intempéries, aux deux fabriques de Sérajewo et de Mostar, qui,
créées depuis peu d’années seulement, sont en pleine activité.
L’organisation de ces manufactures est conforme à celle des
meilleurs établissements du même genre que possède l’Europe. Les
machines ont été commandées d’après les derniers modèles, les
directeurs sont des gens du métier et les contremaîtres ont fait un
stage dans les premières manufactures. La discipline la plus parfaite
règne parmi les ouvriers et même parmi les cigarières, dont l’aspect,
le costume, sont aussi pittoresques que ceux des figurantes dans
Carmen, mais fort heureusement on n’a pas eu jusqu’à présent de
scandales ni de rixes à signaler, causés par un brigadier don José.
Ces jeunes filles (il n’y a guère que des ouvrières de quinze à vingt
ans) n’appartiennent pas à des familles misérables, elles pourraient
à la rigueur se passer de leur salaire. Lorsqu’elles touchent leur
semaine, elles se hâtent de convertir les billets de banque de
l’administration en pièces d’argent ou en pièces d’or trouées des
deux côtés ; elles les enfilent comme des grains de chapelet et en
forment de cette façon un collier à deux, trois ou quatre rangs,
qu’elles portent autour du cou par-dessus leur robe. Ce sera là leur
dot lorsqu’elles se marieront. Aussi ces jeunes filles sont roses et
gaies — même lorsqu’elles ne sont pas jolies, ce qui est pourtant le
cas bien souvent. Elles chantent des mélopées un peu monotones et
d’une poésie sauvage, qui célèbrent les hauts faits des héros de la
montagne ou quelques douces prouesses amoureuses. Mais ces
chants sont dits à demi-voix ; ils s’élèvent dans l’air des vastes
ateliers comme un susurrement, car les surveillantes sont là et ne
toléreraient ni scandale, ni bruit troublant l’ordre qui doit régner
partout dans les manufactures de l’État.
C’est un plaisir pour tout fumeur que de contempler les
différentes sortes de tabac que les fabriques de Mostar et de
Sérajewo vous livrent avec le produit des feuilles recueillies en
Herzégovine. Il y en a une dizaine d’espèces, depuis le tabac
couleur thé de Chine jusqu’au « Kallay », qui est du plus beau blond,
d’un blond vénitien ; on dirait des chevelures empruntées à un
portrait de patricienne signé par le Titien. La régie autrichienne et la
régie hongroise commencent déjà à s’approvisionner de tabac
herzégovien. C’est en ce moment la plus forte recette du budget des
provinces occupées, et le chiffre grossira encore certainement
lorsque les tabacs de cette nouvelle régie seront exportés et qu’ils
seront appréciés comme ils le méritent par les fumeurs de l’Europe
entière.
L’Herzégovine offre aussi des vestiges de la domination romaine,
que l’on peut comparer aux travaux que vient d’élever partout le
génie autrichien.
Il y a notamment deux ponts sur la Narenta, le principal fleuve :
l’un à Mostar même, et l’autre à Balja. Le premier de ces ponts
présente un aspect des plus animés les jours de foire, parce que les
populations si diverses, si bariolées de l’Herzégovine envoient leurs
représentants en grand costume, armés jusqu’aux dents, qui
viennent pour acheter et vendre des chevaux, des bœufs, des
moutons, ou même pour parader sur la place publique et se montrer.
Puis, au trot de leurs petits chevaux secs et maigres, mais qui
connaissent si bien les sentiers montagneux, ils regagneront leurs
aires voisines de celles des aigles, ou les cabanes de pierre qui leur
servent de logement. Il en est qui chevaucheront jusque sur la
frontière du Monténégro, où ils vivent dans l’éternelle espérance du
cri de guerre qui doit les appeler à la bataille soit contre les
musulmans, soit contre les chrétiens. Tout adversaire leur est bon,
pourvu que la poudre parle et que leurs instincts de bravoure
puissent briller.
CHAPITRE XIV

La question des Kmètes. — Les difficultés religieuses. — Hostilité des


ultramontains. — La retraite de M. de Nikolich. — La famille impériale et la
Bosnie. — L’annexion en vue. — Conclusion.

