CHAPTER

Normal Probability

5
5.1 Introduction to
Distributions

Normal Distributions
and the Standard
Normal Distribution
5.2 Normal Distributions:
Finding Probabilities
5.3 Normal Distributions:
Finding Values
Case Study
5.4 Sampling
Distributions and the
Central Limit Theorem
5.5 Normal
Approximations to
Binomial Distributions
Uses and Abuses
Real Statistics–
Real Decisions
Technology

In 2000, the National Center for

Health Statistics, located in
Hyattsville, Maryland, began a
10-year program called Healthy
People 2010 to promote health
through changes in people’s
lifestyles. It is too early to
analyze the results of this
program, but the results of a
similar program that started in
1990, Healthy People 2000, are
available. During the course of
the program, some of the goals
were met. For instance, heart
disease and stroke death rates
were down. Other goals were
not met. For instance, although
more adults were exercising, a
quarter of all adults were still
engaged in no physical activity.

214

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Where You’ve Been
In Chapters 1 through 4, you learned how to collect and describe data, find the probability
of an event, and analyze discrete probability distributions. You also learned that if a sample
is used to make inferences about a population, then it is critical that the sample not be
biased. Suppose, for instance, that you wanted to measure the serum cholesterol levels of
adults in the United States. How would you organize the study? When the National Center
for Health Statistics performed this study, it used random sampling and then classified the
results according to the gender, ethnic background, and age of the participants. One
conclusion from the study was that women’s cholesterol levels tended to increase
throughout their lives, whereas men’s increased to age 65, and then decreased.

Where You’re Going

In Chapter 5, you will learn how to recognize normal (bell-shaped) distributions and how
to use their properties in real-life applications. Suppose that you worked for the U.S.
National Center for Health Statistics and were collecting data about various physical traits
of people in the United States. Which of the following would you expect to have bell-shaped,
symmetric distributions: height, weight, cholesterol level, age, blood pressure, shoe size,
reaction times, lung capacity? Of these, all except weight and age have distributions that are
approximately normal. For instance, the four graphs below show the height and weight
distributions for men and women in the United States aged 20 to 29. Notice that the height
distributions are bell shaped, but the weight distributions are skewed right.

Women’s Weights Men’s Weights Women’s Heights Men’s Heights

(age 20 to 29) (age 20 to 29) (age 20 to 29) (age 20 to 29)
20 14 16 16
18 14 14
16 12
Percent

Percent

12 12
Percent
Percent

14 10 10
12 8 10 8
10 8
8 6 6
6 4
6 4 4
4 2 2
2 2
59 62 65 68 71 74 77 80
85 125 165 205 245 105 145 185 225 265 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72
Weight (in pounds) Weight (in pounds) Height (in inches) Height (in inches)

215

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216 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

Introduction to Normal Distributions and the Standard Normal Distribution

5.1 Properties of a Normal Distribution • The Standard Normal Distribution
What You
Should Learn
• How to interpret graphs
of normal probability
distributions
Properties of a Normal Distribution
• How to find areas under the In Section 4.1, you learned that a continuous random variable has an infinite
standard normal curve number of possible values that can be represented by an interval on the number
line. Its probability distribution is called a continuous probability distribution.
In this chapter, you will study the most important continuous probability
distribution in statistics—the normal distribution. Normal distributions can be
used to model many sets of measurements in nature, industry, and business. For
instance, the systolic blood pressure of humans, the lifetime of television sets,
and even housing costs are all normally distributed random variables.

GUIDELINES
Note to Instructor Properties of a Normal Distribution
Draw several different continuous A normal distribution is a continuous probability distribution for a
probability curves. Then point out that random variable x. The graph of a normal distribution is called the
the normal (or Gaussian) curve is normal curve. A normal distribution has the following properties.
graphed using the formula shown at
the bottom of the page. Have students 1. The mean, median, and mode are equal.
discuss measures in nature that are 2. The normal curve is bell shaped and is symmetric about the mean.
normally distributed. Mention that
often grades in a statistics class are not
3. The total area under the normal curve is equal to one.
normally distributed. 4. The normal curve approaches, but never touches, the x-axis as it
extends farther and farther away from the mean.
5. Between m - s and m + s (in the center of the curve) the graph
curves downward. The graph curves upward to the left of m - s and
to the right of m + s. The points at which the curve changes from
curving upward to curving downward are called inflection points.

Inflection points

Total area = 1

Insight
µ − 3σ µ − 2σ µ−σ µ µ+σ µ + 2σ µ + 3σ

and p are
Because e e
normal curv If x is a continuous random variable having a normal distribution with mean
constants, a ly o n two
mplete m and standard deviation s, you can graph a normal curve using the equation
depends co d s .
, m an
parameters
e-1x - m2 >2s .
1 2 2
y = e L 2.718 and p L 3.14
s22p

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 SECTION 5.1 Introduction to Normal Distributions and the Standard Normal Distribution 217

A normal distribution can have any mean and any positive standard
deviation. These two parameters, m and s, completely determine the shape of
the normal curve. The mean gives the location of the line of symmetry, and the
standard deviation describes how much the data are spread out.

Inflection B C
Inflection points Inflection
points points
A

x x x
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Mean: m = 3.5 Mean: m = 3.5 Mean: m = 1.5

Standard deviation: Standard deviation: Standard deviation:
s = 1.5 s = 0.7 s = 0.7

Notice that curve A and curve B above have the same mean, and curve B
and curve C have the same standard deviation. The total area under each curve
is 1.

EXAMPLE 1
Understanding Mean and Standard Deviation
1. Which normal curve has a greater mean?
2. Which normal curve has a greater standard deviation?

40

30 A
Percent

20
B
10

x
6 9 12 15 18 21

SOLUTION
1. The line of symmetry of curve A occurs at x = 15. The line of symmetry of
curve B occurs at x = 12. So, curve A has a greater mean.
2. Curve B is more spread out than curve A; so, curve B has a greater standard
deviation.
20

Try It Yourself 1
15
A Consider the normal curves shown at the left. Which normal curve has the
Percent

greatest mean? Which normal curve has the greatest standard deviation? Justify
10 B your answers.
a. Find the location of the line of symmetry of each curve. Make a conclusion
5 C about which mean is greatest.
b. Determine which normal curve is more spread out. Make a conclusion about
x which standard deviation is greatest. Answer: Page A35
30 40 50 60 70

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218 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

EXAMPLE 2
Interpreting Graphs of Normal Distributions
The heights (in feet) of fully grown white oak trees are normally distributed.
The normal curve shown below represents this distribution. What is the mean
height of a fully grown white oak tree? Estimate the standard deviation of this
normal distribution.

x
80 85 90 95 100
Height (in feet)

SOLUTION
Because a normal curve is
symmetric about the mean, you Because the inflection points
can estimate that µ ≈ 90 feet. are one standard deviation from
the mean, you can estimate that
σ ≈ 3.5 feet.

x
80 85 90 95 100
Height (in feet)

Interpretation The heights of the oak trees are normally distributed with a
mean of about 90 feet and a standard deviation of about 3.5 feet.

Try It Yourself 2
The diameters (in feet) of fully grown white oak trees are normally distributed.
The normal curve shown below represents this distribution. What is the mean
diameter of a fully grown white oak tree? Estimate the standard deviation of
this normal distribution.

x
2.5 2.7 2.9 3.1 3.3 3.5 3.7 3.9 4.1 4.3 4.5
Diameter (in feet)

a. Find the line of symmetry and identify the mean.

b. Estimate the inflection points and identify the standard deviation.
Answer: Page A35

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 SECTION 5.1 Introduction to Normal Distributions and the Standard Normal Distribution 219

The Standard Normal Distribution

There are infinitely many normal distributions, each with its own mean and
standard deviation. The normal distribution with a mean of 0 and a standard
deviation of 1 is called the standard normal distribution. The horizontal scale of

Insight
the graph of the standard normal distribution corresponds to z-scores. In
Section 2.5, you learned that a z-score is a measure of position that indicates the
number of standard deviations a value lies from the mean. Recall that you can
ry normal
Because eve s- transform an x- value to a z-score using the formula
can be tran
distribution d ard
e stan Value - Mean
formed to th tion, you z =
d istrib u Standard deviation
normal
u se z- sc o res and the
can e to x - m
ormal curv
standard n e re fo re = . Round to the nearest hundredth.
nd th s
find areas (a er an y
) un d
probability
rm al cu rv e.
no
DEFINITION
The standard normal distribution is a normal distribution with a mean of
0 and a standard deviation of 1.

Note to Instructor
Mention that the formula for a normal
probability density function on page
Area = 1
216 is greatly simplified when m = 0
and s = 1.

e-x >2
2

z
y =
−3 −2 −1
22p 0 1 2 3

Standard Normal Distribution

Study Tip
If each data value of a normally distributed random variable x is transformed
into a z- score, the result will be the standard normal distribution. When this
u know transformation takes place, the area that falls in the interval under the
ant that yo
It is import tw e en x and nonstandard normal curve is the same as that under the standard normal curve
ce be
the differen within the corresponding z- boundaries.
m variable
z. The rando In Section 2.4, you learned to use the Empirical Rule to approximate areas
es called a
x is sometim
d represents under a normal curve when the values of the random variable x corresponded
raw score an
nonstandard as to -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, or 3 standard deviations from the mean. Now, you will
values in a ere
ibution, wh learn to calculate areas corresponding to other x-values. After you use the
normal distr the
values in formula given above to transform an x- value to a z- score, you can use the
z represents is trib ution.
rmal d Standard Normal Table in Appendix B. The table lists the cumulative area
standard no
under the standard normal curve to the left of z for z- scores from -3.49 to 3.49.
As you examine the table, notice the following.

Properties of the Standard Normal Distribution

1. The cumulative area is close to 0 for z- scores close to z = -3.49.
2. The cumulative area increases as the z- scores increase.
3. The cumulative area for z = 0 is 0.5000.
4. The cumulative area is close to 1 for z- scores close to z = 3.49.

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220 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

Note to Instructor
If you prefer that your students use a
EXAMPLE 3
0-to-z table, refer them to Appendix A, Using the Standard Normal Table
where an alternative presentation for
this material is given. 1. Find the cumulative area that corresponds to a z-score of 1.15.
2. Find the cumulative area that corresponds to a z-score of - 0.24.

SOLUTION
1. Find the area that corresponds to z = 1.15 by finding 1.1 in the left column
and then moving across the row to the column under 0.05. The number in
Area = that row and column is 0.8749. So, the area to the left of z = 1.15 is 0.8749.
0.8749

z z .00 .01 .02 .03 .04 .05 .06

0 1.15 0.0 .5000 .5040 .5080 .5120 .5160 .5199 .5239
0.1 .5398 .5438 .5478 .5517 .5557 .5596 .5636
0.2 .5793 .5832 .5871 .5910 .5948 .5987 .6026

0.9 .8159 .8186 .8212 .8238 .8264 .8289 .8315

1.0 .8413 .8438 .8461 .8485 .8508 .8531 .8554
1.1 .8643 .8665 .8686 .8708 .8729 .8749 .8770
1.2 .8849 .8869 .8888 .8907 .8925 .8944 .8962
1.3 .9032 .9049 .9066 .9082 .9099 .9115 .9131
1.4 .9192 .9207 .9222 .9236 .9251 .9265 .9279

2. Find the area that corresponds to z = -0.24 by finding -0.2 in the left
Area = column and then moving across the row to the column under 0.04. The
0.4052 number in that row and column is 0.4052. So, the area to the left of
z = -0.24 is 0.4052.
z
−0.24 0
z .09 .08 .07 .06 .05 .04 .03
ⴚ3.4 .0002 .0003 .0003 .0003 .0003 .0003 .0003
ⴚ3.3 .0003 .0004 .0004 .0004 .0004 .0004 .0004
ⴚ3.2
Study Tip
.0005 .0005 .0005 .0006 .0006 .0006 .0006

ⴚ0.5 .2776 .2810 .2843 .2877 .2912 .2946 .2981

or
You can use a computer ⴚ0.4 .3121 .3156 .3192 .3228 .3264 .3300 .3336
to fin d the cum -
calculato r ⴚ0.3 .3483 .3520 .3557 .3594 .3632 .3669 .3707
tive are a tha t corres po nds ⴚ0.2 .3859 .3897 .3936 .3974 .4013 .4052 .4090
ula
here
to a z-score. For instance, ⴚ0.1 .4247 .4286 .4325 .4364 .4404 .4443 .4483
ns for findin g ⴚ0.0
are instructio .4641 .4681 .4721 .4761 .4801 .4840 .4880
a tha t cor res po nds to
the are
z = -0 .24 on a TI-8 3.

2nd DISTR 2 - 10000, Try It Yourself 3

- .24 ) ENTER 1. Find the area under the curve to the left of a z-score of -2.19.
2. Find the area under the curve to the left of a z-score of 2.17.
a. Locate the given z-score and find the area that corresponds to it in the
Standard Normal Table. Answer: Page A36

When the z-score is not in the table, use the entry closest to it. If the given
z-score is exactly midway between two z-scores, then use the area midway
between the corresponding areas.

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 SECTION 5.1 Introduction to Normal Distributions and the Standard Normal Distribution 221

You can use the following guidelines to find various types of areas under
the standard normal curve.

Note to Instructor
Students find these three options easy
GUIDELINES
to work with. If you have previously Finding Areas Under the Standard Normal Curve
used a 0-to-z table, you will appreciate 1. Sketch the standard normal curve and shade the appropriate area
that students never need be confused under the curve.
as to whether to add 0.5, subtract it
2. Find the area by following the directions for each case shown.
from 0.5, or use the table entry to find a
required probability. a. To find the area to the left of z, find the area that corresponds to z
in the Standard Normal Table.

2. The area to the

left of z = 1.23 is
0.8907.

z
0 1.23
1. Use the table to
find the area for the z-score.

b. To find the area to the right of z, use the Standard Normal Table to
find the area that corresponds to z. Then subtract the area from 1.

2. The area to the left 3. Subtract to find the area

of z = 1.23 is 0.8907. to the right of z = 1.23:
1 − 0.8907 = 0.1093.

z
0 1.23
1. Use the table to
find the area for the z-score.

c. To find the area between two z-scores, find the area corresponding
to each z-score in the Standard Normal Table. Then subtract the
smaller area from the larger area.

2. The area to the left 4. Subtract to find the area

of z = 1.23 is 0.8907. of the region between the
two z-scores:
0.8907 − 0.2266 = 0.6641.
3. The area to the left
of z = −0.75 is 0.2266.

z
−0.75 0 1.23

1. Use the table to find

the area for the z-scores.

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222 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

EXAMPLE 4
Finding Area Under the Standard Normal Curve
Find the area under the standard normal curve to the left of z = -0.99.

SOLUTION The area under the standard normal curve to the left of z = -0.99
is shown.

Insight
rmal
Because the no
io n is a continuous z
distribut −0.99 0
ribution, the
probability dist
e standard
area under th From the Standard Normal Table, this area is equal to 0.1611.
e to the left
normal curv
re gi ve s the
of a z-sco
probab ility th at z is less Try It Yourself 4
re. For
than that z-sco Find the area under the standard normal curve to the left of z = 2.13.
Ex am ple 4,
instance, in
to th e left of a. Draw the standard normal curve and shade the area under the curve and to
the area
0. 99 is 0. 16 11. So, the left of z = 2.13.
P1z 6 - 0.992
z = -
= 0.1611,
b. Use the Standard Normal Table to find the area that corresponds to
as “t he
which is read z = 2.13. Answer: Page A36
th at z is less
probability
0. 99 is 0. 16 11.”
than -

EXAMPLE 5
Finding Area Under the Standard Normal Curve
Find the area under the standard normal curve to the right of z = 1.06.

