Compilation of Lessons and

Activities

Samuel A. Infiesto
2020-2021
Module 2
Statistics and
Probability

Module 2
Understanding the Normal Curve Distribution
Identifying the Regions of Areas Under the
Normal Curve
Standard Scores
Determining Probabilities
Computing Percentiles Under the Normal Curve

2
Lesson Understanding the Normal
4 Curve Distribution

Pre Test

Below is a 5-item true or false test. Determine whether the

statement is true or false. Write T if the statement is true and F if false
on the blank provided before the number.
________1. The area under a normal curve is 100.
________2. The area under the curve corresponds to all probabilities
of X.
________3. The mean of a standard normal curve is 0.
________4. The normal curve is bell-shaped and is symmetrical
about its center.
________5. The curve is determined by the standard deviation of
the distribution

What’s In

The previous module explained the concept of random

variables. It is focused on discrete probability distribution. The
properties of a probability distribution were also taught. This includes:
a) the probability of each value if the random variable must be
between 0 and 1 or equal to 0 or 1; b) The sum of the probabilities of
all values of the random variable is equal to 1.
Moreover, the mean, variance and standard deviation of a
probability distribution were computed through formulas and the
suggested steps. The probabilities of a distribution enable to make

3
predictions and decisions concerning the population. However,
there are data that are continuous. The distribution of this type is
known as the normal probability distribution or the normal curve. The
properties, concepts and processes involving this distribution will be
presented and tackled in this module.

Activity 1

Given the following score distributions of the students in a

mathematics quiz, sketch the graph of the frequency polygon of
each distribution. Then, answer the questions that follow.
1. Graph the frequency polygon of the following scores of
students in a quiz. Here, there are 35 students who took the quiz.
X(Score) Frequency
9 1
8 3
7 4
6 5
5 9
4 5
3 4
2 3
1 1
N 35

2. What is the shape of the graph?

_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

4
3. Compute the three measures of averages of the distribution:
mean, median, and mode. What do you notice?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

4. Where did you find these measures of the graph? At the

center? To the left side of the graph? Or to the right side of the
graph?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

5. Based on the activity, what generalizations can you make?

_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

What is It

Data can be distributed in a variety of ways. It can spread

more on the left or more on the right or even jumbled up. But
there are many cases where the data tends to be around a
central value with no bias left or right, and it gets close to a
"Normal Distribution" like what you found in the activity. You found
out that your graphed data is shaped like a bell curve and can
be described as normally distributed. What you have graphed is
similar to the model shown below.

5
 Fig. 2.1. The Normal Probability Distribution

The given distribution consists of a large number of cases

and the three measures of averages (mean, median, and mode)
are equal and the distribution is symmetrical and the skewness is
0. In Statistics, such distribution is called normal distribution or
simply normal curve.The normal distribution is the most important
and most widely used distribution in statistics.
From the sketch of the graph you did in the activity, the
following properties of the normal probability distribution emerge.

Properties of the Normal Probability Distribution

The normal probability distribution has the following properties:
1. The distribution curve is bell-shaped.
2. The curve is symmetrical about its center. The mean, the
median, and the mode are equal and coincide at the
center.
3. The width of the curve is determined by the standard
deviation of the distribution.
4. The tails of the curve flatten out indefinitely along the
horizontal axis, always approaching the axis but never
touching it. That is, the curve is asymptotic to the base line.

6
 5. The area under the curve is 1. Exactly half of the values are to
the left of the center and exactly half the values are to the
right.

The Normal Distribution Curve

The equation that describes normal curve is:

where:
Y = height of the curve particular
values of x
x = any score in the distribution
σ = standard deviation of the population
µ = mean of the population
𝜋 = 3.1416
e = 2.7183

The Standard Normal Distribution

A normal distribution is determined by the mean 𝜇 and
standard deviation 𝜎. If the mean µ = 0 and a standard deviation
σ = 1, the normal distribution is called a standard normal
distribution. By substituting the mean, µ = 0 and the standard
deviation, σ = 1 in the formula mathematicians are able to find
the areas under the normal curve. The areas under the normal
curve can be found using the Areas under the Standard Normal

7
Distribution Table. These areas have already been predetermined
for use.

Mean

Fig. 2.2.The Areas Under the Normal Curve

The middle regions under the normal curve are shown

above. The total area between z = −1 and z =1 is 2(0.3413)=0.6826
or 68.26%; between 𝑧 = −2 and 𝑧 = 2, the total area is 0.9544 or
95.44%; and the total area between between𝑧 = −3 and 𝑧 = 3 is
0.9974 or 99.74%. This means that we can determine the area in
any specified region under the normal curve and associate it with
probability, proportion, or percentage.