Lorsque l’administration austro-hongroise a pris la succession


des valis et des pachas turcs, elle a trouvé à résoudre plusieurs
problèmes très arides, fort compliqués, et devant lesquels d’autres
moins résolus au travail auraient peut-être reculé ou hésité. La
question agraire était la principale de toutes, la plus grave, celle qu’il
importait de régler avant toute autre dans un pays où l’agriculture
doit être la base de la prospérité générale.
Comme cela a été dit plus haut, le régime féodal existe depuis
plusieurs siècles en Bosnie ; ce système a été atténué dans le cours
des temps, il s’est affaibli à l’user, mais il n’a jamais complètement
disparu.
Les begs et les aghas sont encore aujourd’hui les propriétaires
titulaires d’une partie du sol, d’une partie seulement, car beaucoup
de paysans ont pu se racheter sans de trop grands sacrifices, et ils
sont libres, disposant de leurs propriétés comme les cultivateurs
français ou allemands.
Mais là où les traditions séculaires ont été conservées, le Khmète
(c’est le nom du pays en bosniaque) n’est que le fermier de la terre
qu’il cultive, fermier perpétuel et héréditaire, que le beg ou agha n’a
pas le droit de renvoyer, tant qu’il paye régulièrement sa redevance.
On voit que le système féodal a beaucoup perdu de sa rigueur et
que la condition des Khmètes n’offre que peu d’analogie avec celle
des serfs russes avant l’émancipation, ou avec les vassaux du
moyen âge attachés à la glèbe sans aucun atermoiement. Les
charges du Khmète se bornent au payement de la dîme de dix pour
cent, à titre d’impôt à l’État, et de la Trentina, c’est-à-dire du tiers du
produit annuel de sa terre au beg. Autrefois le suzerain avait le droit
de s’installer à sa guise chez le Khmète et de se faire nourrir ad
libitum. Le cellier, les greniers, les étables, toutes les réserves du
paysan étaient à la disposition du seigneur, qui restait en
subsistance jusqu’au complet épuisement des provisions. Cette
charge indirecte pesait d’autant plus lourdement sur le Khmète que
dans les derniers temps, par suite de la déchéance des begs et de la
perte de leurs propriétés, il arrivait qu’au lieu d’être le suzerain de
plusieurs khmètes, le beg partageait avec un ou deux collègues la
propriété d’un seul et unique paysan. Ce n’était pas un seul, mais
deux ou trois dévorants que le vassal était obligé d’héberger.
L’administration autrichienne s’est empressée de mettre un terme
à cet abus criant, et en le supprimant elle a rendu la position du
paysan plus tolérable, car en somme l’impôt (qu’il peut acquitter en
nature) existe partout, et la Trentina représente les intérêts de la
terre, qui est par le droit et par l’usage la propriété, c’est-à-dire le
capital du seigneur. Il ne faut pas du reste prendre ce titre
absolument au pied de la lettre : beaucoup de ces begs sont bien
déchus de leur ancienne splendeur, qui, dans ce pays, n’a été que
relative. Souvent le Khmète est plus à son aise que le maître lui-
même ; le Khmète ne doit en effet de redevance que pour la terre
cultivée en vue de la production des grains et céréales, il ne doit rien
pour l’élevage des bestiaux ; aussi ne se gêne-t-il nullement pour
transformer en pâturages la plus grande partie de ses lopins, surtout
depuis que la consommation de la viande de boucherie a augmenté
dans des proportions considérables.
Depuis 1879 on a écrit beaucoup d’articles, d’essais et même de
brochures sur cette question agraire ; on l’a présentée comme
insoluble, et des âmes sensibles du dehors se sont apitoyées sur le
sort des malheureux serfs qu’on se représentait courbés sous le
bâton et mourant de faim, à côté des produits de leurs terres que le
seigneur enlevait à leur barbe.
Mais en réalité la situation n’est pas si mauvaise. Elle serait
même supportable en fait, si la question de droit n’était pas en jeu et