SOLUTION The area under the standard normal curve to the right of z = 1.06
is shown.

Area = 0.8554 Area = 1 − 0.8554

z
0 1.06

From the Standard Normal Table, the area to the left of z = 1.06 is 0.8554.
Because the total area under the curve is 1, the area to the right of z = 1.06 is
Area = 1 - 0.8554
= 0.1446.

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 SECTION 5.1 Introduction to Normal Distributions and the Standard Normal Distribution 223

Try It Yourself 5
Find the area under the standard normal curve to the right of z = -2.16.
a. Draw the standard normal curve and shade the area below the curve and to
the right of z = -2.16.
b. Use the Standard Normal Table to find the area to the left of z = -2.16.
c. Subtract the area from 1. Answer: Page A36

EXAMPLE 6
Picturing the World Finding Area Under the Standard Normal Curve
Each year the Centers for
Disease Control and Preven- Find the area under the standard normal curve between z = -1.5 and z = 1.25.
tion and the National Center
for Health Statistics jointly
SOLUTION The area under the standard normal curve between z = -1.5 and
publish a report summarizing z = 1.25 is shown.
the vital statistics from the
previous year. According to
one publication, the number of
births in a recent year was
4,021,726. The weights of the
newborns can be approxi-
mated by a normal distribu-
tion, as shown by the following
graph.
z
Weights of Newborns −1.5 0 1.25

From the Standard Normal Table, the area to the left of z = 1.25 is 0.8944 and
the area to the left of z = -1.5 is 0.0668. So, the area between z = -1.5 and
z = 1.25 is
1442

2061

2680

3299

3918

4537

5156

Area = 0.8944 - 0.0668

Weight (in grams)
= 0.8276.
The weights of three Interpretation So, 82.76% of the area under the curve falls between z = -1.5
newborns are 2000 grams, and z = 1.25.
3000 grams, and 4000
grams. Find the z-score Try It Yourself 6
that corresponds to
each weight. Are any of Find the area under the standard normal curve between z = -2.16 and
these unusually heavy z = -1.35.
or light? a. Use the Standard Normal Table to find the area to the left of z = -1.35.
b. Use the Standard Normal Table to find the area to the left of z = -2.16.
c. Subtract the smaller area from the larger area. Answer: Page A36

Recall in Section 2.5 you learned, using the Empirical Rule, that values
lying more than two standard deviations from the mean are considered unusual.
Values lying more than three standard deviations from the mean are considered
very unusual. So if a z- score is greater than 2 or less than -2, it is unusual. If a
z- score is greater than 3 or less than -3, it is very unusual.

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224 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

Exercises
5.1
Building Basic Skills and Vocabulary
1. Find three real-life examples of a continuous variable. Which do you think
Help may be normally distributed? Why?
2. What is the total area under the normal curve?
3. Draw two normal curves that have the same mean but different standard
deviations. Describe the similarities and differences.
Student
Study Pack
4. Draw two normal curves that have different means but the same standard
deviations. Describe the similarities and differences.
5. What is the mean of the standard normal distribution? What is the standard
deviation of the standard normal distribution?
1. Answers will vary. 6. Describe how you can transform a nonstandard normal distribution to a
2. 1 standard normal distribution.
3. Answers will vary.
7. Getting at the Concept Why is it correct to say “a” normal distribution and
Similarities: The two curves will “the” standard normal distribution?
have the same line of symmetry.
Differences: One curve will be more 8. Getting at the Concept If a z-score is zero, which of the following must be
spread out than the other. true? Explain your reasoning.
4. Answers will vary. (a) The mean is zero.
Similarities: The two curves will (b) The corresponding x-value is zero.
have the same shape (i.e., equal
standard deviations). (c) The corresponding x -value is equal to the mean.
Differences: The two curves will
have different lines of symmetry. Graphical Analysis In Exercises 9–14, determine whether the graph could
5. m = 0, s = 1 represent a variable with a normal distribution. Explain your reasoning.
6. Transform each data value x into a 9. 10.
z-score. This is done by subtracting
the mean from x and dividing by
the standard deviation. In symbols,
x - m
z = . x
s
x
7. “The” standard normal distribution
is used to describe one specific
normal distribution 1m = 0, s = 12. 11. 12.
“A” normal distribution is used to
describe a normal distribution with
any mean and standard deviation.
8. (c) is true because a z-score
equal to zero indicates that the x x
corresponding x-value is equal
to the mean.
13. 14.
9. No, the graph crosses the x-axis.
x
10. No, the graph is not symmetric.
11. Yes, the graph fulfills the properties
of the normal distribution.
12. No, the graph is skewed left. x
13. No, the graph is skewed right.
14. No, the graph is not bell shaped.

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 SECTION 5.1 Introduction to Normal Distributions and the Standard Normal Distribution 225

15. It is normal because it is bell Graphical Analysis In Exercises 15 and 16, determine whether the histogram
shaped and symmetric. represents data with a normal distribution. Explain your reasoning.
16. It is skewed to the right. So it is not
a normal distribution. 15. Waiting Time in a 16. Weight Loss
17. 0.3849 Dentist’s Office

Relative frequency
0.20
18. 0.4878

Relative frequency
0.4
0.15
19. 0.6247 0.3
0.10
20. 0.0228
0.2
0.05
21. 0.9382
0.1
22. 0.5987 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
23. 0.975 4 12 20 28 36 Pounds lost
24. 0.8997 Time (in minutes)

25. 0.8289
26. 0.9599
Graphical Analysis In Exercises 17–20, find the area of the indicated region under
27. 0.1003
the standard normal curve.
28. 0.0099
17. 18.
29. 0.005
30. 0.0010
31. 0.05
32. 0.006
z z
33. 0.475 0 1.2 −2.25 0
34. 0.499
35. 0.437 19. 20.
36. 0.195
37. 0.95
38. 0.9802
z z
39. 0.2006 −0.5 0 1.5 0 2
40. 0.05

Finding Area In Exercises 21–40, find the indicated area under the standard
normal curve.
21. To the left of z = 1.54 22. To the left of z = 0.25
23. To the left of z = 1.96 24. To the left of z = 1.28
25. To the right of z = -0.95 26. To the right of z = -1.75
27. To the right of z = 1.28 28. To the right of z = 2.33
29. To the left of z = -2.575 30. To the left of z = -3.08
31. To the right of z = 1.645 32. To the right of z = 2.51
33. Between z = 0 and z = 1.96 34. Between z = 0 and z = 3.09
35. Between z = -1.53 and z = 0 36. Between z = -0.51 and z = 0
37. Between z = -1.96 and 38. Between z = -2.33 and
z = 1.96 z = 2.33
39. To the left of z = -1.28 or to 40. To the left of z = -1.96 or to
the right of z = 1.28 the right of z = 1.96

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226 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

41. (a) Light Bulb Life Spans

f Using and Interpreting Concepts
7 41. Manufacturer Claims You work for a consumer watchdog publication and
6
DATA are testing the advertising claims of a light bulb manufacturer. The
Frequency

5
4 manufacturer claims that the life span of the bulb is normally distributed,
3
2 with a mean of 2000 hours and a standard deviation of 250 hours. You test
1 20 light bulbs and get the following life spans.
x
1279 1626 1973 2320 2667
Hours 2210, 2406, 2267, 1930, 2005, 2502, 1106, 2140, 1949, 1921,
It is reasonable to assume that
2217, 2121, 2004, 1397, 1659, 1577, 2840, 1728, 1209, 1639
the life span is normally (a) Draw a frequency histogram to display these data. Use five classes. Is it
distributed because the reasonable to assume that the life span is normally distributed? Why?
histogram is nearly symmetric
and bell shaped. (b) Find the mean and standard deviation of your sample.
(b) 1941.35, 432.385 (c) Compare the mean and standard deviation of your sample with those
(c) The sample mean of 1941.35
in the manufacturer’s claim. Discuss the differences.
hours is less than the claimed 42. Heights of Men You are performing a study about the height of 20- to 29-
mean, so, on average, the bulbs DATA year-old men. A previous study found the height to be normally distributed,
in the sample lasted for a with a mean of 69.2 inches and a standard deviation of 2.9 inches. You
shorter time. The sample
randomly sample 30 men and find their heights to be as follows. (Source:
standard deviation of 432 hours
National Center for Health Statistics)
is greater than the claimed
standard deviation, so the 72.1, 71.2, 67.9, 67.3, 69.5, 68.6, 68.8, 69.4, 73.5, 67.1,
bulbs in the sample had a 69.2, 75.7, 71.1, 69.6, 70.7, 66.9, 71.4, 62.9, 69.2, 64.9,
greater variation in life span 68.2, 65.2, 69.7, 72.2, 67.5, 66.6, 66.5, 64.2, 65.4, 70.0
than the manufacturer’s claim.
42. (a) Heights of Males (a) Draw a frequency histogram to display these data. Use seven classes
f with midpoints of 63.85, 65.85, 67.85, 69.85, 71.85, 73.85, and 75.85. Is it
8
7
reasonable to assume that the heights are normally distributed? Why?
Frequency

6
5 (b) Find the mean and standard deviation of your sample.
4
3
2
(c) Compare the mean and standard deviation of your sample with those
1
x
in the previous study. Discuss the differences.
63.85
65.85
67.85
69.85
71.85
73.85
75.85

Inches Computing and Interpreting z-Scores of Normal Distributions In Exercises 43–46,

It is reasonable to assume that you are given a normal distribution, the distribution’s mean and standard deviation,
the heights are normally four values from that distribution, and a graph of the Standard Normal Distribution.
distributed because the (a) Without converting to z-scores, match each value with the letters A, B, C, and D
histogram is nearly symmetric on the given graph of the Standard Normal Distribution. (b) Find the
and bell shaped. z-score that corresponds to each value and check your answers to part (a).
(b) 68.75, 2.847 (c) Determine whether any of the values are unusual.
(c) The mean of your sample is 43. Ball Bearings Your company manufactures ball bearings. The diameters of
0.45 inch less than that of the the ball bearings are normally distributed, with a mean of 3 inches and a
previous study, so the average
standard deviation of 0.02 inch. The diameters of four ball bearings selected
height from the sample is less
than in the previous study. The
at random are 3.01, 2.97, 2.98, and 3.05.
standard deviation is about
0.05 inch less than that of the
previous study, so the heights
are slightly less spread out than
in the previous study.
z z

AB C D A B C D
Figure for Exercise 43 Figure for Exercise 44

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 SECTION 5.1 Introduction to Normal Distributions and the Standard Normal Distribution 227

43. (a) A = 2.97; B = 2.98; 44. Tires An automobile tire brand has a life expectancy that is normally
C = 3.01; D = 3.05 distributed, with a mean life of 30,000 miles and a standard deviation of
(b) 0.5; -1.5; -1; 2.5 2500 miles. The life spans of four tires selected at random are 35,150 miles,
(c) x = 3.05 is unusual owing to a 24,750 miles, 30,000 miles, and 33,000 miles.
relatively large z-score 12.52.
45. SAT I Scores The SAT is an exam used by colleges and universities to
44. (a) A = 24,750; B = 30 ,000; evaluate undergraduate applicants. The test scores are normally distributed.
C = 33 ,000; D = 35 ,150
In a recent year, the mean test score was 1026 and the standard deviation
(b) 2.06; -2.1; 0; 1.2 was 209. The test scores of four students selected at random are 950, 1250,
(c) x = 35,150 and x = 24,750 1467, and 801. (Source: College Board Online)
are unusual owing to their
relatively large z-scores
12.06 and -2.12.
45. (a) A = 801; B = 950;
C = 1250; D = 1467
(b) -0.36; 1.07; 2.11; -1.08
(c) x = 1467 is unusual owing to a
relatively large z-score 12.112.
z z

46. (a) A = 14; B = 18; AB C D A B C D

C = 25; D = 32 Figure for Exercise 45 Figure for Exercise 46
(b) -0.58; 2.33; -1.42; 0.88
(c) x = 32 is unusual owing to a 46. ACT Scores The ACT is an exam used by colleges and universities to
relatively large z-score 12.332. evaluate undergraduate applicants. The test scores are normally distributed.
47. 0.6915 In a recent year, the mean test score was 20.8 and the standard deviation
48. 0.1587 was 4.8. The test scores of four students selected at random are 18, 32, 14,
49. 0.05
and 25. (Source: ACT, Inc.)
50. 0.8997
51. 0.5328 Graphical Analysis In Exercises 47–52, find the probability of z occurring in the
52. 0.2857 indicated region.

47. 48.

z z
0 0.5 −1.0 0

49. 50.

z z
0 1.645 − 1.28 0

51. 52.

z z
−0.5 0 1 0 0.5 2

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228 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

53. 0.9265 54. 0.6736 Finding Probabilities In Exercises 53–62, find the indicated probability using the
55. 0.9744 56. 0.5987 standard normal distribution.
57. 0.3133 58. 0.4812
53. P1z 6 1.452 54. P1z 6 0.452 55. P1z 7 -1.952
59. 0.901 60. 0.95
56. P1z 7 -0.252 57. P1-0.89 6 z 6 02 58. P1-2.08 6 z 6 02
61. 0.0098 62. 0.05
63. 59. P1-1.65 6 z 6 1.652 60. P1-1.96 6 z 6 1.962
61. P1z 6 -2.58 or z 7 2.582 62. P1z 6 -1.96 or z 7 1.962

Extending Concepts
36 48 60 72 84
63. Writing Draw a normal curve with a mean of 60 and a standard deviation
The normal distribution curve is of 12. Describe how you constructed the curve and discuss its features.
centered at its mean (60) and has
2 points of inflection (48 and 72) 64. Writing Draw a normal curve with a mean of 450 and a standard deviation
representing m ; s. of 50. Describe how you constructed the curve and discuss its features.
64. 65. Uniform Distribution Another continuous distribution is the uniform distribu-
tion. An example is f1x2 = 1 for 0 … x … 1. The mean of this distribution
for this example is 0.5 and the standard deviation is approximately 0.29. The
graph of this distribution for this example is a square with the height and
width both equal to 1 unit. In general, the density function for a uniform
distribution on the interval from x = a to x = b is given by
350 400 450 500 550

The normal distribution curve is 1

f1x2 = .
centered at its mean (450) and has b - a
2 points of inflection (400 and 500) The mean is
representing m ; s.
a + b
65. (a) Area under curve
2
= area of rectangle
= 112112
and the variance is

= 1 1b - a22
.
(b) 0.25 12
(c) 0.4 f(x)
66. (a) f(x)

µ = 0.5
1
0.10

0.05
x
1
x
10 15 20 (a) Verify that the area under the curve is 1.
(b) Find the probability that x falls between 0.25 and 0.5.
Area under curve (c) Find the probability that x falls between 0.3 and 0.7.
= area of rectangle
= 120 - 102 # 10.102
66. Uniform Distribution Consider the uniform density function f1x2 = 0.1 for
10 … x … 20. The mean of this distribution is 15 and the standard
= 1 deviation is about 2.89.
(b) 0.3
(a) Draw a graph of the distribution and show that the area under the
(c) 0.5
curve is 1.
(b) Find the probability that x falls between 12 and 15.
(c) Find the probability that x falls between 13 and 18.