Using a Standard Normal Distribution Table

The table of areas under the normal curve is also known as
the z-Table. The z-score is a measure of relative standing. It is
calculated by subtracting 𝑥̅ or 𝜇 from the measurement of 𝑥̅ and
then dividing the result by 𝑠 or σ. The final result, the zscore,
represents the distance between a given measurement 𝑥̅ and the
8
mean, expressed in standard deviations. Either z-score locates 𝑥̅
within a sample within a population.
Study and examine the entries in the table.
Table 1. Table of Areas Under the Normal Curve
z .00 .01 .02 .03 .04 .05 .06 .07 .08 .09
0.0 0.0000 0.0040 0.0080 0.0120 0.0160 0.0199 0.0239 0.0279 0.0319 0.0359
0.1 0.0398 0.0438 0.0478 0.0517 0.0557 0.0596 0.0636 0.0675 0.0714 0.0753
0.2 0.0793 0.0832 0.0871 0.0910 0.0948 0.0987 0.1026 0.1064 0.1103 0.1141
0.3 0.1179 0.1217 0.1255 0.1293 0.1331 0.1368 0.1406 0.1443 0.1480 0.1517
0.4 0.1554 0.1591 0.1628 0.1664 0.1700 0.1736 0.1772 0.1808 0.1844 0.1879
0.5 0.1915 0.1950 0.1985 0.2019 0.2054 0.2088 0.2123 0.2157 0.2190 0.2224
0.6 0.2257 0.2291 0.2324 0.2357 0.2389 0.2422 0.2454 0.2486 0.2517 0.2549
0.7 0.2580 0.2611 0.2642 0.2673 0.2704 0.2734 0.2764 0.2794 0.2823 0.2852
0.8 0.2881 0.2910 0.2939 0.2967 0.2995 0.3023 0.3051 0.3078 0.3106 0.3133
0.9 0.3159 0.3186 0.3212 0.3238 0.3264 0.3289 0.3315 0.3340 0.3365 0.3389
1.0 0.3413 0.3438 0.3461 0.3485 0.3508 0.3531 0.3554 0.3577 0.3599 0.3621
1.1 0.3643 0.3665 0.3686 0.3708 0.3729 0.3749 0.3770 0.3790 0.3810 0.3830
1.2 0.3849 0.3869 0.3888 0.3907 0.3925 0.3944 0.3962 0.3980 0.3997 0.4015
1.3 0.4032 0.4049 0.4066 0.4082 0.4099 0.4115 0.4131 0.4147 0.4162 0.4177
1.4 0.4192 0.4207 0.4222 0.4236 0.4251 0.4265 0.4279 0.4292 0.4306 0.4319
1.5 0.4332 0.4345 0.4357 0.4370 0.4382 0.4394 0.4406 0.4418 0.4429 0.4441
1.6 0.4452 0.4463 0.4474 0.4484 0.4495 0.4505 0.4515 0.4525 0.4535 0.4545
1.7 0.4554 0.4564 0.4573 0.4582 0.4591 0.4599 0.4608 0.4616 0.4625 0.4633
1.8 0.4641 0.4649 0.4656 0.4664 0.4671 0.4678 0.4686 0.4693 0.4699 0.4706
1.9 0.4713 0.4719 0.4726 0.4732 0.4738 0.4744 0.4750 0.4756 0.4761 0.4767
2.0 0.4772 0.4778 0.4783 0.4788 0.4793 0.4798 0.4803 0.4808 0.4812 0.4817
2.1 0.4821 0.4826 0.4830 0.4834 0.4838 0.4842 0.4846 0.4850 0.4854 0.4857
2.2 0.4861 0.4864 0.4868 0.4871 0.4875 0.4878 0.4881 0.4884 0.4887 0.4890
2.3 0.4893 0.4896 0.4898 0.4901 0.4904 0.4906 0.4909 0.4911 0.4913 0.4916
2.4 0.4818 0.4920 0.4922 0.4925 0.4927 0.4929 0.4931 0.4932 0.4934 0.4936
2.5 0.4938 0.4940 0.4941 0.4943 0.4945 0.4946 0.4948 0.4949 0.4951 0.4952
2.6 0.4953 0.4955 0.4956 0.4957 0.4959 0.4960 0.4961 0.4962 0.4963 0.4964
2.7 0.4965 0.4966 0.4967 0.4968 0.4969 0.4970 0.4971 0.4972 0.4973 0.4974
2.8 0.4974 0.4975 0.4976 0.4977 0.4977 0.4978 0.4979 0.4979 0.4980 0.4981
2.9 0.4981 0.4982 0.4982 0.4983 0.4984 0.4984 0.4985 0.4985 0.4986 0.4986