si l’Autriche-Hongrie n’avait pas l’obligation morale de faire cesser
un état de choses qui est contraire à toutes les théories et à la
législation en vigueur dans le reste de l’empire.
L’État est intervenu paternellement dans les éternelles et
interminables discussions entre les Khmètes et leurs suzerains, qui
se vidaient autrefois à coups de fusil ou à coups de handjar. D’une
part, l’autorité assure au beg la rentrée exacte et régulière de la
Trentina, que certains Khmètes se croyaient dispensés de payer
après l’occupation autrichienne, et, de l’autre côté, elle protège le
Khmète contre tous les abus que le régime turc tolérait. Mais cette
intervention avec ses incidents administratifs et judiciaires n’est
qu’un palliatif ; le remède consiste dans l’affranchissement complet
du Khmète par voie de rachat des terres dont il est le fermier.
L’administration encourage de son mieux ces transactions, et ses
efforts ont été couronnés de succès. On commence à former en
Bosnie une classe nombreuse et forte d’agriculteurs propriétaires,
qui sont attachés à leurs terres et les cultivent avec assiduité,
sachant bien qu’aucune spoliation, aucun abus ne viendra les priver
du produit de leur travail. Quant aux begs, ils prendront leur argent
et iront le porter avec leur personne à Constantinople et à la
Mecque, où ils se trouveront, en fin de compte, très heureux et tout à
fait à leur place en qualité de musulmans du passé.
La difficulté à laquelle se heurte la plupart du temps le rachat des
terres est commune à toutes les contrées musulmanes où l’état civil
n’existe pas ; il s’agissait de délimiter la propriété exacte de chacun
pour éviter à l’avenir les contestations et les procès. Il fut décidé
d’introduire en Bosnie une institution qui a rendu de grands services
dans les pays de la monarchie autrichienne, le Livre foncier
(Grundbuch), qui contient le nom des propriétaires, la limite exacte
des propriétés, et qui fait foi pour toutes les ventes et pour tous les
prêts hypothécaires. Des employés experts furent envoyés sur les
lieux et le travail commença. Mais les habitants, auxquels il fallait
s’adresser pour être renseigné, pour obtenir les déclarations et les
attestations destinées à établir les droits de propriété, de quelle
façon accueilleraient-ils les commissaires ? Faciliteraient-ils ou
entraveraient-ils l’œuvre indispensable que l’autorité avait prescrite ?
Les inquiétudes disparurent bientôt : les commissaires
rencontrèrent partout le meilleur accueil, et même, en cas de besoin,
le concours le plus empressé ; les travaux avancèrent rapidement
sous la direction habile et l’impulsion active de M. le baron de
Kutschera, et aujourd’hui la plus grande partie des registres est mise
à jour. Les contrats d’achat et de vente peuvent être dressés avec la
plus grande exactitude, et les titres de propriété, une fois acquis,
sont incontestables.
L’Autriche-Hongrie veut faire régner en Bosnie et en Herzégovine
la paix religieuse la plus complète. On n’admet pas la prédominance
d’un culte sur un autre, ni la suprématie d’un clergé au détriment des
croyants d’un culte différent. La tolérance envers les musulmans est
poussée jusqu’aux dernières limites ; la démonstration est faite
aujourd’hui que le culte de Mahomet peut être librement pratiqué et
jouir de tous les respects sous le sceptre catholique d’un Habsbourg.
Ce n’est pas seulement la religion qui est respectée, mais les
mœurs, les usages et les coutumes. Par exemple, une femme
musulmane citée en justice ne pourra être contrainte à ôter son
voile, sauf le cas de nécessité absolue, s’il y a doute sur son identité.
Même dans ce cas, les juges doivent procéder avec la plus grande
circonspection, et ils risquent gros, si la dérogation aux usages n’est
pas justifiée d’une façon impérieuse. On m’a cité le cas d’un jeune