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 SECTION 5.2 Normal Distributions: Finding Probabilities 229

Normal Distributions: Finding Probabilities

5.2 Probability and Normal Distributions
What You
Should Learn
• How to find probabilities for
normally distributed variables
using a table and using
Probability and Normal Distributions
technology If a random variable x is normally distributed, you can find the probability that x
will fall in a given interval by calculating the area under the normal curve for the
given interval. To find the area under any normal curve, first convert the upper
µ = 500 and lower bounds of the interval to z-scores. Then use the standard normal
distribution to find the area. For instance, consider a normal curve with m = 500
and s = 100, as shown at the upper left. The value of x one standard deviation
above the mean is m + s = 500 + 100 = 600. Now consider the standard
normal curve shown at the lower left.The value of z one standard deviation above
x the mean is m + s = 0 + 1 = 1. Because a z-score of 1 corresponds to an
200 300 400 500 600 700 800
x-value of 600, and areas are not changed with a transformation to a standard
Same normal curve, the shaded areas in the graphs are equal.
area µ=0

EXAMPLE 1
Finding Probabilities for Normal Distributions
z A survey indicates that people use their computers an average of 2.4 years before
−3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 upgrading to a new machine. The standard deviation is 0.5 year. A computer
owner is selected at random. Find the probability that he or she will use it for less
than 2 years before upgrading. Assume that the variable x is normally distributed.

SOLUTION The graph shows a normal

curve with m = 2.4 and s = 0.5 and a
µ = 2.4
shaded area for x less than 2. The z-score
that corresponds to 2 years is

x - m 2 - 2.4
z = = = -0.80.
s 0.5
x
The Standard Normal Table shows that 0 1 2 3 4 5
P1z 6 -0.82 = 0.2119. The probability Age of computer (in years)
that the computer will be upgraded in less
than 2 years is 0.2119. So, 21.19% of new

Study Tip
owners will upgrade in less than two years.

Try It Yourself 1
to write the
Another way
am ple 1 is A Ford Focus manual transmission gets an average of 27 miles per gallon (mpg)
answer to Ex 19 .
0. 21 in city driving with a standard deviation of 1.6 mpg. A Focus is selected at
P1x 6 22 =
random. What is the probability that it will get more than 31 mpg? Assume that
gas mileage is normally distributed. (Source: U.S. Department of Energy)
a. Sketch a graph.
b. Find the z-score that corresponds to 31 miles per gallon.
c. Find the area to the right of that z-score.
d. Write the result as a sentence. Answer: Page A36

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230 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

EXAMPLE 2
Finding Probabilities for Normal Distributions
A survey indicates that for each trip to the supermarket, a shopper spends an
average of m = 45 minutes with a standard deviation of s = 12 minutes. The
length of time spent in the store is normally distributed and is represented by
the variable x. A shopper enters the store. (a) Find the probability that the
shopper will be in the store for each interval of time listed below. (b) If 200
shoppers enter the store, how many shoppers would you expect to be in the
store for each interval of time listed below?
1. Between 24 and 54 minutes 2. More than 39 minutes

SOLUTION
1.(a) The graph at the left shows a normal curve with m = 45 minutes and
µ = 45 s = 12 minutes. The area for x between 24 and 54 minutes is shaded. The
z-scores that correspond to 24 minutes and to 54 minutes are
24 - 45 54 - 45
z1 = = -1.75 and z2 = = 0.75.
12 12
So, the probability that a shopper will be in the store between 24 and 54
x
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
minutes is
Time (in minutes) P124 6 x 6 542 = P1-1.75 6 z 6 0.752
= P1z 6 0.752 - P1z 6 -1.752
= 0.7734 - 0.0401 = 0.7333.
(b) Another way of interpreting this probability is to say that 73.33% of the
shoppers will be in the store between 24 and 54 minutes. If 200 shoppers
enter the store, then you would expect 20010.73332 = 146.66 (or about
147) shoppers to be in the store between 24 and 54 minutes.
2.(a) The graph at the left shows a normal curve with m = 45 minutes and
µ = 45 s = 12 minutes. The area for x greater than 39 minutes is shaded. The
z-score that corresponds to 39 minutes is
39 - 45
z = = -0.5 .
12
So, the probability that a shopper will be in the store more than
x 39 minutes is
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Time (in minutes) P1x 7 392 = P1z 7 -0.52 = 1 - P1z 6 -0.52 = 1 - 0.3085 = 0.6915.
(b) If 200 shoppers enter the store, then you would expect 20010.69152 = 138.3
(or about 138) shoppers to be in the store more than 39 minutes.

Try It Yourself 2
What is the probability that the shopper will be in the supermarket between
33 and 60 minutes?
a. Sketch a graph.
b. Find z-scores that correspond to 60 minutes and 33 minutes.
c. Find the cumulative area for each z-score.
d. Subtract the smaller area from the larger. Answer: Page A36

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 SECTION 5.2 Normal Distributions: Finding Probabilities 231

Another way to find normal probabilities is to use a calculator or a computer.

You can find normal probabilities using MINITAB, Excel, and the TI-83.
Picturing the World
In baseball, a batting
average is the number of hits
divided by the number of
EXAMPLE 3
at-bats. The batting averages Using Technology to Find Normal Probabilities
of the more than 750 Major
League Baseball players Assume that cholesterol levels of men in the United States are normally
in a recent year can be distributed, with a mean of 215 milligrams per deciliter and a standard deviation
approximated by a normal of 25 milligrams per deciliter. You randomly select a man from the United
distribution, as shown in the States. What is the probability that his cholesterol level is less than 175? Use a
following graph. The mean of technology tool to find the probability.
the batting averages is 0.266
and the standard deviation is SOLUTION MINITAB, Excel, and the TI-83 each have features that allow you
0.012. to find normal probabilities without first converting to standard z-scores. For
Major League Baseball each, you must specify the mean and standard deviation of the population, as
well as the x-value(s) that determine the interval.
µ = 0.266

Cumulative Distribution Function

0.230 0.250 0.270 0.290 Normal with mean
215.000 and standard deviation
25.0000
Batting average
x P(X <= x)
What percent of the players 175.0000 0.0548
have a batting average of
0.275 or greater? If there
are 40 players on a roster,
how many would you expect
to have a batting average of A B C normalcdf(0,175,215,25)
0.275 or greater? 1 NORMDIST(175,215,25,TRUE) .0547992894
2 0.054799

From the displays, you can see that the probability that his cholesterol level is
less than 175 is about 0.055, or 5.5%.

Try It Yourself 3
A man from the United States is selected at random. What is the probability
that his cholesterol is between 190 and 225? Use a technology tool.

a. Read the user’s guide for the technology tool you are using.
b. Enter the appropriate data to obtain the probability.
c. Write the result as a sentence. Answer: Page A36

Example 3 shows only one of several ways to find normal probabilities

using MINITAB, Excel, and the TI-83.

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232 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

Exercises
5.2
Building Basic Skills and Vocabulary
Computing Probabilities In Exercises 1–6, assume the random variable x is
Help normally distributed with mean m = 86 and standard deviation s = 5. Find the
indicated probability.
1. P1x 6 802 2. P1x 6 1002
3. P1x 7 922 4. P1x 7 752
Student
Study Pack
5. P170 6 x 6 802 6. P185 6 x 6 952

Graphical Analysis In Exercises 7–12, assume a member is selected at random

from the population represented by the graph. Find the probability that the
1. 0.1151 member selected at random is from the shaded area of the graph. Assume the
2. 0.9974 variable x is normally distributed.
3. 0.1151 7. SAT Verbal Scores 8. SAT Math Scores
4. 0.9861 200 < x < 450
µ = 507 µ = 519
5. 0.1144 σ = 111 σ = 115
6. 0.5434
7. 0.3022
670 < x < 800
8. 0.0878
x x
9. 0.2742 200 450 800 200 670 800
10. 0.3462 Score Score

11. 0.0566 (Source: College Board Online) (Source: College Board Online)

12. 0.4251 9. U.S. Women Ages 20–34: 10. U.S. Women Ages 55–64:
Total Cholesterol Total Cholesterol
200 < x < 239 µ = 186 200 < x < 239 µ = 223
σ = 37.2 σ = 43.8

x x
75 200 239 300 95 200 239 360
Total cholesterol level (in mg/dL) Total cholesterol level (in mg/dL)
(Adapted from Centers for Disease (Adapted from Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention) Control and Prevention)

11. Chevrolet Blazer: Braking 12. Chevrolet Blazer: Braking

Distance on a Dry Surface Distance on a Wet Surface
µ = 159 160 < x < 168 µ = 168
σ = 5.11 σ = 5.54

167 < x < 174

x x
143 167 174 150 160 168 185
Braking distance (in feet) Braking distance (in feet)
(Source: National Highway Traffic (Source: National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration) Safety Administration)

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 SECTION 5.2 Normal Distributions: Finding Probabilities 233

13. (a) 0.1357

(b) 0.6983
Using and Interpreting Concepts
(c) 0.1660 Finding Probabilities In Exercises 13–20, find the indicated probabilities.
14. (a) 0.0668
If convenient, use technology to find the probabilities.
(b) 0.927 13. Heights of Men A survey was conducted to measure the height of U.S. men.
(c) 0.0062 In the survey, respondents were grouped by age. In the 20–29 age group, the
15. (a) 0.1711
heights were normally distributed, with a mean of 69.2 inches and a
standard deviation of 2.9 inches. A study participant is randomly selected.
(b) 0.7018
(Source: U.S. National Center for Health Statistics)
(c) 0.1271
16. (a) 0.2514
(a) Find the probability that his height is less than 66 inches.
(b) 0.4972 (b) Find the probability that his height is between 66 and 72 inches.
(c) 0.2514 (c) Find the probability that his height is more than 72 inches.
17. (a) 0.0062 14. Fish Lengths The lengths of Atlantic croaker fish are normally distributed,
(b) 0.9876 with a mean of 10 inches and a standard deviation of 2 inches. An Atlantic
(c) 0.0062 croaker fish is randomly selected. (Adapted from National Marine Fisheries
Service, Fisheries Statistics and Economics Division)

(a) Find the probability that the length of the fish is less than 7 inches.
(b) Find the probability that the length of the fish is between 7 and 15 inches.
(c) Find the probability that the length of the fish is more than 15 inches.
15. ACT Scores In a recent year, the ACT scores for high school students with a
3.50 to 4.00 grade point average were normally distributed, with a mean of
24.1 and a standard deviation of 4.3. A student with a 3.50 to 4.00 grade
point average who took the ACT during this time is randomly selected.
(Source: ACT, Inc.)

(a) Find the probability that the student’s ACT score is less than 20.
(b) Find the probability that the student’s ACT score is between 20 and 29.
(c) Find the probability that the student’s ACT score is more than 29.
16. Rhesus Monkeys The weights of adult male rhesus monkeys are normally
distributed, with a mean of 15 pounds and a standard deviation of 3 pounds.
A rhesus monkey is randomly selected.
(a) Find the probability that the monkey’s weight is less than 13 pounds.
(b) Find the probability that the weight is between 13 and 17 pounds.
(c) Find the probability that the monkey’s weight is more than 17 pounds.
17. Computer Usage A survey was conducted to measure the number of hours
per week adults in the United States spend on home computers. In the
survey, the number of hours were normally distributed, with a mean of
7 hours and a standard deviation of 1 hour. A survey participant is randomly
selected.
(a) Find the probability that the hours spent on the home computer by the
participant are less than 4.5 hours per week.
(b) Find the probability that the hours spent on the home computer by the
participant are between 4.5 and 9.5 hours per week.
(c) Find the probability that the hours spent on the home computer by the
participant are more than 9.5 hours per week.

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234 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

18. (a) 0.0475 18. Utility Bills The monthly utility bills in a city are normally distributed,
(b) 0.8469 with a mean of $100 and a standard deviation of $12. A utility bill is
(c) 0.1056 randomly selected.
19. (a) 0.0073 (a) Find the probability that the utility bill is less than $80.
(b) 0.806 (b) Find the probability that the utility bill is between $80 and $115.
(c) 0.1867 (c) Find the probability that the utility bill is more than $115.
20. (a) 0.2743
19. Computer Lab Schedule The time per week a student uses a lab computer is
(b) 0.3811
normally distributed, with a mean of 6.2 hours and a standard deviation of
(c) 0.3446 0.9 hour. A student is randomly selected.
21. (a) 79.95%
(a) Find the probability that the student uses a lab computer less than
(b) 348
4 hours per week.
22. (a) 43.25%
(b) Find the probability that the student uses a lab computer between
(b) 363
4 and 7 hours per week.
23. (a) 64.8%
(c) Find the probability that the student uses a lab computer more than
(b) 18 7 hours per week.
20. Health Club Schedule The time per workout an athlete uses a stairclimber is
normally distributed, with a mean of 20 minutes and a standard deviation
of 5 minutes. An athlete is randomly selected.
(a) Find the probability that the athlete uses a stairclimber for less than
17 minutes.
(b) Find the probability that the athlete uses a stairclimber between
17 and 22 minutes.
(c) Find the probability that the athlete uses a stairclimber for more than
22 minutes.

Using Normal Distributions In Exercises 21–30, answer the questions about the
specified normal distribution.
21. SAT Verbal Scores Use the normal distribution of SAT verbal scores in
Exercise 7 for which the mean is 507 and the standard deviation is 111.
(a) What percent of the SAT verbal scores are less than 600?
(b) If 1000 SAT verbal scores are randomly selected, about how many
would you expect to be greater than 550?
22. SAT Math Scores Use the normal distribution of SAT math scores in
Exercise 8 for which the mean is 519 and the standard deviation is 115.
(a) What percent of the SAT math scores are less than 500?
(b) If 1500 SAT math scores are randomly selected, about how many would
you expect to be greater than 600?
23. Cholesterol Use the normal distribution of women’s total cholesterol levels
in Exercise 9 for which the mean is 186 milligrams per deciliter and the
standard deviation is 37.2 milligrams per deciliter.
(a) What percent of the women have a total cholesterol level less than
200 milligrams per deciliter of blood?
(b) If 250 U.S. women in the 20–29 age group are randomly selected, about
how many would you expect to have a total cholesterol level greater
than 240 milligrams per deciliter of blood?

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 SECTION 5.2 Normal Distributions: Finding Probabilities 235

24. (a) 0.6443 24. Cholesterol Use the normal distribution of women’s total cholesterol levels
(b) 140 in Exercise 10 for which the mean is 223 milligrams per deciliter and the
25. (a) 30.85% standard deviation is 43.8 milligrams per deciliter.
(b) 31 (a) What percent of the women have a total cholesterol level less than
26. (a) 4.75% 239 milligrams per deciliter of blood?
(b) 7 (b) If 200 U.S. women in the 50–59 age group are randomly selected, about
27. (a) 99.87% how many would you expect to have a total cholesterol level greater
(b) 0.798 than 200 milligrams per deciliter of blood?
28. (a) 1.88%
25. Fish Lengths Use the normal distribution of fish lengths in Exercise 14 for
(b) 60
which the mean is 10 inches and the standard deviation is 2 inches.
29. 1.5%; It is unusual for a battery to
have a life span that is more than (a) What percent of the fish are longer than 11 inches?
2065 hours because of the (b) If 200 Atlantic croakers are randomly selected, about how many would
relatively large z-score 12.172. you expect to be shorter than 8 inches?
30. 5.94%; It is not unusual for a
person to consume less than 26. Rhesus Monkeys Use the normal distribution of monkey weights in Exercise
3.1 pounds of peanuts in a year
16 for which the mean is 15 pounds and the standard deviation is 3 pounds.
because the z-score is within 2
standard deviations of the mean. (a) What percent of the monkeys have a weight that is greater than
20 pounds?
(b) If 50 rhesus monkeys are randomly selected, about how many would
you expect to weigh less than 12 pounds?