9
3.0 0.4987 0.4987 0.4987 0.4988 0.4988 0.4989 0.4989 0.4989 0.4990 0.4990
3.1 0.4990 0.4991 0.4991 0.4991 0.4992 0.4992 0.4992 0.4992 0.4993 0.4993
3.2 0.4993 0.4993 0.4994 0.4994 0.4994 0.4994 0.4994 0.4995 0.4995 0.4995
3.3 0.4995 0.4995 0.4995 0.4995 0.4996 0.4996 0.4996 0.4996 0.4996 0.4997
3.4 0.4997 0.4997 0.4997 0.4997 0.4997 0.4997 0.4997 0.4997 0.4997 0.4998
3.5 0.4998 0.4998 0.4998 0.4998 0.4998 0.4998 0.4998 0.4998 0.4998 0.4998

Read the following about the table.

• The given table provides the area between z = 0 and any value
of z. Note that the row entries are the z-values.
• The row headings: z, 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05 and so on to 3.0
indicate the whole number and the tenth place of a z-value.
The column headings: z, 0.00, 0.01, 0.2, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07,
0.08, and 0.09 indicate the hundredth place of a z-value.
• The entries in the body of the table give the area (or probability)
between 0 to z. By the symmetry of the normal distribution, the
area between z = 0 and any point to the left is equal to the area
between z = 0 and the point equidistant to the right.
• To find the area that corresponds to a z-value, simply find the
area between z = 0 and the given z-value using the z-table in
this book.

10
 To find the area that corresponds to a z-value simply find the
area between z=0 and the given z-value using the z-table.
How to Find the Areas Under the Normal Curve Given a z-
value
• Express the given z-value into a three-digit form.
• Using the z-table, find the first two digits of the given z-value on
the left column.
• Match the third digit with the appropriate column on the right.
• Read the area (or probability) at the intersection of the row and
the column. This is the required area.

Examples:
1. Find the area that corresponds to z = 1.25.
Finding the area that correspond to 𝑧 = 1.25 is the same as
finding the area between z = 0and z = 1.25.

Steps Solution
1. Express
the
given
zvalue
into a 𝑧 = 1.25
three-
digit
form.

2. Using
the z- z .00 .01 .2 .03 .04.0 .06
5
table,
0.0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.01 0. 9 0.02
find the 00 40 80 20 60 019 39
first … … … … … … … …
two 1.0 0.34 0.34 0.34 0.34 0.35 0. 3 0.35
digits 13 38 61 85 08 351 54
of the
11
 given z- 1.1 0.36 0.36 0.36 0.37 0.37 0. 4 0.37
43 65 86 08 29 379 70
value
0.38 0.38 0.38 0.39 0.39 0.34 0.39
on the
1.2 49 69 88 07 25 9 4 62
left
1.3 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0. 1 0.41
column 32 49 66 82 99 415 31
.
3. Match
the
third
digit
with
the
approp
riate
column
on the
right.
4. Read
the
area at
the
interse
ction of
The required area is 0.3944
the row
and the
column
. This is
the
require
d area.

12
2. Find the area that corresponds to z = −1.36
In the z-table, the area that corresponds to 𝑧 = −1.36 is the
same as the area that corresponds to 𝑧 = 1.36. In the graph of
this region, it is located on the left of the mean.

Steps Solution
1.
Expre
ss the
given
z-
value 𝑧 = −1.36
into a
three
-digit
form.