fonctionnaire judiciaire qui a eu à subir une enquête disciplinaire des
plus rigoureuses, parce qu’il avait ordonné à une femme turque
d’enlever l’enveloppe épaisse qui dérobe aux profanes le mystère de
ses charmes ou les secrets de sa laideur. Les biens religieux, les
fonds du Vacouf consacrés à des fondations pieuses ou à des
œuvres d’utilité publique, sont employés conformément aux vœux
des donateurs ; le commissaire du gouvernement faisant partie de la
commission n’a pas d’autre tâche que de veiller à la régularité des
comptes ; la tutelle qu’il exerce est tout à fait conforme à l’esprit
musulman.
Cette tolérance de l’administration pour la religion mahométane
n’a pas été du goût de tout le monde. Des zélateurs ultramontains,
des échappés du séminaire de Diakovas se sont imaginé
maladroitement que l’administration austro-hongroise allait travailler
pour le pape et faire avant tout, des pays occupés, une province
romaine. Dans l’idée de ces messieurs, ce n’était pas seulement
l’islamisme qu’il fallait opprimer, et, si possible, faire disparaître, en
poussant l’élément turc à l’émigration ; ils en voulaient également au
culte grec, dédaigneusement traité de schisme. L’évêque catholique
de Sérajewo, M. Stadler, voulut agir en prélat tout à fait militant. Les
façons de prédicant et de convertisseur contrastaient fort vivement
avec la bonhomie et la rondeur indifférente des franciscains qui
parcourent le pays, bottés, vêtus de la houppelande à brandebourgs,
si commode pour aller à cheval, trinquant volontiers avec leurs
ouailles et menant joyeuse vie après avoir dit la messe et écouté la
confession. L’ardeur de M. Stadler l’entraîna même à attaquer dans
des lettres pastorales le métropolitain grec. Celui-ci riposta ; il se
plaignit de ce que l’évêque cherchait à lui enlever ses ouailles, et
une véritable polémique s’engagea sous les regards malicieux des
musulmans, flattés intérieurement de voir les chrétiens se déchirer
entre eux. Le gouvernement laissa les lutteurs s’injurier et échanger
les propos des héros d’Homère ; mais lorsque le scandale fut
devenu trop grand, un rescrit de M. de Kallay enjoignit aux deux
pasteurs de cesser ces hostilités peu édifiantes.
Les ultramontains en prirent de l’humeur, et ils bombardèrent
l’administration de pamphlets imprimés en Allemagne, auxquels un
Turc de l’Herzégovine, M. Capitanowitsch, a répondu de la plus belle
encre. Mais la meilleure réponse à ces pamphlets vient d’être faite
par le ministre aux dernières délégations : il a démontré que son
administration tant attaquée avait eu pour résultat un excédent de
plus de cinquante mille florins, qui augmentera certainement dès que
les ressources du pays se seront améliorées, ce qui maintenant est
très aisé. La production du tabac, qui augmente toujours et prendra
un fort développement, contribuera encore à grossir le budget des
recettes, tandis que toutes les dépenses sont réglées par une sage
économie qui ne prend jamais cependant les proportions d’une
malencontreuse parcimonie. C’est ainsi que l’on a pu réconcilier
avec la politique d’occupation ceux-là qui s’y étaient opposés, non
pas pour des raisons politiques, mais pour des considérations
financières. Un membre éminent de la Chambre haute de Vienne et
des délégations, M. Nicolas Dunka, qui a parcouru les pays occupés
pendant l’été de 1886, a pu rendre compte de visu à ses collègues
de ce qu’il avait vu, de l’ordre administratif qui régnait dans ces
provinces et de la calme satisfaction des habitants, qui goûtent enfin
le repos et la sécurité.
Au moment d’achever ce livre, j’apprends que M. de Nikolich, le
gouverneur civil adjoint au commandant général, a donné sa
démission, définitivement cette fois, exécutant de la sorte un projet
conçu depuis longtemps. M. de Nikolich, qui est un proche parent du