27. Computer Usage Use the normal distribution of computer usage in

Exercise 17 for which the mean is 7 hours and the standard deviation is
1 hour.
(a) What percent of the adults spend more than 4 hours per week on a
home computer?
(b) If 35 adults in the United States are randomly selected, about how
many would you expect to say they spend less than 5 hours per week
on a home computer?

28. Utility Bills Use the normal distribution of utility bills in Exercise 18 for
which the mean is $100 and the standard deviation is $12.
(a) What percent of the utility bills are more than $125?
(b) If 300 utility bills are randomly selected, about how many would you
expect to be less than $90?

29. Battery Life Spans The life span of a battery is normally distributed, with
a mean of 2000 hours and a standard deviation of 30 hours. What percent
of batteries have a life span that is more than 2065 hours? Would it be
unusual for a battery to have a life span that is more than 2065 hours?
Explain your reasoning.

30. Peanuts Assume the mean annual consumption of peanuts is normally

distributed, with a mean of 5.9 pounds per person and a standard
deviation of 1.8 pounds per person. What percent of people annually
consume less than 3.1 pounds of peanuts per person? Would it be unusual
for a person to consume less than 3.1 pounds of peanuts in a year?
Explain your reasoning.

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236 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

31. Out of control, because there is a

point more than 3 standard Extending Concepts
deviations beyond the mean. Control Charts Statistical process control (SPC) is the use of statistics to monitor
32. Out of control, because two out of and improve the quality of a process, such as manufacturing an engine part. In SPC,
three consecutive points lie more information about a process is gathered and used to determine if a process is
than 2 standard deviations from meeting all of the specified requirements. One tool used in SPC is a control chart.
the mean. When individual measurements of a variable x are normally distributed, a control
33. Out of control, because there are chart can be used to detect processes that are possibly out of statistical control.
nine consecutive points below Three warning signals that a control chart uses to detect a process that may be out
the mean, and two out of three of control are as follows:
consecutive points lie more than
2 standard deviations from the (1) A point lies beyond three standard deviations of the mean.
mean. (2) There are nine consecutive points that fall on one side of the mean.
34. In control, because none of the
(3) At least two of three consecutive points lie more than two standard
three warning signals detected
a change.
deviations from the mean.
In Exercises 31–34, a control chart is shown. Each chart has horizontal lines drawn
at the mean m, at m ; 2s, and at m ; 3s. Determine if the process shown is in
control or out of control. Explain.
31. A gear has been designed to have 32. A nail has been designed to have
a diameter of 3 inches. The stan- a length of 4 inches. The standard
dard deviation of the process is deviation of the process is 0.12
0.2 inch. inch.

Gears Nails

4 4.50
Diameter (in inches)

3 Length (in inches) 4.25

2 4.00

1 3.75

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Observation number Observation number

33. A liquid-dispensing machine has 34. An engine part has been designed
been designed to fill bottles with 1 to have a diameter of 55 millime-
liter of liquid. The standard devia- ters. The standard deviation of the
tion of the process is 0.1 liter. process is 0.001 millimeter.

Liquid Dispenser Engine Part

Liquid dispensed (in liters)

Diameter (in millimeters)

1.5 55.0050

55.0025
1.0
55.0000

0.5
54.9975

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 2 4 6 8 10 12
Observation number Observation number

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 SECTION 5.3 Normal Distributions: Finding Values 237

Normal Distributions: Finding Values

5.3 Finding z-Scores • Transforming a z-Score to an x-Value •
What You Finding a Specific Data Value for a Given Probability
Should Learn
• How to find a z-score given
the area under the normal
curve
Finding z-Scores
• How to transform a z-score to In Section 5.2, you were given a normally distributed random variable x and you
an x-value found the probability that x would fall in a given interval by calculating the area
• How to find a specific data
under the normal curve for the given interval.
value of a normal distribution But what if you are given a probability and want to find a value? For
given the probability instance, a university might want to know what is the lowest test score a student
can have on an entrance exam and still be in the top 10%, or a medical
researcher might want to know the cutoff values to select the middle 90% of
Note to Instructor
patients by age. In this section, you will learn how to find a value given an area
Have students note that as the z-scores under a normal curve (or a probability), as shown in the following example.
increase, the cumulative areas increase.
The CDF is one to one and as such has
an inverse function. Discuss how this
inverse function (INVCDF) can be used EXAMPLE 1
when a cumulative area (percentile) is
known and the z-score must be found. Finding a z-Score Given an Area
1. Find the z-score that corresponds to a cumulative area of 0.3632.
2. Find the z-score that has 10.75% of the distribution’s area to its right.
Study Tip SOLUTION
puter or
You can use a com 1. Find the z-score that corresponds to an area of 0.3632 by locating 0.3632 in
the z-score
calculator to find the Standard Normal Table. The values at the beginning of the corresponding
ds to a
that correspon row and at the top of the corresponding column give the z-score. For this area,
ar ea . Fo r instance,
cumulative
ns for the row value is -0.3 and the column value is 0.05. So, the z-score is -0.35.
here are instructio
that
finding the z-score
an ar ea of z .09 .08 .07 .06 .05 .04 .03
corresponds to
0.3632 on a TI- 83 . ⴚ3.4 .0002 .0003 .0003 .0003 .0003 .0003 .0003
32
2nd DISTR 3 .36 ⴚ0.5 .2776 .2810 .2843 .2877 .2912 .2946 .2981
display ⴚ0.4 .3121 .3156 .3192 .3228 .3264 .3300 .3336
The calculator will
ⴚ0.3 .3483 .3520 .3557 .3594 .3632 .3669 .3707
-.3499183227 . ⴚ0.2 .3859 .3897 .3936 .3974 .4013 .4052 .4090

2. Because the area to the right is 0.1075, the cumulative area is

Area = 1 - 0.1075 = 0.8925. Find the z-score that corresponds to an area of 0.8925
0.3632 by locating 0.8925 in the Standard Normal Table. For this area, the row value
is 1.2 and the column value is 0.04. So, the z-score is 1.24.

z z .00 .01 .02 .03 .04 .05 .06

−0.35 0 0.0 .5000 .5040 .5080 .5120 .5160 .5199 .5239

Area = 1.0 .8413 .8438 .8461 .8485 .8508 .8531 .8554

0.1075 1.1 .8643 .8665 .8686 .8708 .8729 .8749 .8770
1.2 .8849 .8869 .8888 .8907 .8925 .8944 .8962
1.3 .9032 .9049 .9066 .9082 .9099 .9115 .9131
z
0 1.24

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238 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

Note to Instructor Try It Yourself 1

If you prefer that your students use a 1. Find the z-score that has 96.16% of the distribution’s area to the right.
0 -to-z table, refer them to Appendix A
2. Find the z-score for which 95% of the distribution’s area lies between
where an alternative presentation for
-z and z.
this material is given.
a. Determine the cumulative area.
b. Locate the area in the Standard Normal Table.

Study Tip c. Find the z-score that corresponds to the area.

Answer: Page A36
given area
In most cases, the
un d in the table,
will not be fo In Section 2.5, you learned that percentiles divide a data set into one
sest to it.
so use the entry clo hundred equal parts. To find a z-score that corresponds to a percentile, you can
halfway
If the given area is use the Standard Normal Table. Recall that if a value x represents the 83rd
ea entries,
between two ar percentile P83, then 83% of the data values are below x and 17% of the data
re ha lfw ay
use the z-sco values are above x.
n th e co rre sp on ding
betwee
nc e, in part
z-scores. For insta
th e z-s core
1 of Example 2, is
.65
between -1 .64 an d -1
EXAMPLE 2
-1.645.
Finding a z-Score Given a Percentile
Find the z-score that corresponds to each percentile.
1. P5 2. P50 3. P90

SOLUTION
Area = 0.05 1. To find the z-score that corresponds to P5 , find the z-score that corresponds
to an area of 0.05 (see figure) by locating 0.05 in the Standard Normal Table.
The areas closest to 0.05 in the table are 0.0495 1z = -1.652 and 0.0505
z 1z = -1.642. Because 0.05 is halfway between the two areas in the table, use
−1.645 0
the z-score that is halfway between -1.64 and -1.65. So, the z-score that
corresponds to an area of 0.05 is -1.645.
2. To find the z-score that corresponds to P50 , find the z-score that corresponds
Area = 0.5 to an area of 0.5 (see figure) by locating 0.5 in the Standard Normal Table.
The area closest to 0.5 in the table is 0.5000, so the z-score that corresponds
to an area of 0.5 is 0.00.
z
0
3. To find the z-score that corresponds to P90 , find the z-score that corresponds
to an area of 0.9 (see figure) by locating 0.9 in the Standard Normal Table.
Area = 0.8997 The area closest to 0.9 in the table is 0.8997, so the z-score that corresponds
to an area of 0.9 is 1.28.

Try It Yourself 2
z Find the z-score that corresponds to each percentile.
0 1.28
1. P10 2. P20 3. P99
a. Write the percentile as an area. If necessary, draw a graph of the area to
visualize the problem.
b. Locate the area in the Standard Normal Table. If the area is not in the table,
use the closest area. (See Study Tip above.)
c. Identify the z-score that corresponds to the area.
Answer: Page A36

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 SECTION 5.3 Normal Distributions: Finding Values 239

Transforming a z-Score to an x-Value

Recall that to transform an x-value to a z-score, you can use the formula
x - m
z = .
s
This formula gives z in terms of x. If you solve this formula for x, you get a
new formula that gives x in terms of z.
x - m
z = Formula for z in terms of x
s
zs = x - m Multiply each side by s.

m + zs = x Add m to each side.

x = m + zs Interchange sides.

Transforming a z-Score to an x-Value

To transform a standard z-score to a data value x in a given population,
use the formula
x = m + zs.

EXAMPLE 3
Finding an x-Value Corresponding to a z-Score
The speeds of vehicles along a stretch of highway are normally distributed, with a
mean of 56 miles per hour and a standard deviation of 4 miles per hour. Find the
speeds x corresponding to z-scores of 1.96, -2.33, and 0. Interpret your results.

SOLUTION The x-value that corresponds to each standard score is calculated

using the formula x = m + zs.
z = 1.96: x = 56 + 1.96142 = 63.84 miles per hour

z = -2.33: x = 56 + 1-2.332142 = 46.68 miles per hour

z = 0: x = 56 + 0142 = 56 miles per hour

Interpretation You can see that 63.84 miles per hour is above the mean, 46.68
is below the mean, and 56 is equal to the mean.

Try It Yourself 3
The monthly utility bills in a city are normally distributed, with a mean of $70
and a standard deviation of $8. Find the x-values that correspond to z-scores of
-0.75, 4.29, and -1.82. What can you conclude?
a. Identify m and s of the nonstandard normal distribution.
b. Transform each z-score to an x-value.
c. Interpret the results. Answer: Page A36

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240 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

Finding a Specific Data Value for a Given Probability

You can also use the normal distribution to find a specific data value (x-value)
for a given probability, as shown in Example 4.

EXAMPLE 4
Finding a Specific Data Value
Note to Instructor Scores for a civil service exam are normally distributed, with a mean of 75 and
Mention that to use the cumulative a standard deviation of 6.5. To be eligible for civil service employment, you must
table to find a z-score, you must first score in the top 5%. What is the lowest score you can earn and still be eligible
express the area given as a cumulative for employment?
area. It helps to explain these as
percentiles. For example, the score in SOLUTION Exam scores in the top 5% correspond to the shaded region shown.
the top 20% represents the 80th
percentile. Point out that if students
are using a technology tool to find an
x-value that corresponds to an area, it
is not necessary first to find a z-score.

5%
z
0 1.645
x (exam score)
75 ?

Picturing the World

An exam score in the top 5% is any score above the 95th percentile. To find the
According to the American
Medical Association, the mean
score that represents the 95th percentile, you must first find the z-score that
corresponds to a cumulative area of 0.95. From the Standard Normal Table, you
can find that the areas closest to 0.95 are 0.9495 1z = 1.642 and 0.9505
number of hours all physi-
cians spend in patient care
each week is about 53.2 hours. 1z = 1.652. Because 0.95 is halfway between the two areas in the table, use the
The hours spent in patient z-score that is halfway between 1.64 and 1.65. That is, z = 1.645. Using the
care each week by physicians equation x = m + zs, you have
can be approximated by a
normal distribution. Assume x = m + zs
the standard deviation is = 75 + 1.64516.52
3 hours. L 85.69.
Hours Physicians Spend Interpretation The lowest score you can earn and still be eligible for
in Patient Care employment is 86.
µ = 53.2
Try It Yourself 4
The braking distances of a sample of Ford F-150s are normally distributed.
On a dry surface, the mean braking distance was 158 feet and the standard
x
44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62
deviation was 6.51 feet. What is the longest braking distance on a dry surface
Hours one of these Ford F-150s could have and still be in the top 1%? (Adapted from
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
Between what two
values does the middle a. Sketch a graph.
90% of the data lie? b. Find the z-score that corresponds to the given area.
c. Find x using the equation x = m + zs.
d. Interpret the result. Answer: Page A36

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 SECTION 5.3 Normal Distributions: Finding Values 241

EXAMPLE 5
Finding a Specific Data Value
In a randomly selected sample of 1169 men ages 35–44, the mean total
cholesterol level was 205 milligrams per deciliter with a standard deviation of
39.2 milligrams per deciliter. Assume the total cholesterol levels are normally
distributed. Find the highest total cholesterol level a man in this 35–44 age
group can have and be in the lowest 1%. (Adapted from Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention)

SOLUTION
Total cholesterol levels in the lowest 1% correspond to the shaded region shown.

Total Cholesterol Levels in

Men Ages 35–44

1%
z
−2.33 0
x (total cholesterol
? 205 level, in mg/dL)

A total cholesterol level in the lowest 1% is any level below the 1st percentile.
To find the level that represents the 1st percentile, you must first find the
z-score that corresponds to a cumulative area of 0.01. From the Standard
Normal Table, you can find that the area closest to 0.01 is 0.0099. So, the z-score
that corresponds to an area of 0.01 is z = -2.33. Using the equation
x = m + zs, you have
x = m + zs
= 205 + 1-2.332139.22
L 113.66.
Interpretation The value that separates the lowest 1% of total cholesterol
levels for men in the 35–44 age group from the highest 99% is about 114.