2. Using
the
ztable z .00 .01 .02 .03 .04 .05 .0 .07
, find 6
the 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0. 3 0.0
first 000 040 080 120 160 199 029 279
two
… … … … … … … …
digits
of the 1.1 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.7 0.3
given 643 665 686 708 729 749 70 790
zvalue 1.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0. 6 0.3
on 849 869 888 907 925 944 392 980
the 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0. 3 0.4
left 032 049 066 082 099 115 411 147
1.3
colum
n.

13
3. Match 1.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0. 7 0.4
the 192 207 222 236 251 265 429 292
third
digit
with
the
appro
priate
colum
n on
the
right.
4. Read
the
area
at the
interse
ction
of the
row The required area is 0.4131
and
the
colum
n. This
is the
requir
ed
area.

14
What I Have Learned
Let’s Summarize!

The normal distribution is a continuous probability distribution. It has the

following properties:
1. The distribution curve is bell-shaped.
2. The curve is symmetrical about its center.Exactly half of the values are
to the left of the center and exactly half the values are to the right.
3. The mean, the median, and the mode are equal and coincide at the
center.
4. The width of the curve is determined by the standard deviation of the
distribution.
5. The tails of the curve flatten out indefinitely along the horizontal axis,
always approaching the axis but never touching it. That is, the curve
is asymptotic to the base line.
6. The area under the curve s 1. Thus, it represents the probability or
proportion or the percentage associated with the specific sets of
measurement values.

A standard normal curve is a normal probability distribution that has a

mean µ = 0 and a standard deviation σ = 1.

To find the area under the normal curve, the following steps are
suggested:
1. Express the given z-value into a three-digit form.
2. Using the z-table, find the first two digits on the left column.
3. Match the third digit with the appropriate column on the right.
4. Read the area at the intersection of the row and the column. This is
the required area.

15
Assessment
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word or phrase to make a
meaningful statement.
1. The distribution curve is a ________________ probability
distribution.
2. The area under the curve is ________________.
3. The width of the curve is determined by the ________________
of the distribution.
4. The curve is ________________ to the base line.
5. The area to the left of z = 0 (or to the right of z = 0) is
________________.
6. The curve is ________________ about its center.
7. The mean, median, and mode of the normal curve are
________________.
8. The area between z = 0 and z = 1 is ________________.
9. The table of areas under the normal curve is also called
________________.
10. The standard normal curve is a normal probability distribution
that has a mean of ________________ and standard deviation
of _________________.

Additional Activities

Find the corresponding area between 𝑧 = 0 and each of the

following.

1. z = 0.85
2. z = 1.27
3. z = 2.86
4. z = −1.05
5. z = −2.96

16
Lesson Identifying Areas Under the Normal
5 Curve

Pre Test

Before you proceed, let us see how much you know before
we tackle the lesson. Below is a 5-item true or false test. Determine
whether the statement is true or false. Write T if the statement is
true and F if false on the blank provided before each number.
_____1. Regions under the curve can be described in terms of
area.
_____2. Under the normal curve, the areas at the tails are
minimal. _____3. The area of the region between 𝑧 = 0 and
𝑧 = 1 is 0.3643.
_____4. The area of the region below mean is 0.6.
_____5. Areas under the normal curve are positive values.

17
What’s In

In the previous lesson, you have learned about the properties of

the normal distribution. The distribution curve is bell-shaped,
symmetrical about its center. The mean, the median, and the
mode are equal and coincide at the center, the width of the curve
is determined by the standard deviation of the distribution, the
curve is asymptotic to the base line, the area under the curve s 1
and it represents the probability or proportion or the percentage
associated with the specific sets of measurement values.

You have also learned how to read entries in the z-table and
how to use it in determining the area under the normal curve. This
time, you will enrich your learning on identify regions under the
normal curve corresponding to different standard normal values.
When you say region under the curve, you are interested in the
area of the region.

What’s New

Study the curve and identify the shaded region in terms of z-

values. Can you think of another region with the same area?

z-
score
Fig.2.3. A Normal Curve Region

18
 The curve above shows a shaded region between 𝑧 = 0and
𝑧 = 1. Similarly, a region between 𝑧 = 0 and 𝑧 = −1 has the same
area.

What is It

Regions under the curve can be described in terms of area.

Area between two specific z-values can be determined using the
z-table and the suggested steps below.