roi de Serbie, possède des propriétés très vastes dans le Banat et
en Roumanie. Le soin de ses intérêts particuliers exigeait depuis
longtemps sa présence sur ses terres ; mais les services qu’il a
rendus en qualité de gouverneur civil et sa qualité de gentleman
employant au service de l’État sa fortune de magnat hongrois ont
déterminé le ministre à refuser la démission du gouverneur civil
chaque fois qu’elle était offerte ; et M. de Nikolich, obéissant aux
amicales objurgations de son chef, consentait à reprendre le collier.
Cette fois, il n’y a plus rien à y changer. Cette maison hospitalière,
qui était le centre du mouvement mondain de Sérajewo, ne se
rouvrira plus cet hiver, et c’est M. le baron de Kutschera qui est
chargé de l’administration civile. Il la connaît à fond, car depuis deux
ou trois ans il est considéré à bon droit comme la cheville ouvrière
de la machine gouvernementale. La popularité de l’empereur
François-Joseph est très répandue en Bosnie, et la population
entoure son nom d’une vénération dont aucun sultan n’avait joui
précédemment. A plusieurs reprises, des députations ont exprimé le
vœu des populations d’acclamer l’empereur sur son passage à
travers les contrées placées à présent sous son sceptre.
Au mois d’août dernier, la nouvelle de la prochaine arrivée du
« Tsar de Vienne » s’était propagée, et elle avait trouvé crédit jusque
dans les hameaux les plus éloignés, sous les toits de chaume des
plus misérables masures. Chacun faisait des préparatifs pour la
réception du souverain, et dans les localités visitées au mois de mai
par l’archiduc Albert, on avait laissé debout les arcs de triomphe de
verdure et de feuillage avec les inscriptions, pensant que tout cela
pourrait servir plus tard pour l’empereur. Lorsqu’un fonctionnaire ou
un officier se montrait dans les coins reculés de la montagne
bosniaque ou dans les cabanes enfouies au plus profond des forêts,
ils étaient interrogés avec la plus grande anxiété sur l’arrivée
prochaine du souverain. On eût dit qu’on l’attendait comme le
Messie, comme le grand dispensateur de la manne céleste destinée
à se répandre sur la terre.
Mais l’espoir des naïfs Bosniaques fut déçu. Esclave de la
correction absolue en toute chose, François-Joseph a craint de
blesser les susceptibilités de la Russie en entreprenant un voyage
qui eût été une longue suite d’ovations et de triomphes, dans un
pays dont la possession définitive est contestée à l’Autriche par les
hommes d’État de Saint-Pétersbourg. Il ne voulait pas non plus que
cette excursion fût regardée, à tort ou à raison, comme le prologue
de l’annexion ; et déjà on l’avait annoncée comme telle.
Le voyage n’eut pas lieu. François-Joseph n’a pas dépassé le
pont de Brood, où une députation de Bosniaques, conduite par le
bourgmestre de Sérajewo et M. le conseiller de gouvernement
Herrmann, vint lui souhaiter la bienvenue. En revanche, lorsque le
prince héréditaire, l’archiduc Rodolphe, franchit assez inopinément
la frontière de l’Herzégovine et parcourut le pays jusqu’à Mostar, des
feux de joie s’allumèrent sur les montagnes, des coups de fusil
retentirent en signe d’allégresse, et de toutes parts on accourut pour
contempler la figure si intelligente et si sympathique du prince
héritier et écouter les paroles simples et cordiales qu’il trouvait pour
chacun. Le prince venait d’achever sa convalescence dans la
magnifique île de Lacroma, au climat si doux, aux forêts toujours
vertes, entourée d’une mer bleue inaltérable. Le rejeton des
Habsbourg rayonnait de joie et de santé recouvrée. Ce court séjour
en Herzégovine fut pour son cœur, très sensible à la grandeur de sa
patrie et à l’éclat de sa maison, un délicieux épisode. Il en emporta
les meilleurs souvenirs, et depuis cette époque on retrouve partout
dans les pays occupés sa photographie et celle de sa gracieuse