Try It Yourself 5
The length of time employees have worked at a corporation is normally
distributed, with a mean of 11.2 years and a standard deviation of 2.1 years. In
a company cutback, the lowest 10% in seniority are laid off. What is the
maximum length of time an employee could have worked and still be laid off?
a. Sketch a graph.
b. Find the z-score that corresponds to the given area.
c. Find x using the equation x = m + zs.
d. Interpret the result. Answer: Page A36

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242 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

Exercises
5.3
Building Basic Skills and Vocabulary
In Exercises 1–24, use the Standard Normal Table to find the z-score that
Help corresponds to the given cumulative area or percentile. If the area is not in the
table, use the entry closest to the area. If the area is halfway between two entries,
use the z-score halfway between the corresponding z-scores.
1. 0.0202 2. 0.2090 3. 0.8023 4. 0.6443
Student 5. 0.4364 6. 0.0080 7. 0.9916 8. 0.7673
Study Pack 9. 0.05 10. 0.85 11. 0.84 12. 0.01
13. P1 14. P15 15. P40 16. P55
17. P88 18. P96 19. P25 20. P50
1. -2.05
2. -0.81 21. P75 22. P10 23. P35 24. P65
3. 0.85
4. 0.37 Graphical Analysis In Exercises 25–30, find the indicated z-score(s) shown in
5. -0.16 the graph.
6. -2.41 25. 26.
Area = Area =
7. 2.39
0.3520 0.5987
8. 0.73
9. -1.645
10. 1.04 z z
11. 0.995 z=? 0 0 z=?

12. -2.325
27. 28.
13. -2.325 Area =
14. -1.04 0.7190 Area =
15. -0.25 0.0233
16. 0.125
z z
17. 1.175 z=? 0 0 z=?
18. 1.75
19. -0.675 29. 30.
20. 0
Area = Area = Area =
21. 0.675
0.05 0.05 0.95
22. -1.28
23. -0.385 z z
z=? 0 z=? z=? 0 z=?
24. 0.385
25. -0.38
26. 0.25 In Exercises 31–38, find the indicated z-score.
27. -0.58 31. Find the z -score that has 62.8% of the distribution’s area to its left.
28. 1.99
32. Find the z-score that has 78.5% of the distribution’s area to its left.
29. -1.645, 1.645
30. ; 1.96 33. Find the z-score that has 62.8% of the distribution’s area to its right.
31. 0.325 34. Find the z-score that has 78.5% of the distribution’s area to its right.
35. Find the z-score for which 80% of the distribution’s area lies between -z
and z.

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 SECTION 5.3 Normal Distributions: Finding Values 243

32. 0.79 36. Find the z-score for which 99% of the distribution’s area lies between -z
33. -0.33 and z.
34. -0.79 37. Find the z-score for which 5% of the distribution’s area lies between -z
35. 1.28 and z.
36. 2.575
38. Find the z-score for which 12% of the distribution’s area lies between -z
37. ; 0.06 and z.
38. ; 0.15
39. (a) 68.52
(b) 62.14 Using and Interpreting Concepts
40. (a) 72.91
Using Normal Distributions In Exercises 39–44, answer the questions about the
(b) 67.24
specified normal distribution.
41. (a) 12.28
39. Heights of Women In a survey of women in the United States (ages 20 –29),
(b) 20.08
the mean height was 64 inches with a standard deviation of 2.75 inches.
42. (a) 6.765
(Source: National Center for Health Statistics)
(b) 13.725
(a) What height represents the 95th percentile?
(b) What height represents the first quartile?
40. Heights of Men In a survey of men in the United States (ages 20 –29), the
mean height was 69.2 inches with a standard deviation of 2.9 inches.
(Source: National Center for Health Statistics)

(a) What height represents the 90th percentile?

(b) What height represents the first quartile?
41. Apples The annual per capita utilization of apples (in pounds) in the
United States can be approximated by a normal distribution, as shown in
the graph. (Adapted from U.S. Department of Agriculture)
(a) What annual per capita utilization of apples represents the
10th percentile?
(b) What annual per capita utilization of apples represents the third
quartile?

Annual U.S. per Capita Annual U.S. per Capita

Apple Utilization Orange Utilization
µ = 17.4 lb µ = 11.7 lb
σ = 4 lb σ = 3 lb

x x
5 10 15 20 25 30 3 6 9 12 15 18 21
Utilization (in pounds) Utilization (in pounds)
Figure for Exercise 41 Figure for Exercise 42

42. Oranges The annual per capita utilization of oranges (in pounds) in the
United States can be approximated by a normal distribution, as shown in
the graph. (Adapted from U.S. Department of Agriculture)
(a) What annual per capita utilization of oranges represents the
5th percentile?
(b) What annual per capita utilization of oranges represents the third
quartile?

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244 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

Time Spent Waiting for 43. Heart Transplant Waiting Times The time spent (in days) waiting for a heart
a Heart transplant in Ohio and Michigan for patients with type A + blood can be
approximated by a normal distribution, as shown in the graph. (Source:
µ = 127 days
Organ Procurement and Transplant Network)
σ = 23.5 days
(a) What is the shortest time spent waiting for a heart that would still place
a patient in the top 30% of waiting times?
(b) What is the longest time spent waiting for a heart that would still place
x
60 87 114 141 168 195 a patient in the bottom 10% of waiting times?
Days
44. Ice Cream The annual per capita consumption of ice cream (in pounds) in
Figure for Exercise 43
the United States can be approximated by a normal distribution, as shown
Annual U.S. per Capita in the graph. (Adapted from U.S. Department of Agriculture)
Ice Cream Consumption (a) What is the smallest annual per capita consumption of ice cream that
µ = 16.5 lb
can be in the top 25% of consumptions?
σ = 2.5 lb (b) What is the largest annual per capita consumption of ice cream that can
be in the bottom 15% of consumptions?
45. Cereal Boxes The weights of the contents of a cereal box are normally
x
distributed with a mean weight of 20 ounces and a standard deviation of
8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 0.07 ounce. Boxes in the lower 5% do not meet the minimum weight
Consumption (in pounds) requirements and must be repackaged. What is the minimum weight
Figure for Exercise 44 requirement for a cereal box?
46. Bags of Cookies The weights of bags of cookies are normally distributed
43. (a) 139.22 with a mean of 15 ounces and a standard deviation of 0.085 ounce. Bags of
(b) 96.92 cookies that have weights in the upper 7.5% are too heavy and must be
44. (a) 18.1875 repackaged. What is the most a bag of cookies can weigh and not need to
(b) 13.9125 be repackaged?
45. 19.89
46. 15.1224
47. Tires that wear out by 26,800 miles Extending Concepts
will be replaced free of charge. 47. Writing a Guarantee You sell a brand of automobile tire that has a life
48. A = 83.52; B = 76.68; expectancy that is normally distributed, with a mean life of 30,000 miles and
C = 67.32; D = 60.48 a standard deviation of 2500 miles. You want to give a guarantee for free
49. 7.93 replacement of tires that don’t wear well. How should you word your guar-
antee if you are willing to replace approximately 10% of the tires you sell?
Final Exam Grades 48. Statistics Grades In a large section of a statistics class, the points for the final
40% exam are normally distributed with a mean of 72 and a standard deviation
of 9. Grades are to be assigned according to the following rule.
20% 20%
• The top 10% receive As
• The next 20% receive Bs
10% 10% • The middle 40% receive Cs
• The next 20% receive Ds
x
D C B A • The bottom 10% receive Fs
Points scored on final exam
Find the lowest score on the final exam that would qualify a student for an
Figure for Exercise 48 A, a B, a C, and a D.
49. Vending Machine A vending machine dispenses coffee into an eight-ounce
cup. The amount of coffee dispensed into the cup is normally distributed
with a standard deviation of 0.03 ounce. You can allow the cup to overfill
1% of the time. What amount should you set as the mean amount of coffee
to be dispensed?

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 Case Study
16
Preterm = under 37 weeks
14
Low birth weight = under 5.5 pounds
12

Percent
10 Percent of preterm births
8
WWW. CDC . GOV / NCHS
6 Percent of low birth weights

Birth Weights in America 1988 1990 1992 1994

Year
1996 1998 2000 2002

The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) keeps

records of many health-related aspects of people, including the
Gestation Mean birth Standard
birth weights of all babies born in the United States.
period weight deviation
The birth weight of a baby is related to its gestation Under 28 Weeks 1.88 lb 1.19 lb
period (the time between conception and birth). For a given 28 to 31 Weeks 4.07 lb 1.87 lb
gestation period, the birth weights can be approximated by
32 to 35 Weeks 5.73 lb 1.48 lb
a normal distribution. The means and standard deviations of
the birth weights for various gestation periods are shown at 36 Weeks 6.46 lb 1.20 lb
the right. 37 to 39 Weeks 7.33 lb 1.09 lb
One of the many goals of the NCHS is to reduce the 40 Weeks 7.72 lb 1.05 lb
percentage of babies born with low birth weights. As you can see 41 Weeks 7.83 lb 1.08 lb
from the graph at the upper right, the problem of low birth 42 Weeks and over 7.65 lb 1.12 lb
weights increased from 1988 to 2002.

Exercises
1. The distributions of birth weights for three gestation 2. What percent of the babies born with each gestation
periods are shown. Match the curves with the period have a low birth weight (under 5.5 pounds)?
gestation periods. Explain your reasoning. Explain your reasoning.
(a) µ (a) Under 28 weeks (b) 32 to 35 weeks
(c) 37 to 39 weeks (d) 42 weeks and over
3. Describe the weights of the top 10% of the babies born
with each gestation period. Explain your reasoning.
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
(a) 37 to 39 weeks (b) 42 weeks and over
Pounds
(b) µ 4. For each gestation period, what is the probability that
a baby will weigh between 6 and 9 pounds at birth?
(a) 32 to 35 weeks (b) 37 to 39 weeks
(c) 42 weeks and over
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Pounds 5. A birth weight of less than 3.3 pounds is classified by
the NCHS as a “very low birth weight.” What is the
(c) µ probability that a baby has a very low birth weight
for each gestation period?
(a) Under 28 weeks (b) 32 to 35 weeks
(c) 37 to 39 weeks
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Pounds

245
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246 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

Sampling Distributions and the Central Limit Theorem

5.4 Sampling Distributions • The Central Limit Theorem •
What You Probability and the Central Limit Theorem
Should Learn
• How to find sampling
distributions and verify their
properties
Sampling Distributions
• How to interpret the Central In previous sections, you studied the relationship between the mean of a
Limit Theorem population and values of a random variable. In this section, you will study
• How to apply the Central
the relationship between a population mean and the means of samples taken
Limit Theorem to find the from the population.
probability of a sample mean

DEFINITION
A sampling distribution is the probability distribution of a sample statistic

Insight
that is formed when samples of size n are repeatedly taken from a
population. If the sample statistic is the sample mean, then the distribution
is the sampling distribution of sample means.
vary
eans can
Sample m a nd
another
from one m th e
vary fro
can also e an . Th is type For instance, consider the following Venn diagram. The rectangle represents
nm
populatio e a large population, and each circle represents a sample of size n. Because the
on is to b
of variati d is c alled sample entries can differ, the sample means can also differ. The mean of Sample
an
expected 1 is x1; the mean of Sample 2 is x2; and so on. The sampling distribution of the
error.
sampling
sample means for samples of size n for this population consists of x1, x2, x3, and
so on. If the samples are drawn with replacement, an infinite number of samples
can be drawn from the population.

Population with µ , σ
Note to Instructor
Sample 5, x5
A good exercise that can be used in Sample 3, x3
conjunction with the Venn diagram is Sample 1, x1
to have each student randomly select a
place in the random number table and Sample 4, x4
write down the next five digits Sample 2, x2
horizontally. Students can verify that
the population of digits 50, 1, 2, Á , 96
is uniform and has a mean of 4.5 and
standard deviation of 2.87. Have each
student calculate the mean of his or her
sample and write that result on the
Properties of Sampling Distributions of Sample Means
board. Students can easily see that the 1. The mean of the sample means mx is equal to the population mean m.
sample means vary but are not
mx = m
dispersed as much as the population
(range 0 to 9) is. Construct a histogram 2. The standard deviation of the sample means sx is equal to the
of the sample means; find the mean population standard deviation s divided by the square root of n.
of these means and the standard
deviation of the means. (With a TI-83, s
sx =
this takes little time even if only one 2n
student does the calculations.) Because
the population standard deviation is The standard deviation of the sampling distribution of the sample means
known for this simulation, the results is called the standard error of the mean.
will be approximately normal.

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 SECTION 5.4 Sampling Distributions and the Central Limit Theorem 247

EXAMPLE 1
Probability Histogram
of Population of x
A Sampling Distribution of Sample Means
P(x) You write the population values 51, 3, 5, 76 on slips of paper and put them in a
box. Then you randomly choose two slips of paper, with replacement. List all
possible samples of size n = 2 and calculate the mean of each. These means
Probability

0.25
form the sampling distribution of the sample means. Find the mean, variance,
and standard deviation of the sample means. Compare your results with the
mean m = 4, variance s 2 = 5, and standard deviation s = 25 L 2.236 of the
population.
x
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Population values
SOLUTION List all 16 samples of size 2 from the population and the mean of
each sample.
Probability Distribution of
Sample Means Sample Sample mean, x Sample Sample mean, x
x f Probability 1, 1 1 5, 1 3
1 1 0.0625 1, 3 2 5, 3 4
2 2 0.1250 1, 5 3 5, 5 5
3 3 0.1875 1, 7 4 5, 7 6
4 4 0.2500 3, 1 2 7, 1 4
5 3 0.1875 3, 3 3 7, 3 5
6 2 0.1250 3, 5 4 7, 5 6
7 1 0.0625 3, 7 5 7, 7 7

Probability Histogram of After constructing a probability distribution of the sample means, you can graph
Sampling Distribution of x the sampling distribution using a probability histogram as shown at the left.
P(x ) Notice that the shape of the histogram is bell shaped and symmetric, similar to a
normal curve. The mean, variance, and standard deviation of the 16 sample
0.25
means are
0.20
Probability

0.15 mx = 4
0.10
1sx 22 =
5 5
0.05 = 2.5 and sx = = 22.5 L 1.581 .
2 A2
x
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 These results satisfy the properties of sampling distributions because
Sample mean
s 25 2.236
mx = m = 4 and sx = = L L 1.581.
2n 22 22

Try It Yourself 1
List all possible samples of n = 3, with replacement, from the population
5 1, 3, 5, 7 6. Calculate the mean, variance, and standard deviation of the sample
Study Tip means. Compare these values with the corresponding population parameters.
nd
ion 4.1 to fi
Review Sect andar d
a. Form all possible samples of size 3 and find the mean of each.
d st
the mean an robability b. Make a probability distribution of the sample means and find the mean,
at ion of ap variance, and standard deviation.
devi
.
distribution c. Compare the mean, variance, and standard deviation of the sample means
with those for the population. Answer: Page A36

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248 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

The Central Limit Theorem

The Central Limit Theorem forms the foundation for the inferential branch of
statistics. This theorem describes the relationship between the sampling
distribution of sample means and the population that the samples are taken from.
The Central Limit Theorem is an important tool that provides the information
you’ll need to use sample statistics to make inferences about a population mean.

Note to Instructor
The sample mean x varies from sample
The Central Limit Theorem
to sample and is a random variable. As a 1. If samples of size n, where n Ú 30, are drawn from any population
random variable, it has a probability dis- with a mean m and a standard deviation s, then the sampling distribu-
tribution, called the sampling distribu- tion of sample means approximates a normal distribution. The greater
tion of the mean. Mention that other the sample size, the better the approximation.
sample statistics, such as s 2, s, and np ,
have different sampling distributions 2. If the population itself is normally distributed, the sampling distribu-
that will be studied in the next chapter. tion of sample means is normally distributed for any sample size n.
In either case, the sampling distribution of sample means has a mean
equal to the population mean.
mx = m Mean

The sampling distribution of sample means has a variance equal to 1>n

times the variance of the population and a standard deviation equal to the
population standard deviation divided by the square root of n.
s2
sx2 = Variance
n
s
sx = Standard deviation
1n
The standard deviation of the sampling distribution of the sample means,
sx , is also called the standard error of the mean.