For easier way of identifying the region under a normal curve, the
following steps are suggested:

1. Draw the normal curve and locate the given z-value or

values at the base line of the curve. Then, draw a vertical line
through the given z-value or values and shade the required
region.
2. Use the z-table to find the areas that correspond to the given
z-value or values.
3. Perform appropriate operations to get the required area, if
needed.
4. Write the required area.

Study the following cases in identifying the area under the

normal given specified z-values.

19
 Case 1. When the required area is between 𝑧 = 0 and any z-
value:

Fig. 2.4. Fig.

Area Under the Normal Curve 2.5. Area Under the Normal Curve
Between z=0 and –𝑧 Between z=0 and z

Example 1: Find the area that corresponds to 𝑧 = −1

Finding the area that corresponds to 𝑧 = −1 is the same as finding
the area between 𝑧 = 0 and 𝑧 = −1.
1. Draw the normal curve and
locate the given z-value or values
at the base line of the curve.
Then, draw a vertical line through
the given z-value or values and
shade the required region.
2. Use the z-table to find the areas
𝑧 = −1 corresponds to an area of
that correspond to the given z-
0.3413
value or values.
3. Perform appropriate operations to No operations needed because the
get the required area, if needed. answer is already given in the z-
table.
Thus, the area that corresponds to 𝑧
4. Write the required area.
= −1 is 0.3413.

20
Example 2: Find the area that corresponds to 𝑧 = 1.

1. Draw the normal curve and

locate the given z-value or
values at the base line of the
curve. Then, draw a vertical line
through the given zvalue or
values and shade the required
region.
2. Use the z-table to find the areas
𝑧 = 1 corresponds to an area of
that correspond to the given z-
0.3413
value or values.
3. Perform appropriate operations No operations needed because the
to get the required area, if answer is already given in the z-
needed. table.
Thus, the area that corresponds to 𝑧
4. Write the required area.
= 1 is 0.3413.

When z is negative, simply ignore the sign. The negative

informs us that the region is found on the left side of the mean.
Remember, areas are positive values.
Case 2. When the required area is greater than z

Fig. 2.6. Area Under the Normal Fig. 2.7. Area Under the Normal
Curve Greater than –𝑧 Curve Greater than 𝑧

Other than the terms “greater than”, you can use these
words to convey the same meaning: at least z, more than z, to
the right of z, or above z.

21
Example 3: Find the area above𝑧 = −1.34.
1. Draw the normal curve and
locate the given z-value or
values at the base line of the
curve. Then, draw a vertical line
through the given zvalue or
values and shade the required
region.
2. Use the z-table to find the areas
𝑧 = −1.34 corresponds to an area of
that correspond to the given z-
0.4099
value or values.
3. Perform appropriate operations The graph suggests addition.
to get the required area, if 0.4099 + 0.5 = 0.9099
needed.
4. Write the required area. Thus, the area above 𝑧 = −1.34 is
0.9099.

Example 4:Find the area to the right of 𝑧 = 1.56

1. Draw the normal curve and
locate the given z-value or
values at the base line of the
curve. Then, draw a vertical line
through the given zvalue or
values and shade the required
region.
2. Use the z-table to find the areas
𝑧 = 1.56 corresponds to an area of
that correspond to the given z-
0.4406.
value or values.
3. Perform appropriate operations The graph suggests subtraction.
to get the required area, if 0.5 − 0.4406 = 0.0594
needed.
Thus, the area to the right of 𝑧 = 1.56 is
4. Write the required area.
0.4406.

22
Case 3. When the required area is less than z

Fig. 2.8. Area Under the Normal Fig. 2.9. Area Under the Normal
Curve Less than −𝑧 Curve Less than 𝑧

Other than the terms “less than”, you can use these words to
convey the same meaning: at most z, no more than z, not greater
than z, or to the left of z

Example 5: Find the area to the left of 𝑧 = −1.52.

1. Draw the normal curve and
locate the given z-value or
values at the base line of the
curve. Then, draw a vertical line
through the given z-value or
values and shade the required
region.
2. Use the z-table to find the areas
𝑧 = −1.52 corresponds to an area of
that correspond to the given z-
0.4357.
value or values.
3. Perform appropriate operations The graph suggests subtraction.
to get the required area, if 0.5 − 0.4357 = 0.0643
needed.
Thus, the area to the left of 𝑧 = −1.52
4. Write the required area.
is 0.0643.

