DETERMININ

G
PROBABILITI
LESSON
OBJECTIVES
At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:

1. find areas between paired z-scores;

2. find probabilities for the standard normal random variable z; and
3. express areas under the normal curve using probability notation.
REVIE
■ Standard normal distribution is a normal distribution

W with μ = 0 and σ = 1. A random variable with a

standard normal distribution, denoted by X, is called
a standard normal random variable.

■ Probabilities associated with the standard normal

random variables can be shown as areas under the
standard normal curve.
Probability Notations Under the
Normal Curve
The following notations for a random variable are used in our
various solutions concerning the normal curve.

• P(a < z < b) denotes the probability that the z-score is between
a and b.
• P(z > a) denotes the probability that the z-score is greater than
a.
• P(z < a) denotes the probability that the z-score is less than a.
where a and b are z-score values.
Discussion
■
Points
To find the area of the region between z = 1 and
z = 2, we subtract .3413 from .4772 resulting in .
1359. It is graphically shown below.
EXAMPLE 1
Find the proportion of the area above z = –1.
STEPS SOLUTION
1. Draw a normal curve.
2. Locate the z-value.
3. Draw a line through the z-value
4. Shade the required region.

5. Consult the z-Table and find the area that z = –1 corresponds to an area of .3413
corresponds to z = –1.

6. Examine the graph and use probability notation to
form an equation showing the appropriate operation
to get the required area.
The graph suggests addition.
The required area is equal to
0.3413 + 0.5 = 0.8413.
That is,
P(z > –1) = 0.3413 + 0.5 = 0.8413

7. Make a statement indicating the required area. The proportion of the area above is .8413.
EXAMPLE 2
Find the proportion of the area below z = –1.5
STEPS SOLUTION
1. Draw a normal curve.
2. Locate the z-value.
3. Draw a line through the z-value
4. Shade the required region.

5. Consult the z-Table and find the area that corresponds z = 1.5 corresponds to the area 0.4332
to z = –1.5

6. Examine the graph and use probability notation to
form an equation showing the appropriate operation to
get the required area.
The graph suggests subtraction.
The required area is equal to
0.5 – 0.4332 = 0.0668
That is,
P(z < –1.5) = 0.5 – 0.4332 = 0.0668

7. Make a statement indicating the required area. The proportion of the area to the left of z = –1.5 is 0.0668.
EXAMPLE 3
Find the area between z = –2 and z = –1.5.
STEPS SOLUTION
1. Draw a normal curve.
2. Locate the z-value.
3. Draw a line through the z-value
4. Shade the required region.

5. Consult the z-Table and find the area that z = –2 corresponds to .4772
corresponds to z = –1.5 z = –1.5 corresponds to .4332.

6. Examine the graph and use probability notation to The graph suggests subtraction.
form an equation showing the appropriate operation The required area is equal to
to get the required area. 0.4772 – 0.4332 That is,
P(–2 < z < –1.5) = 0.4772 – 0.4332 = 0.0440

7. Make a statement indicating the required area. The required area between z = –2 and z = –1.5 is 0.0440.
EXERCISE
Find the area between z = –1.32 and z = 2.37.
SUMMARY
Steps in Determining Areas Under the Normal Curve
■ Use a cardboard model to draw a normal curve.
■ Locate the given z-value or values at the base line.
■ Draw a vertical line through these values.
■ Shade the required region. Find models, if any.
■ Consult the z-Table to find the areas that correspond to the given z-value or
values.
■ Examine the graph and use probability notation to form an equation
showing an appropriate operation to get the required area.
■ Make a statement indicating the required area.
EXERCISE
Determine each of the following areas and show these
graphically. Use probability
notation in your final answer.

1. above z = 1.46
2. belowz=–0.58
3. between z = –78 and z = –1.95
4. between z = 0.76 and z = 2.88
5. between z = –0.92 and z = 1.75