Insight 1. Any Population Distribution

Standard
2. Normal Population Distribution
σ Standard
of sample σ
The distribution deviation deviation
s the sa me mean
means ha
n. But its
as the populatio
ion is less
standard deviat
da rd deviation
than the stan x x
n. This tells µ
of the populatio Mean µ
Mean
ribution of
you that the dist
s the same
sample means ha Distribution of Sample Means, Distribution of Sample Means
e po pu lation,
center as th n Ú 30 (any n)
t as sp re ad out.
but it is no
stri- σ
Moreover, the di σx =
n σx =
σ
e m ea ns n
bution of sampl
ss an d less
becomes le Standard
ter concen- Standard
spread out (tigh deviation
e mean) as deviation
tration about th
n increases.
the sample size
x x
µx = µ µx = µ
Mean Mean

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 SECTION 5.4 Sampling Distributions and the Central Limit Theorem 249

EXAMPLE 2
Interpreting the Central Limit Theorem
Phone bills for residents of a city have a mean of $64 and a standard deviation
of $9, as shown in the following graph. Random samples of 36 phone bills are
Picturing the World drawn from this population, and the mean of each sample is determined. Find
In a recent year, there were the mean and standard error of the mean of the sampling distribution. Then
more than 5 million parents in sketch a graph of the sampling distribution of sample means.
the United States who
received child support pay-
ments. The following his- Distribution for
togram shows the distribution
All Phone Bills
of children per custodial
parent. The mean number of
children was 1.7 and the
standard deviation was 0.9.
(Adapted from U.S. Census
Bureau) x
46 55 64 73 82
Child Support Individual phone bills (in dollars)
P(x)

0.5

0.4 SOLUTION The mean of the sampling distribution is equal to the population
Probability

0.3
mean, and the standard error of the mean is equal to the population standard
deviation divided by 1n. So,
0.2

0.1 s 9
mx = m = 64 and sx = = = 1.5.
x 1n 236
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Number of children Interpretation From the Central Limit Theorem, because the sample size is
greater than 30, the sampling distribution can be approximated by a normal
You randomly select 35 distribution with m = $64 and s = $1.50, as shown in the graph below.
parents who receive child
support and ask how many
Distribution of
children in their custody are
Sample Means
receiving child support
with n = 36
payments. What is the
probability that the
mean of the sample
is between 1.5 and x
1.9 children? 46 55 64 73 82
Mean of 36 phone bills (in dollars)

Try It Yourself 2
Suppose random samples of size 100 are drawn from the population in Example
2. Find the mean and standard error of the mean of the sampling distribution.
Sketch a graph of the sampling distribution and compare it with the sampling
distribution in Example 2.
a. Find mx and sx .
b. Identify the sample size. If n Ú 30, sketch a normal curve with mean mx and
standard deviation sx .
c. Compare the results with those in Example 2. Answer: Page A36

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250 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

EXAMPLE 3
Interpreting the Central Limit Theorem
The heights of fully grown white oak trees are normally distributed, with a
mean of 90 feet and standard deviation of 3.5 feet, as shown in the following
graph. Random samples of size 4 are drawn from this population, and the mean
of each sample is determined. Find the mean and standard error of the mean
of the sampling distribution. Then sketch a graph of the sampling distribution
of sample means.
Distribution of
Population Heights

x
80 85 90 95 100
Height (in feet)

SOLUTION The mean of the sampling distribution is equal to the population

mean, and the standard error of the mean is equal to the population standard
deviation divided by 1n. So,
s 3.5
mx = m = 90 feet and sx = = = 1.75 feet.
1n 24
Interpretation From the Central Limit Theorem, because the population is
normally distributed, the sampling distribution of the sample means is also
normally distributed, as shown in the graph below.
Distribution of
Sample Means
with n = 4

x
80 85 90 95 100
Mean height (in feet)

Try It Yourself 3
The diameters of fully grown white oak trees are normally distributed, with a
mean of 3.5 feet and a standard deviation of 0.2 foot, as shown in the graph
below. Random samples of size 16 are drawn from this population, and the mean
of each sample is determined. Find the mean and standard error of the mean of
the sampling distribution. Then sketch a graph of the sampling distribution.
Distribution of
Population Diameters

x
2.9 3.1 3.3 3.5 3.7 3.9 4.1
Diameter (in feet)

a. Find mx and sx .
b. Sketch a normal curve with mean mx and standard deviation sx .
Answer: Page A37

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 SECTION 5.4 Sampling Distributions and the Central Limit Theorem 251

Probability and the Central Limit Theorem

Note to Instructor In Section 5.2, you learned how to find the probability that a random variable x
For technology users, students need
will fall in a given interval of population values. In a similar manner, you can
only calculate the standard error before find the probability that a sample mean x will fall in a given interval of the x
using the normal CDF. sampling distribution. To transform x to a z-score, you can use the formula
Value - Mean x - mx x - m
z = = = .
Standard error sx s> 1n

EXAMPLE 4
Finding Probabilities for Sampling Distributions
The graph at the right shows
the length of time people
spend driving each day. You
randomly select 50 drivers
ages 15 to 19. What is the
probability that the mean
time they spend driving each
day is between 24.7 and 25.5
minutes? Assume that
s = 1.5 minutes.
Distribution of
Sample Means µ = 25
SOLUTION The sample size is
with n = 50 greater than 30, so you can use
the Central Limit Theorem to
conclude that the distribution
of sample means is approxi-
mately normal with a mean
and a standard deviation of Copyright 2003, USA TODAY. Reprinted with permission.

s 1.5
mx = m = 25 minutes and sx = = L 0.21213 minute.
x 1n 250
24.2 24.6 25.0 25.4 25.8
24.7 25.5 The graph of this distribution is shown at the left with a shaded area between
Mean time (in minutes)
24.7 and 25.5 minutes. The z-scores that correspond to sample means of 24.7 and
25.5 minutes are
z-score 24.7 - 25 -0.3
Distribution z1 = L L -1.41 and
1.5> 250 0.21213
of Sample
Means with 25.5 - 25 0.5
z2 = L L 2.36.
n = 50 1.5> 250 0.21213
So, the probability that the mean time the 50 people spend driving each day is
between 24.7 and 25.5 minutes is
P124.7 6 x 6 25.52 = P1-1.41 6 z 6 2.362
= P1z 6 2.362 - P1z 6 -1.412
z
−1.41 0 2.36 = 0.9909 - 0.0793 = 0.9116.
Interpretation Of the samples of 50 drivers ages 15 to 19, 91.16% will have a
mean driving time that is between 24.7 and 25.5 minutes, as shown in the graph
at the left. This implies that, assuming the value of m = 25 is correct, only 8.84%
of such sample means will lie outside the given interval.

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252 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

Try It Yourself 4
You randomly select 100 drivers ages 15 to 19. What is the probability that the

Study Tip
mean time they spend driving each day is between 24.7 and 25.5 minutes? Use
m = 25 and s = 1.5 minutes.
s
d probabilitie a. Use the Central Limit Theorem to find mx and sx and sketch the sampling
Before you fin m pl e
th e sa distribution of the sample means.
for intervals of
ea n x , us e the Central b. Find the z-scores that correspond to x = 24.7 minutes and x = 25.5 minutes.
m
to determine c. Find the cumulative area that corresponds to each z-score and calculate the
Limit Theorem rd
d the standa probability.
the mean an m pling
Answer: Page A37
the sa
deviation of
ribut ion of the sample
dist
, calculate m x
means. That is
and s x .
EXAMPLE 5
Finding Probabilities for Sampling Distributions
The mean room and board expense per year at a four-year college is $5850.
You randomly select 9 four-year colleges. What is the probability that the
mean room and board is less than $6180? Assume that the room and board
expenses are normally distributed, with a standard deviation of $1125. (Source:
National Center for Education Statistics)

Distribution SOLUTION Because the population is normally distributed, you can use the
of Sample µ = 5850 Central Limit Theorem to conclude that the distribution of sample means is
Means with normally distributed, with a mean of $5850 and a standard deviation of $375.
n=9
s 1125
mx = m = 5850 and sx = = = 375
1n 29
The graph of this distribution is shown at the left. The area to the left of $6180
6180 is shaded. The z-score that corresponds to $6180 is
6180 - 5850 5600
z = = = 0.88.
x 1125> 29 375
4650 5250 5850 6450 7050
Mean room and board (in dollars) So, the probability that the mean room and board expense is less than $6180 is
P1x 6 61802 = P1z 6 0.882 = 0.8106.
Interpretation So, 81.06% of such samples with n = 9 will have a mean less
than $6180 and 18.94% of these sample means will lie outside this interval.

Try It Yourself 5
The average sales price of a single-family house in the United States is $243,756.
You randomly select 12 single-family houses. What is the probability that the
mean sales price is more than $200,000? Assume that the sales prices are
normally distributed with a standard deviation of $44,000. (Source: Federal
Housing Finance Board)

a. Use the Central Limit Theorem to find mx and sx and sketch the sampling
distribution of the sample means.
b. Find the z-score that corresponds to x = $200,000.
c. Find the cumulative area that corresponds to the z-score and calculate the
probability. Answer: Page A37

The Central Limit Theorem can also be used to investigate rare occurrences.
A rare occurrence is one that occurs with a probability of less than 5%.

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 SECTION 5.4 Sampling Distributions and the Central Limit Theorem 253

EXAMPLE 6
Finding Probabilities for x and x
A bank auditor claims that credit card balances are normally distributed, with
a mean of $2870 and a standard deviation of $900.
1. What is the probability that a randomly selected credit card holder has a
credit card balance less than $2500?
2. You randomly select 25 credit card holders. What is the probability that their
mean credit card balance is less than $2500?
3. Compare the probabilities from (1) and (2) and interpret your answer in
terms of the auditor’s claim.

SOLUTION
1. In this case, you are asked to find the probability associated with a certain
value of the random variable x. The z-score that corresponds to x = $2500 is

Study Tip z =
x - m
s
=
2500 - 2870
900
L -0.41.
for
To find probabilities
ers of a So, the probability that the card holder has a balance less than $2500 is
individual memb
with a no rmally
population P1x 6 25002 = P1z 6 -0.412 = 0.3409.
ute d rando m va riable
distrib
x, use the formula 2. Here, you are asked to find the probability associated with a sample mean x.
x - m The z-score that corresponds to x = $2500 is
z = s .
x - mx x - m
for the z =
To find probabilities
=
sx s> 1n
a sam ple size n,
mean x of
use the formu la 2500 - 2870 -370
= = L -2.06.
x - mx 900> 225 180
z = .
sx So, the probability that the mean credit card balance of the 25 card holders
is less than $2500 is
P1x 6 25002 = P1z 6 -2.062 = 0.0197.
3. Interpretation Although there is a 34% chance that an individual will have
a balance less than $2500, there is only a 2% chance that the mean of a
sample of 25 will have a balance less than $2500. Because there is only a 2%
chance that the mean of a sample of 25 will have a balance less than $2500,
this is a rare occurrence. So, it is possible that the sample is unusual, or it is
possible that the auditor’s claim that the mean is $2870 is incorrect.

Try It Yourself 6
Note to Instructor A consumer price analyst claims that prices for sound-system receivers are
You may want to tell students that the
normally distributed, with a mean of $625 and a standard deviation of $150.
second formula can also be used to (1) What is the probability that a randomly selected receiver costs less than
calculate z-scores for individual values. $700? (2) You randomly select 10 receivers. What is the probability that their
Consider a sample of n = 1 for an mean cost is less than $700? (3) Compare these two probabilities.
individual value.
a. Find the z-scores that correspond to x and x.
b. Use the Standard Normal Table to find the probability associated with each
z-score.
c. Compare the probabilities and interpret your answer. Answer: Page A37

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254 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

Exercises
5.4
Building Basic Skills and Vocabulary
In Exercises 1–4, a population has a mean m = 100 and a standard deviation
Help s = 15. Find the mean and standard deviation of a sampling distribution of
sample means with the given sample size n.
1. n = 50 2. n = 100
3. n = 250 4. n = 1000
Student
Study Pack True or False? In Exercises 5–8, determine whether the statement is true or false.
If it is false, rewrite it so that it is a true statement.
5. As the size of a sample increases, the mean of the distribution of sample
1. 100, 2.12 2. 100, 1.5 means increases.
3. 100, 0.949 4. 100, 0.474 6. As the size of a sample increases, the standard deviation of the distribution
5. False. As the size of a sample of sample means increases.
increases, the mean of the
distribution of sample means 7. The shape of a sampling distribution is normal only if the shape of the
does not change. population is normal.
6. False. As the size of the sample 8. If the size of a sample is at least 30, you can use z-scores to determine the
increases, the standard deviation probability that a sample mean falls in a given interval of the sampling
of the distribution of sample
distribution.
means decreases.
7. False. The shape of a sampling
distribution is normal if either Verifying Properties of Sampling Distributions In Exercises 9 and 10, find the
n Ú 30 or the shape of the mean and standard deviation of the population. List all samples (with replacement)
population is normal. of the given size from that population. Find the mean and standard deviation of the
8. True sampling distribution and compare them with the mean and standard deviation of
9. See Odd Answers, page A##. the population.
10. 5120 120, 120 140, 120 180, 120 9. The number of movies that all four people in a family have seen in the past
220, 140 120, 140 140, 140 180, month is 4, 2, 8, and 0. Use a sample size of 3.
140 220, 180 120, 180 140, 180
180, 180 220, 220 120, 220 140, 10. Four people in a carpool paid the following amounts for textbooks this
220 180, 220 2206 semester: $120, $140, $180, and $220. Use a sample size of 2.
mx = 165, s x L 27.157
m = 165, s = 38.406 Graphical Analysis In Exercises 11 and 12, the graph of a population distribution
11. (c), because m = 16.5, s = 1.19, is shown at the left with its mean and standard deviation. Assume that a sample
and the graph approximates a size of 100 is drawn from each population. Decide which of the graphs labeled
normal curve. (a)–(c) would most closely resemble the sampling distribution of the sample means
for each graph. Explain your reasoning.