23
Example 6: Find the area less than 𝑧 = 1.25
1. Draw the normal curve and
locate the given z-value or
values at the base line of the
curve. Then, draw a vertical line
through the given z-value or
values and shade the required
region.
2. Use the z-table to find the areas
𝑧 = 1.25 corresponds to an area of
that correspond to the given z-
0.3944.
value or values.
3. Perform appropriate operations The graph suggests addition.
to get the required area, if 0.5 + 0.3944 = 0.8944
needed.
Thus, the area less than 𝑧 = 1.25 is
4. Write the required area.
0.8944.

Case 4.When the required area is between two z-values of the

same sign.

Fig. 2.10. Area Under the

Normal Curve Between 𝑧1 and
Fig. 2.9. Area Under the Normal 𝑧2
Curve Between −𝑧1 and −𝑧2

24
Example 7: Find the area between 𝑧 = 1.70 and 𝑧 = 0.82.

1. Draw the normal curve and

locate the given z-value or
values at the base line of the
curve. Then, draw a vertical line
through the given zvalue or
values and shade the required
region.
2. Use the z-table to find the areas 𝑧 = 1.70 corresponds to an area of
that correspond to the given z- 0.4554
value or values. 𝑧 = 0.82 corresponds to an area of
0.2939
The graph suggests subtraction.
3. Perform appropriate operations
Subtract the smaller area from the
to get the required area, if
larger area.
needed.
0.4554 − 0.2939 = 0.1615
Thus, the area between 𝑧 = 0.82 and
4. Write the required area.
𝑧 = 1.70 is 0.1615.

Example 8: Find the area between 𝑧 = −2 and 𝑧 = −1

1. Draw the normal curve

and locate the given z-
value or values at the
base line of the curve.
Then, draw a vertical
line through the given
z-value or values and
shade the required
region.
2. Use the z-table to find 𝑧 = −2 corresponds to an area of 0.4772
the areas that 𝑧 = −1 corresponds to an area of 0.3413

25
 correspond to the
given z-value or values.
3. Perform appropriate The graph suggests subtraction.
operations to get the Subtract the smaller area from the
required area, if larger area.
needed. 0.4772 − 0.3413 = 0.1359
Thus, the area between 𝑧 = −2 and 𝑧 =
4. Write the required area.
−1 is 0.1359.

Case 5. When the required area is between −z1 and z2

Fig. 2.11. Area Under the Normal Curve Between −𝑧 and 𝑧

1 2

Example 9: Find the area between 𝑧 = −1.54 and z = 1.75

1. Draw the normal curve
and locate the given z-
value or values at the
base line of the curve.
Then, draw a vertical line
through the given zvalue
or values and shade the
required region.

26
2. Use the z-table to find the 𝑧 = −1.54 corresponds to an area
areas that correspond to of
the given z-value or values. 0.4382
𝑧 = 1.75 corresponds to an area of
0.4599
3. Perform appropriate The graph suggests addition.
operations to get the 0.4382 + 0.4599 = 0.8981
required area, if needed.
Thus, the area between 𝑧 =
4. Write the required area.
−1.54 and 𝑧 = 1.75 is 0.8981.

Assessment

Find the area under the normal curve in each of the

following cases.
1. to the right of𝑧 = 1.63
2. between 𝑧 = −1.36 and 𝑧 = 2.55
3. to the left of𝑧 = −1.78
4. between 𝑧 = −2.76 and 𝑧 = −1.25
5. between 𝑧 = 1.56 and 𝑧 = 2.51

27
 Lesson
Standard Scores
6

What I Know
Before you proceed, let us check your readiness for this
lesson. Below is a 5item true or false test. Determine whether the
statement is true or false. Write T if the statement is true and F if false
on the blank provided before each number.
_____1. The z-score measures how many standard deviation a
given value is above or below the mean.
_____2. A negative z-score indicates that the score or value is
above the mean.
_____3. If a z-score is equal to −2.05, it is 2.05 standard deviations
below the mean.
_____4. A positive z-score indicates that the score or value is below
the mean,

_____5. If a z-score is 0, it is on the mean.

28
 What’s In

In the previous lessons, you have learned about the basic

concept of normal distribution. You further learned on how to identify
the regions under the normal curve using the z-table. In this lesson, you
will learn how to relate the concept of the normal curve to a random
variable distribution using the z-score. You will be transforming a
normal random variable to a standard normal variable and vice-
versa.