épouse, Stéphanie, faisant face aux portraits de l’empereur et de
l’impératrice. L’archiduc Albert a également charmé les populations
par sa bonhomie militaire et par les cadeaux princiers qui signalèrent
partout ses visites.
Sous ce rapport, tout est prêt pour l’annexion définitive de la
Bosnie et de l’Herzégovine à l’empire austro-hongrois. L’empereur
serait, comme pour tous les peuples de ses vastes États, le lien
vivant qui rattacherait les Bosniaques aux autres races de l’empire.
Peut-être faudrait-il faire une exception pour quelques familles de
vieille souche mahométane, qui retourneraient en Asie, mais toutes
les populations musulmanes et chrétiennes accepteraient l’annexion
définitive, car l’illusion d’une Bosnie réunie au royaume serbe s’est
complètement évanouie, et serait d’ailleurs énergiquement
désavouée à Belgrade même.
Quant à rendre le pays au Sultan après l’avoir ouvert à la
civilisation, après l’avoir couvert de routes et de chemins de fer,
après y avoir fait des sacrifices considérables, quel homme d’État
songerait à commettre une telle faute et un semblable non-sens ? Il
est certain que l’administration turque ne tarderait pas, fidèle à ses
incorrigibles errements, à gâter, à ruiner, à perdre tout ce qui aurait
été créé de bon et d’utile ; elle rendrait ces contrées à la barbarie et
au désordre, jusqu’à ce qu’une nouvelle intervention soit devenue
nécessaire comme celle de 1878.
L’état provisoire actuel semble incompatible avec la situation
politique d’une grande puissance, et il entrave à chaque pas le
développement intérieur, la prospérité économique et industrielle du
pays lui-même… Beaucoup d’entreprises sont ajournées — jusqu’à
quand ? On vous répondra là-bas : jusqu’à l’annexion. L’initiative
privée est arrêtée ; les capitaux qui voudraient chercher leur emploi
dans ces pays nouveaux, et qui le trouveraient, n’osent pas
s’aventurer. Qu’attendent-ils pour se lancer et pour vivifier ce terrain
improductif jusqu’ici, et qui donnerait de si beaux dividendes
agricoles et industriels ?
Évidemment on arrivera à l’annexion dans un délai que les
événements d’Orient tendent à rapprocher. N’a-t-on pas cru, au
lendemain de la chute d’Alexandre de Bulgarie, que l’Autriche
répondrait à ce coup de dés de la Russie par l’annexion ? Le bruit en
a couru à Vienne et à Pesth. Mais ce n’était qu’une nouvelle non pas
fausse, mais prématurée. La modération l’a emporté encore une fois
dans les conseils de François-Joseph, et cette modération ressort
encore davantage en présence de l’attitude de la Russie.
La diplomatie brutale et provocatrice du général Kaulhars, la
prétention de ce proconsul de gouverner à coups d’ukases un pays
qui veut régler lui-même ses destinées a fait apprécier à tous les
Bosniaques quelque peu intelligents les avantages de la politique de
ménagement et de tolérance de l’Autriche-Hongrie.
Cette politique, dont le ministre M. de Kallay est l’initiateur,
conformément aux vues de son maître l’Empereur, sera poursuivie
malgré toutes les attaques et tous les pamphlets. Elle est approuvée
par l’opinion publique des deux côtés de la Leitha, par les
délégations, qui tout récemment viennent d’approuver hautement la
gestion du ministre et lui ont voté des remerciements, pour avoir
converti en excédent le déficit par lequel s’était soldé durant les
premières années le budget des provinces occupées.
Si l’annexion n’a pas été officiellement prononcée, si même il
n’est nullement question de la proclamer prochainement, le régime
actuel la prépare chaque année davantage, sans violence, sans
secousse, en accordant aux habitants les bienfaits d’une
administration probe et équitable, gardienne sévère de la loi.
Et où de semblables bienfaits pourraient-ils être mieux appréciés
que dans des pays soumis pendant si longtemps à l’arbitraire
d’agents tyranniques ?
FIN
TABLE DES MATIÈRES