P(x) 11. The waiting time (in seconds) at a traffic signal during a red light
0.035 σ = 11.9 (a) P(x) (b) P(x) (c) P(x)
Relative frequency

0.030
σ = 11.9 0.035 σ = 11.9 σ = 1.19
Relative frequency
Relative frequency

Relative frequency

0.025
0.03 0.030
0.020 µ = 16.5 µ = 16.5 0.3
0.025
0.015
0.010 µ = 16.5
0.02 0.020 0.2 µ = 16.5
0.015
0.005
0.01 0.010 0.1
x
0.005
10 20 30 40 50
x x x
Time (in seconds) −10 0 10 20 30 40 10 20 30 40 50 10 20 30 40
Figure for Exercise 11 Time (in seconds) Time (in seconds) Time (in seconds)

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 SECTION 5.4 Sampling Distributions and the Central Limit Theorem 255

P(x)
12. The annual snowfall (in feet) for a central New York State county
σ = 2.3 (a) P(x) (b) f (c) f
Relative frequency

0.12
σ = 2.3 σ = 0.23 2.0 σ = 2.3

Relative frequency
1.5 µ = 5.8
0.12 1.6

Frequency
0.08

Frequency
1.2
1.2
0.04 µ = 5.8 0.08 0.9 µ = 5.8
0.6 0.8
0.04
x µ = 5.8 0.3 0.4
2 4 6 8 10
x x x
Snowfall (in feet) 2 4 6 8 10 2 4 6 8 10 −2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Figure for Exercise 12 Snowfall (in feet) Snowfall (in feet) Snowfall (in feet)

12. See Selected Answers, page A##.

13. 87.5, 1.804 Using and Interpreting Concepts
Using the Central Limit Theorem In Exercises 13–18, use the Central Limit Theorem
to find the mean and standard error of the mean of the indicated sampling
distribution. Then sketch a graph of the sampling distribution.
13. Heights of Trees The heights of fully grown sugar maple trees are normally
distributed, with a mean of 87.5 feet and a standard deviation of 6.25 feet.
x
82.1 83.9 85.7 87.5 89.3 91.1 92.9 Random samples of size 12 are drawn from the population and the mean of
Mean height (in feet) each sample is determined.
14. See Selected Answers, page A##. 14. Fly Eggs The number of eggs a female house fly lays during her lifetime is
15. 349, 1.26 normally distributed, with a mean of 800 eggs and a standard deviation of
100 eggs. Random samples of size 15 are drawn from this population and
the mean of each sample is determined.
15. Digital Cameras The prices of digital cameras are normally distributed,
with a mean of $349 and a standard deviation of $8. Random samples of
size 40 are drawn from this population and the mean of each sample is
x determined.
346.5 349 351.5
Mean price (in dollars) 16. Employees’ Ages The ages of employees at a large corporation are
16. See Selected Answers, page A##. normally distributed, with a mean of 47.2 years and a standard deviation
of 3.6 years. Random samples of size 36 are drawn from this population
17. 113.5, 8.61
and the mean of each sample is determined.
17. Red Meat Consumed The per capita consumption of red meat by people in the
United States in a recent year was normally distributed, with a mean of 113.5
pounds and a standard deviation of 38.5 pounds. Random samples of size 20
are drawn from this population and the mean of each sample is determined.
x
(Adapted from U.S. Department of Agriculture)
95.5 113.5 131.5
Mean consumption of 18. Soft Drinks The per capita consumption of soft drinks by people in the
red meat (in pounds) United States in a recent year was normally distributed, with a mean of
18. See Selected Answers, page A##. 49.3 gallons and a standard deviation of 17.1 gallons. Random samples of
19. See Odd Answers, page A##. size 25 are drawn from this population and the mean of each sample is
determined. (Adapted from U.S. Department of Agriculture)
20. See Selected Answers, page A##.

19. Repeat Exercise 13 for samples of size 24 and 36. What happens to the
mean and standard deviation of the distribution of sample means as the size
of the sample increases?
20. Repeat Exercise 14 for samples of size 30 and 45. What happens to the
mean and to the standard deviation of the distribution of sample means as
the size of the sample increases?

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256 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

21. 0.0019 Finding Probabilities In Exercises 21–26, find the probabilities.

22. L 0
21. Plumber Salaries The population mean annual salary for plumbers is
23. 0.6319
m = $40,500. A random sample of 42 plumbers is drawn from this
24. 0.2349 population. What is the probability that the mean salary of the sample, x, is
25. L 0 less than $38,000? Assume s = $5600. (Adapted from Salary.com)
26. 0.0162
22. Nurse Salaries The population mean annual salary for registered nurses is
27. It is more likely to select a sample m = $45,500. A sample of 35 registered nurses is randomly selected. What
of 20 women with a mean height is the probability that the mean annual salary of the sample, x, is less than
less than 70 inches because the
$42,000? Assume s = $1700. (Adapted from Allied Physicians, Inc.)
sample of 20 has a higher
probability. 23. Gas Prices: New England During a certain week the mean price of gasoline in
28. It is more likely to select one man the New England region was m = $1.689 per gallon. What is the probability
with a height less than 65 inches that the mean price x for a sample of 32 randomly selected gas stations in
because the probability is greater. that area was between $1.684 and $1.699 that week? Assume s = $0.045.
29. Yes, it is very unlikely that you (Adapted from Energy Information Administration)
would have randomly sampled
24. Gas Prices: California During a certain week the mean price of gasoline in
40 cans with a mean equal to
127.9 ounces. California was m = $2.029 per gallon. A random sample of 38 gas stations
is drawn from this population. What is the probability that x, the mean
30. Yes, it is very unlikely that you
price for the sample, was between $2.034 and $2.044? Assume s = $0.049.
would have randomly sampled
40 containers with a mean equal (Adapted from Energy Information Administration)
to 64.05 ounces. 25. Heights of Women The mean height of women in the United States (ages
20 –29) is m = 64 inches. A random sample of 60 women in this age group
is selected. What is the probability that x, the mean height for the sample,
is greater than 66 inches? Assume s = 2.75 inches. (Source: National Center
for Health Statistics)

26. Heights of Men The mean height of men in the United States (ages 20 –29) is
m = 69.2 inches. A random sample of 60 men in this age group is selected.
What is the probability that x, the mean height for the sample, is greater than
70 inches? Assume s = 2.9 inches. (Source: National Center for Health Statistics)

27. Which Is More Likely? Assume that the heights given in Exercise 25 are
normally distributed. Are you more likely to randomly select one woman
with a height less than 70 inches or are you more likely to select a sample
of 20 women with a mean height less than 70 inches? Explain.
28. Which Is More Likely? Assume that the heights given in Exercise 26 are
normally distributed. Are you more likely to randomly select one man with
a height less than 65 inches or are you more likely to select a sample of
15 men with a mean height less than 65 inches? Explain.
29. Make a Decision A machine used to fill gallon-sized paint cans is regulated
so that the amount of paint dispensed has a mean of 128 ounces and a
standard deviation of 0.20 ounce. You randomly select 40 cans and carefully
measure the contents. The sample mean of the cans is 127.9 ounces. Does
the machine need to be reset? Explain your reasoning.
30. Make a Decision A machine used to fill pint-sized milk containers is
regulated so that the amount of milk dispensed has a mean of 64 ounces and
a standard deviation of 0.11 ounce. You randomly select 40 containers and
carefully measure the contents. The sample mean of the containers is
64.05 ounces. Does the machine need to be reset? Explain your reasoning.

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 SECTION 5.4 Sampling Distributions and the Central Limit Theorem 257

31. (a) 0.0008 31. Lumber Cutter Your lumber company has bought a machine that
(b) Claim is inaccurate. automatically cuts lumber. The seller of the machine claims that the
(c) No, assuming the machine cuts lumber to a mean length of 8 feet (96 inches) with a standard
manufacturer’s claim is true, deviation of 0.5 inch. Assume the lengths are normally distributed. You
because 96.25 is within randomly select 40 boards and find that the mean length is 96.25 inches.
1 standard deviation of the
mean for an individual board. (a) Assuming the seller’s claim is correct, what is the probability the mean
32. (a) 0.0179 of the sample is 96.25 inches or more?
(b) Claim is inaccurate. (b) Using your answer from part (a), what do you think of the seller’s claim?
(c) No, assuming the (c) Would it be unusual to have an individual board with a length of
manufacturer’s claim is true, 96.25 inches? Why or why not?
because 10.21 is within
1 standard deviation of the
mean for an individual carton. 32. Ice Cream Carton Weights A manufacturer claims that the mean weight of its
33. (a) 0.0002
ice cream cartons is 10 ounces with a standard deviation of 0.5 ounce.
Assume the weights are normally distributed. You test 25 cartons and find
(b) Claim is inaccurate.
their mean weight is 10.21 ounces.
(c) No, assuming the
manufacturer’s claim is true, (a) Assuming the manufacturer’s claim is correct, what is the probability
because 49,721 is within the mean of the sample is 10.21 ounces or more?
1 standard deviation of the
mean for an individual tire.
(b) Using your answer from part (a), what do you think of the manufac-
turer’s claim?
34. (a) 0.0668
(c) Would it be unusual to have an individual carton with a weight of
(b) Claim is inaccurate.
10.21 ounces? Why or why not?
(c) No, assuming the
manufacturer’s claim is true, 33. Life of Tires A manufacturer claims that the life span of its tires is
because 37,650 is within 50,000 miles. You work for a consumer protection agency and you are
1 standard deviation of the testing this manufacturer’s tires. Assume the life spans of the tires are
mean for an individual brake normally distributed. You select 100 tires at random and test them. The
pad. mean life span is 49,721 miles. Assume s = 800 miles.

(a) Assuming the manufacturer’s claim is correct, what is the probability

the mean of the sample is 49,721 miles or less?
(b) Using your answer from part (a), what do you think of the manufac-
turer’s claim?
(c) Would it be unusual to have an individual tire with a life span of
49,721 miles? Why or why not?

34. Brake Pads A brake pad manufacturer claims its brake pads will last for
38,000 miles. You work for a consumer protection agency and you are
testing this manufacturer’s brake pads. Assume the life spans of the
brake pads are normally distributed. You randomly select 50 brake pads.
In your tests, the mean life of the brake pads is 37,650 miles. Assume
s = 1000 miles.

(a) Assuming the manufacturer’s claim is correct, what is the probability

the mean of the sample is 37,650 miles or less?
(b) Using your answer from part (a), what do you think of the manufac-
turer’s claim?
(c) Would it be unusual to have an individual brake pad last for
37,650 miles? Why or why not?

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258 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

35. Yes, because of the relatively large

z-score 12.122. Extending Concepts
36. It is very unlikely the machine is 35. SAT Scores The average math SAT score is 500 with a standard deviation of
calibrated to produce a bolt with a 100. A particular high school claims that its students have unusually high
mean of 4 inches. math SAT scores. A random sample of 50 students from this school was
37. L 0 selected, and the mean math SAT score was 530. Is the high school justified
38. L 1 in its claim? Explain.
36. Machine Calibrations A machine in a manufacturing plant is calibrated to
produce a bolt that has a mean diameter of 4 inches and a standard
deviation of 0.5 inch. An engineer takes a random sample of 100 bolts from
this machine and finds the mean diameter is 4.2 inches. What are some
possible consequences from these findings?

Finite Correction Factor The formula for the standard error of the mean
s
sx =
1n
given in the Central Limit Theorem is based on an assumption that the
population has infinitely many members. This is the case whenever sampling is
done with replacement (each member is put back after it is selected) because the
sampling process could be continued indefinitely. The formula is also valid if the
sample size is small in comparison to the population. However, when sampling is
done without replacement and the sample size n is more than 5% of the finite
population of size N, there is a finite number of possible samples. A finite
correction factor,
N - n
AN - 1
should be used to adjust the standard error.The sampling distribution of the sample
means will be normal with a mean equal to the population mean, and the standard
error of the mean will be
s N - n
sx = .
1n A N - 1
In Exercises 37 and 38, determine if the finite correction factor should be used.
If so, use it in your calculations when you find the probability.
37. Gas Prices In a sample of 800 gas stations, the mean price for regular
gasoline at the pump was $1.688 per gallon and the standard deviation was
$0.009 per gallon. A random sample of size 55 is drawn from this population.
What is the probability that the mean price per gallon is less than $1.683?
(Adapted from U.S. Department of Energy)

38. Old Faithful In a sample of 500 eruptions of the Old Faithful geyser at
Yellowstone National Park, the mean duration of the eruptions was
3.32 minutes and the standard deviation was 1.09 minutes. A random
sample of size 30 is drawn from this population. What is the probability that
the mean duration of eruptions is between 2.5 minutes and 4 minutes?
(Adapted from Yellowstone National Park)

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 SECTION 5.5 Normal Approximations to Binomial Distributions 259

Normal Approximations to Binomial Distributions

5.5 Approximating a Binomial Distribution • Correction for Continuity •
What You Approximating Binomial Probabilities
Should Learn
• How to decide when the
normal distribution can
approximate the binomial
Approximating a Binomial Distribution
distribution In Section 4.2, you learned how to find binomial probabilities. For instance, if a
• How to find the correction for surgical procedure has an 85% chance of success and a doctor performs the
continuity procedure on 10 patients, it is easy to find the probability of exactly two
• How to use the normal successful surgeries.
distribution to approximate But what if the doctor performs the surgical procedure on 150 patients
binomial probabilities and you want to find the probability of fewer than 100 successful surgeries? To
do this using the techniques described in Section 4.2, you would have to use
the binomial formula 100 times and find the sum of the resulting probabilities.
This approach is not practical, of course. A better approach is to use a normal
distribution to approximate the binomial distribution.

Normal Approximation to a Binomial Distribution

If np Ú 5 and nq Ú 5, then the binomial random variable x is approxi-
mately normally distributed, with mean
m = np
and standard deviation
s = 1npq.

To see why this result is valid, look at the following binomial distributions for
Study Tip p = 0.25 and n = 4, n = 10, n = 25, and n = 50. Notice that as n increases, the
histogram approaches a normal curve.
mial
Properties of a bino
experiment P(x) P(x)
trials
• n independent 0.45
n=4
0.30
n = 10
tcomes: 0.40
• Two possible ou 0.35 np = 1 0.25 np = 2.5
success or failur e nq = 7.5
0.30 nq = 3 0.20
ccess is p; 0.25
• Probability of su 0.20
0.15
e is
probability of failur 0.15 0.10
1 - p = q 0.10 0.05
0.05
each trial
• p is constant for x x
0 1 2 3 4 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

P(x) P(x)

0.18 n = 25 0.12 n = 50
0.16
0.14 np = 6.25 0.10 np = 12.5
0.12 nq = 18.75 0.08 nq = 37.5
0.10
0.06
0.08
0.06 0.04
0.04 0.02
0.02
x x
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24

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260 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

EXAMPLE 1
Approximating the Binomial Distribution
Two binomial experiments are listed. Decide whether you can use the normal
distribution to approximate x, the number of people who reply yes. If you can,
find the mean and standard deviation. If you cannot, explain why. (Source: Marist
College Institute for Public Opinion)

1. Thirty-four percent of people in the United States say that they are likely to
make a New Year’s resolution. You randomly select 15 people in the United
States and ask each if he or she is likely to make a New Year’s resolution.
2. Six percent of people in the United States who made a New Year’s resolution
resolved to exercise more. You randomly select 65 people in the United States
who made a resolution and ask each if he or she resolved to exercise more.

SOLUTION
1. In this binomial experiment, n = 15, p = 0.34, and q = 0.66. So,
np = 115210.342 = 5.1
and
nq = 115210.662 = 9.9.
Because np and nq are greater than 5, you can use the normal distribution with
m = 5.10
and
s = 1npq = 215 # 0.34 # 0.66 L 1.83
to approximate the distribution of x.
2. In this binomial experiment, n = 65, p = 0.06, and q = 0.94. So,

np = 165210.062 = 3.9
and
nq = 165210.942 = 61.1.
Because np 6 5, you cannot use the normal distribution to approximate the
distribution of x.