Why use standard score or z-score

Raw scores may be composed of large values, but large
values cannot be accommodated at the base line of the normal
curve. So, they have to be transformed into scores for convenience
without sacrificing meanings associated with the raw scores.
If you wish to find the proportion of area, percentage or
probability associated with a raw score, you must find its matched
z-value using the z-score formula. Then, the z-value leads to the
area under the normal curve found in the z-table, which is a
probability or the desired percentage.

What is It

Let’s explore the concept of z-scores. Read and study the notes
about z-scores and note the computing formula.
Z-score or standard score measures how many standard
deviation a given value (x) is above or below the mean. Z-scores
are useful in comparing observed values. If a z-score is equal to 0,
it is on the mean. A positive z-score indicates that the score or

29
observed value is above the mean, whereas a negative z-score
indicatesthat the score or observed value is below the mean. For
example, if a z-score is equal to 1, it is 1 standard deviation above
the mean. If a z-score is equal to −2, it is 2 standard deviations
below the mean.
The areas under the normal curve are given in terms of z-scores.
Either it locates x within a sample or within a population.

The formula for calculating z is: 𝒙−𝒙

𝒛=
For Sample: 𝒔
𝒙−𝝁
𝒛=
For Population: 𝝈

where:
z = standard score
x = raw score
𝑥̅ = sample
mean
s = sample standard
deviation
𝜇 = population mean
𝜎 = population standard
deviation

30
Study the following examples.

Example 1:Locate the z-value that corresponds to Mathematics

test score of 55 given the mean, 𝜇 =50and the standard
deviation, 𝜎 =2.

1. Choose the formula to

use. (Use the z-score 𝑥̅ − 𝜇
formula for population 𝑧=
data as indicated in the 𝜎
problem.)
2. Write the given values. 𝑥̅ = 55; 𝜇 = 50; 𝜎 = 2
𝑥̅ − 𝜇
𝑧=
3. Substitute the given 𝜎
values in the computing
formula. Then, compute 𝑧=
the z-value.
𝑧=
2
𝑧 = 2.5

Thus, the z-value that corresponds to the raw score 55 is 2.5 in a

population distribution. This means the score 55 is 2.5 standard
deviations above the mean.

Example 2:On the midterm examination in Statistics, the sample

mean was 80 and the sample standard deviation was 7. Determine
the standard score of a student who got a score of 75 assuming
that the scores are normally distributed.

31
1. Choose the formula to
use. (Use the z-score 𝑥̅ − 𝑥̅
formula for sample data 𝑧=
as indicated in the 𝑠
problem.)
2. Write the given values. 𝑥̅ = 75; 𝑥̅ = 80; 𝑠 = 7
𝑥̅ − 𝑥̅
𝑧=
3. Substitute the given 𝑠
values in the computing
formula. Then, compute 𝑧=
the z-value.
𝑧=
𝑧 = −0.71

Thus, the z-value that corresponds to the raw score 75 is −0.71 in

a sample distribution. This means the score 75 is 0.71 standard
deviations below the mean.

Example 3:Liza scored 90 in a Mathematics test and 70 in an English

test. Scores in the Mathematics test have a mean 𝜇 = 80 and a
standard deviation 𝜎 =10. Scores in the English test have a mean 𝜇
= 60 and a standard deviation 𝜎 = 8. In which subject was her
standing better, assuming that the scores in her Mathematics and
English class are normally distributed?

32
1. Choose the formula 𝑥̅ − 𝜇
to use. (For 𝑧=
population data) 𝜎

2. Write the given Subject 𝒙 𝝁 𝝈

values. Mathematics 90 80 10
English 70 60 8

Mathematics English

𝑥̅ − 𝑥̅ 𝑥̅ − 𝑥̅
3. Substitute the given 𝑧= 𝑧=
values in the 𝜎𝜎
computing
𝑧 =
formula. Then,
𝑧=
compute the z-
value.
𝑧= 𝑧=
10 8
𝒛=𝟏 𝒛 = 𝟏. 𝟐𝟓

The z-value that corresponds to Liza’s Mathematics raw score of

90 is 1 in a population distribution. This means the score 90 is 1
standard deviation above the mean. Meanwhile, the z-value that
corresponds to her English score of 70 is 1.25. This means that 70 is
1.25 standard deviations above the mean. Thus, Liza has a better
standing in English compared to Mathematics.