CHAPITRE PREMIER

Pages.
A l’ambassade de France à Vienne. — M. de Kallay. —
Résumé de sa carrière. — Les précédents administrateurs
de la Bosnie : MM. de Hoffmann et Szlavy. — Départ pour
Pesth. — La capitale de la Hongrie en 1886. — Le
parlement, les journaux, les théâtres. — Réminiscences
de l’expédition française. — Voyage de Budapesth à Brod 1
CHAPITRE II

De Brood à Sérajewo. — Voyageurs et incidents de route 57


CHAPITRE III

De Maglay à Sérajewo 82
CHAPITRE IV

Sérajewo pendant l’occupation autrichienne. — Tableaux de


rues et de marchés 90
CHAPITRE V

Sérajewo (suite). — Détails historiques et administratifs 114


CHAPITRE VI

Organisation militaire de la Bosnie. — Les gouverneurs. — Le


feldzeugmeister Appel et son état-major 125
CHAPITRE VII

Quelques types. — Les consuls. — Un Suisse ex-médecin


d’Omer-Pacha 173
CHAPITRE VIII

Précis de l’histoire de la Bosnie. — Ses mœurs et coutumes 193


CHAPITRE IX

Origines de l’occupation autrichienne. — L’opinion publique à


Vienne et en Turquie pendant la guerre d’Orient. —
Démonstration à Budapesth. — Contre-poids à l’influence
russe. — Action des agents autrichiens à Sérajewo. — Le
voyage impérial de 1873. — Les réfugiés. — L’entrée du
général Philippovic sur le territoire turc 246
CHAPITRE X

Sérajewo au mois d’août 1878. — Caractère belliqueux de la


population. — Souvenirs de 1697. — La dictature du
clergé. — Le Chéri ; proscription des costumes
européens. — Hadji-Loja et Petraki. — La « Commune »
bosniaque. — Blessure de Hadji-Loja. — Tentatives
d’apaisement de la bourgeoisie. — Malgré les efforts
pacifiques, la lutte s’engage. — Dispositions stratégiques.
— Prise de la citadelle. — Une nouvelle Saragosse. —
L’hôpital 302
CHAPITRE XI

La seconde occupation. — Échecs partiels des Autrichiens à


Bihac. — Les combats autour de Dolovy. — La situation à
Sérajewo. — La Romanja Planina. — Passage de la
Save. — Marche sur Tuzla. — Occupation de Livno et de
Zevornik. — La fin des hostilités 322
CHAPITRE XII

De Solvay à Gorni-Tuzla. — Une ville industrielle à ses


débuts. — Mines de charbon. — Briqueteries et salines.
— La population de Tuzla. — Les Tziganes à demeure
fixe. — Un enlèvement suivi de duel à mort. — La poste
de Tuzla à Bercka. — Le commerce des prunes. —
Voyage de Briska à Belgrade. — Visites diplomatiques 338
CHAPITRE XIII

L’Herzégovine. — La route de Sérajewo à Mostar. — Le


service de diligences. — Mostar. — Souvenirs héroïques.
— De Mostar à Metkovitch. — La vigne et le tabac 389
CHAPITRE XIV

La question des Kmètes. — Les difficultés religieuses. —


Hostilité des ultramontains. — La retraite de M. de
Nikolich. — La famille impériale et la Bosnie. —
L’annexion en vue. — Conclusion 401

Paris. — Soc. d’Imp. Paul Dupont, 41, rue J.-J.-Rousseau (Cl.) 7.3.87.
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