33
Activity 2
Let’s extend your learning!
You already know how to convert a random normal
variable to a standard normal score or z-score. This time, let’s do
the reverse. Given the z-score, compute for the raw scores.
Problem number is done as an example to guide you. Problems 2
and 3 are given to you.
1. Given: 𝜇 = 30, 𝜎 = 5. What is the raw score when 𝑧 = 1.30?
𝑥̅ − 𝜇
𝑧=
1. Use the computing formula for 𝜎
finding the z-score for 𝑥̅ − 𝜇
population data. You can 𝜎 (𝑧 = )𝜎
derive the formula for easy 𝜎
computation. 𝑧𝜎 = 𝑥̅ − 𝜇
𝒙 = 𝝁 + 𝒛𝝈
2. Write the given values. 𝜇 = 30; 𝜎 = 5, 𝑧 = 1.30
𝑥̅ = 𝜇 + 𝑧𝜎
𝑥̅ = 30 + 1.30(5)
𝑥̅ = 30 + 6.5
3. Substitute the given values in
𝑥̅ = 36.5
the computing formula. Then,
compute the raw score (𝑥̅).
Thus, the raw score when 𝑧 = 1.30
is
36.5.

34
2. Given: 𝑥̅ = 75, 𝑠 = 10. What is the raw score when 𝑧 = −1.56?

1. Use the computing formula

for finding the z-score for
sample data. You can derive
the formula for easy
computation.
2. Write the given values.

4. Substitute the given values in

the computing formula. Then,
compute the raw score (𝑥̅).

3. Given: 𝜇 = 48, 𝜎 = 5.5. What is the raw score when 𝑧 = 2.43?

1. Use the computing formula

for finding the z-score for
sample data. You can derive
the formula for easy
computation.
2. Write the given values.

3. Substitute the given values in

the computing formula. Then,
compute the raw score (𝑥̅).

35
 Assessment

Do as indicated.

1. Given 𝑥̅ = 60; and 𝑠 = 6, find the z-score that corresponds to each

of the following scores up to two decimal places.
a. 𝑥̅ = 70
b. 𝑥̅ = 58

2. Given 𝜇 = 72; and 𝜎 = 8, find the z-score that corresponds to

each of the following scores up to two decimal places.
a. 𝑥̅ = 68
b. 𝑥̅ = 80

3. Alex scored 90 during the first periodic exam in Mathematics

and 88 during the second periodic exam. The scores in first
periodic exam have a mean 𝜇 = 83 and a standard deviation 𝜎
=9. Scores in the second periodic exam have a mean 𝜇 = 80
and a standard deviation 𝜎 = 8. In which periodic exam was his
standing better, assuming that the scores in his periodic exams
are normally distributed?

4. On a final examination in Biology, the mean was 75 and the

standard deviation was 12. Determine the standard score of a
student who received a score of 60 assuming that the scores are
normally distributed.

5. Given: 𝜇 = 64, 𝜎 = 7. What is the raw score when 𝑧 = −0.76?

36
References

Belecina, Rene, E. Baccay, and E. Mateo. Statistics and Probability.

Manila: Rex Book Store, Inc., 2016.
Glen, Stephanie. "Normal Distributions (Bell Curve): Definition, Word
Problems". StatisticsHowTo.com: Elementary Statistics for the
rest of us! Accessed May 22, 2020.
https://www.statisticshowto.com/probability-and-
statistics/normaldistributions/
Glen, Stephanie. "Z-Score: Definition, Formula and Calculation"
From StatisticsHowTo.com: Elementary Statistics for the rest of
us! Accessed May 22, 2020.
https://www.statisticshowto.com/probability-and-statistics/z-
score/
Laerd Statistics. “How to do Normal Distributions Calculations”.
Accessed May 25, 2020. https://statistics.laerd.com/statistical-
guides/normal-distributioncalculations.php
MathIsFun.com. “Normal Distribution”. Accessed May 22, 2020.
https://www.mathsisfun.com/data/standard-normal-
distribution.html
McLeod, Saul. “Z-score: Definition, Calculation andSimply
Interpretation”.
Psychology. Date last modified May 17, 2019.
https://www.simplypsychology.org/z-score.html

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