Try It Yourself 1
Consider the following binomial experiment. Decide whether you can use the
normal distribution to approximate x, the number of people who reply yes. If
you can, find the mean and standard deviation. If you cannot, explain why.
(Source: Marist College Institute for Public Opinion)

Sixty-one percent of people in the United States who made a New Year’s
resolution last year kept it. You randomly select 70 people in the United
States who made a resolution last year and ask each if he or she kept the
resolution.
a. Identify n, p, and q.
b. Find the products np and nq.
c. Decide whether you can use the normal distribution to approximate x.
d. Find the mean m and standard deviation s, if appropriate. Answer: Page A37

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 SECTION 5.5 Normal Approximations to Binomial Distributions 261

Correction for Continuity

Note to Instructor The binomial distribution is discrete and can be represented by a probability
For technology users who are not histogram. To calculate exact binomial probabilities, you can use the binomial
limited to n = 20 in the table, many formula for each value of x and add the results. Geometrically, this corresponds
more binomial problems can be to adding the areas of bars in the probability histogram. Remember that each
calculated without using a normal bar has a width of one unit and x is the midpoint of the interval.
distribution approximation. However, When you use a continuous normal distribution to approximate a binomial
students should be shown that even probability, you need to move 0.5 unit to the left and right of the midpoint to
technology has limitations. The TI-83 include all possible x-values in the interval. When you do this, you are making a
cannot calculate the cumulative correction for continuity.
binomial probability for n = 10,000 ,
p = 0.4 , and x = 9000 , but that Exact binomial Normal
probability can be calculated using a probability approximation
normal approximation. Likewise,
depending on the version of MINITAB
or Excel you are using, there are
P(x = c) P(c − 0.5 < x < c + 0.5)
memory limitations for the binomial
distribution.
x x
c c − 0.5 c c + 0.5

EXAMPLE 2
Using a Correction for Continuity

Study Tip Use a correction for continuity to convert each of the following binomial
intervals to a normal distribution interval.
rrection for 1. The probability of getting between 270 and 310 successes, inclusive
To use a co tract
simply sub
continuity, lue and 2. The probability of at least 158 successes
e lowest va
0.5 from th
e highe .
st 3. The probability of getting less than 63 successes
add 0.5 to th
SOLUTION
1. The discrete midpoint values are 270, 271, Á , 310. The corresponding
interval for the continuous normal distribution is
269.5 6 x 6 310.5.
2. The discrete midpoint values are 158, 159, 160, Á . The corresponding
interval for the continuous normal distribution is
x 7 157.5.
3. The discrete midpoint values are Á , 60, 61, 62. The corresponding interval for
the continuous normal distribution is
x 6 62.5.

Try It Yourself 2
Use a correction for continuity to convert each of the following binomial
intervals to a normal distribution interval.
1. The probability of getting between 57 and 83 successes, inclusive
2. The probability of getting at most 54 successes
a. List the midpoint values for the binomial probability.
b. Use a correction for continuity to write the normal distribution interval.
Answer: Page A37

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262 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

Approximating Binomial Probabilities

Picturing the World
In a survey of U.S. adults,
people were asked if the law
GUIDELINES
should allow doctors to aid Using the Normal Distribution to Approximate Binomial Probabilities
dying patients who want to
end their lives. The results of In Words In Symbols
the survey are shown in the 1. Verify that the binomial distribution applies. Specify n, p, and q.
following pie chart. (Source:
The Harris Poll) 2. Determine if you can use the normal Is np Ú 5?
distribution to approximate x, the binomial Is nq Ú 5?
Not sure No answer variable.
4% 1%
3. Find the mean m and standard deviation m = np
s for the distribution. s = 1npq
No 4. Apply the appropriate continuity correc- Add or subtract
27% tion. Shade the corresponding area under 0.5 from endpoints.
Yes
the normal curve.
68% x - m
5. Find the corresponding z-score(s). z =
s
6. Find the probability. Use the Standard
Normal Table.
Assume that this Harris
Poll is a true indication of
the proportion of the
population who believe in EXAMPLE 3
assisted death for termi-
nally ill patients. Approximating a Binomial Probability
If you sampled 50 adults Thirty-four percent of people in the United States say that they are likely to
at random, what is the make a New Year’s resolution. You randomly select 15 people in the United
probability that between States and ask each if he or she is likely to make a New Year’s resolution. What
32 and 36, inclusive, would is the probability that fewer than eight of them respond yes? (Source: Marist
believe in assisted death? College Institute for Public Opinion)

SOLUTION From Example 1, you know that you can use a normal distribution
with m = 5.1 and s L 1.83 to approximate the binomial distribution.
Remember to apply the continuity correction for the value of x. In the binomial
distribution, the possible midpoint values for “fewer than 8” are
Á 5, 6, 7.
To use the normal distribution, add 0.5 to the right-hand boundary 7 to get
x = 7.5. The graph at the left shows a normal curve with m = 5.1 and
s L 1.83 and a shaded area to the left of 7.5. The z-score that corresponds to
x = 7.5 is
7.5 - 5.1
z =
1.83
7.5 L 1.31.
µ = 5.1
Using the Standard Normal Table,
x P1z 6 1.312 = 0.9049.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Number responding yes Interpretation The probability that fewer than eight people respond yes is
approximately 0.9049, or about 91%.

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 SECTION 5.5 Normal Approximations to Binomial Distributions 263

Try It Yourself 3
Sixty-one percent of people in the United States who made a New Year’s
resolution last year kept it. You randomly select 70 people in the United States
who made a resolution last year and ask each if he or she kept the resolution.
What is the probability that more than 50 respond yes? (See Try It Yourself 1.)
(Source: Marist College Institute for Public Opinion)

a. Determine whether you can use the normal distribution to approximate the
binomial variable (see part c of Try It Yourself 1).
b. Find the mean m and the standard deviation s for the distribution (see part d
of Try It Yourself 1).
c. Apply the appropriate continuity correction and sketch a graph.
d. Find the corresponding z-score.
e. Use the Standard Normal Table to find the area to the left of z and calculate
the probability. Answer: Page A37

EXAMPLE 4
Approximating a Binomial Probability
Thirty-eight percent of people in the United States admit that they snoop in
other people’s medicine cabinets. You randomly select 200 people in the United
States and ask each if he or she snoops in other people’s medicine cabinets.
What is the probability that at least 70 will say yes? (Source: USA TODAY)

SOLUTION Because np = 200 # 0.38 = 76 and nq = 200 # 0.62 = 124, the

binomial variable x is approximately normally distributed with

Study Tip m = np = 76 and s = 2200 # 0.38 # 0.62 L 6.86.

Using the correction for continuity, you
ribution,
In a discrete dist can rewrite the discrete probability
ffe re nce between
there is a di P1x Ú 702 as the continuous proba-
x 7 c2.
P1x Ú c2 and P1 bility P1x Ú 69.52. The graph shows a
use the
This is true beca normal curve with m = 76 and s = 6.86 69.5
x is exactly c
probability that and a shaded area to the right of 69.5. µ = 76
In a co ntinuous
is not zero.
w ev er, there is The z-score that corresponds to 69.5 is
z = 169.5 - 762>6.86 L -0.95. So, the
distribut ion, ho x
tw n
ee
no difference be 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100
x 7 c2 probability that at least 70 will say yes is Number responding yes
P1x Ú c2 and P1
e pr ob ability that
because th P1x Ú 69.52 = P1z Ú -0.952
zero.
x is exactly c is
= 1 - P1z … -0.952
= 1 - 0.1711 = 0.8289.

Try It Yourself 4
What is the probability that at most 85 people will say yes?
a. Determine whether you can use the normal distribution to approximate the
binomial variable (see Example 4).
b. Find the mean m and the standard deviation s for the distribution.
c. Apply a continuity correction to rewrite P1x … 852 and sketch a graph.
d. Find the corresponding z-score.
e. Use the Standard Normal Table to find the area to the left of z and calculate
the probability. Answer: Page A37

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264 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

EXAMPLE 5
Approximating a Binomial Probability
A survey reports that 95% of Internet users use Microsoft Internet Explorer as
their browser. You randomly select 200 Internet users and ask each whether he
or she uses Microsoft Internet Explorer as his or her browser. What is the
probability that exactly 194 will say yes? (Source: OneStat.com)

SOLUTION Because np = 200 # 0.95 = 190 and nq = 200 # 0.05 = 10, the
binomial variable x is approximately normally distributed with
m = np = 190 and s = 2200 # 0.95 # 0.05 L 3.08.
Using the correction for continuity, you can rewrite the discrete probability
P1x = 1942 as the continuous probability P1193.5 6 x 6 194.52. The following
graph shows a normal curve with m = 190 and s = 3.08 and a shaded area
between 193.5 and 194.5.

µ = 190

193.5 194.5

x
180 184 188 192 196 200
Number responding yes

The z-scores that correspond to 193.5 and 194.5 are

193.5 - 190 194.5 - 190
z1 = L 1.14 and z2 = L 1.46.
3.08 3.08
So, the probability that exactly 194 Internet users will say they use Microsoft
Internet Explorer is
P1193.5 6 x 6 194.52 = P11.14 6 z 6 1.462
= P1z 6 1.462 - P1z 6 1.142
= 0.9279 - 0.8729
= 0.0550.
Note to Instructor Interpretation There is a probability of about 0.06 that exactly 194 of the
Internet users will say they use Microsoft Internet Explorer.
You may want to have students
calculate the probability using the
binomial formula from Chapter 4 and Try It Yourself 5
compare results. What is the probability that exactly 191 people will say yes?
P1x = 1942
a. Determine whether you can use the normal distribution to approximate the
200C19410.952 10.0526
194
= binomial variable (see Example 5).
The TI-83 gives 0.061400531. b. Find the mean m and the standard deviation s for the distribution.
c. Apply a continuity correction to rewrite P1x = 1912 and sketch a graph.
d. Find the corresponding z-scores.
e. Use the Standard Normal Table to find the area to the left of each z-score and
calculate the probability. Answer: Page A37

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 SECTION 5.5 Normal Approximations to Binomial Distributions 265

Exercises
5.5
Building Basic Skills and Vocabulary
In Exercises 1–4, the sample size n, probability of success p, and probability of
Help failure q are given for a binomial experiment. Decide whether you can use the
normal distribution to approximate the random variable x.
1. n = 20, p = 0.80, q = 0.20 2. n = 12, p = 0.60, q = 0.40
3. n = 15, p = 0.65, q = 0.35 4. n = 18, p = 0.85, q = 0.15
Student
Study Pack Approximating a Binomial Distribution In Exercises 5–8, a binomial experiment
is given. Decide whether you can use the normal distribution to approximate
the binomial distribution. If you can, find the mean and standard deviation. If you
cannot, explain why.
1. Cannot use normal distribution.
2. Cannot use normal distribution. 5. Credit Card Contract A survey of U.S. adults found that 44% read every word
of a credit card contract. You ask 10 adults selected at random if he or she
3. Can use normal distribution.
reads every word of a credit card contract. (Source: USA TODAY)
4. Cannot use normal distribution.
5. Cannot use normal distribution 6. Organ Donors A survey of U.S. adults found that 63% would want their
because np 6 5 . organs transplanted into a patient who needs them if they were killed in an
6. Can use normal distribution. accident. You randomly select 20 adults and ask each if he or she would
m = 12.6, s = 2.159 want their organs transplanted into a patient who needs them if they were
killed in an accident. (Source: USA TODAY)
7. Cannot use normal distribution
because nq 6 5. 7. Prostate Cancer In a recent year, the American Cancer Society said that the
8. Cannot use normal distribution five-year survival rate for all men diagnosed with prostate cancer was 97%.
because np 6 5. You randomly select 10 men who were diagnosed with prostate cancer and
9. d calculate their five-year survival rate. (Source: American Cancer Society)
10. b 8. Work Weeks A survey of workers in the United States found that 8.6%
11. a work fewer than 40 hours per week. You randomly select 30 workers in the
12. c United States and ask each if he or she works fewer than 40 hours per week.
13. a
14. d In Exercises 9 –12, match the binomial probability with the correct statement.
15. c
Probability Statement
16. b
9. P1x Ú 452 (a) P(there are fewer than 45 successes)
10. P1x … 452 (b) P(there are at most 45 successes)
11. P1x 6 452 (c) P(there are more than 45 successes)
12. P1x 7 452 (d) P(there are at least 45 successes)

In Exercises 13–16, use the correction for continuity and match the binomial
probability statement with the corresponding normal distribution statement.
Binomial Probability Normal Probability
13. P1x 7 892 (a) P1x 7 89.52
14. P1x Ú 892 (b) P1x 6 88.52
15. P1x … 892 (c) P1x … 89.52
16. P1x 6 892 (d) P1x Ú 88.52

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266 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

17. Binomial: 0.549; Normal: 0.5463

18. Binomial: 0.19; Normal: 0.1875
Using and Interpreting Concepts
19. Cannot use normal distribution Graphical Analysis In Exercises 17 and 18, write the binomial probability and the
because np 6 5. normal probability for the shaded region of the graph. Find the value of each
(a) 0.0000199 (b) 0.000023 probability and compare the results.
(c) 0.999977 (d) 0.1635 17. P(x) 18. P(x)

20. See Selected Answers, page A##. 0.24 0.24

n = 16 n = 12
21. Can use normal distribution. 0.20 0.20 p = 0.5
p = 0.4
0.16 0.16
(a) 0.1174
0.12 0.12

0.08 0.08

0.04 0.04
x = 7.5 x = 8.5
x x
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 0 2 4 6 8 10 12

x
1.2 6 10.8 Approximating Binomial Probabilities In Exercises 19 –24, decide whether you
Number of workers can use the normal distribution to approximate the binomial distribution. If you
(b) 0.2643 can, use the normal distribution to approximate the indicated probabilities and
sketch their graphs. If you cannot, explain why and use the binomial distribution
to find the indicated probabilities.
19. Blood Type O  Seven percent of people in the United States have type O-
x = 7.5
blood. You randomly select 30 people in the United States and ask them if
their blood type is O-. (Source: American Association of Blood Banks)

1.2 6 10.8
x (a) Find the probability that exactly 10 people say they have O- blood.
Number of workers (b) Find the probability that at least 10 people say they have O- blood.
(c) 0.7357 (c) Find the probability that fewer than 10 people say they have O- blood.
(d) A blood drive would like to get at least five donors with O- blood.
There are 100 donors. What is the probability that there will not be
enough O- blood donors?
x = 7.5
20. Blood Type A
Thirty-four percent of people in the United States have type
A+ blood. You randomly select 32 people in the United States and ask them
x if their blood type is A+. (Source: American Association of Blood Banks)
1.2 6 10.8
Number of workers
(a) Find the probability that exactly 12 people say they have A+ blood.
(d) 0.7190 (b) Find the probability that at least 12 people say they have A+ blood.
(c) Find the probability that fewer than 12 people say they have A+ blood.
(d) A blood drive would like to get at least 60 donors with A+ blood. There
x = 14.5 are 150 donors. What is the probability that there will not be enough
A+ blood donors?

x
21. Public Transportation Five percent of workers in the United States use public
5.5 12.5 19.5 transportation to get to work.You randomly select 120 workers and ask them
Number of workers
if they use public transportation to get to work. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau)
22. See Selected Answers, page A##. (a) Find the probability that exactly eight workers will say yes.
(b) Find the probability that at least eight workers will say yes.
(c) Find the probability that fewer than eight workers will say yes.
(d) A transit authority offers discount rates to companies that have at least
15 employees who use public transportation to get to work. There are
250 employees in a company. What is the probability that the company
will not get the discount?

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 SECTION 5.5 Normal Approximations to Binomial Distributions 267

23. Can use normal distribution. 22. College Graduates Thirty-one percent of workers in the United States are
(a) 0.0465 college graduates. You randomly select 50 workers and ask each if he or she
is a college graduate. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

(a) Find the probability that exactly 14 workers are college graduates.
(b) Find the probability that at least 14 workers are college graduates.
x = 15.5
(c) Find the probability that fewer than 14 workers are college graduates.
x
12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
(d) A committee is looking for 30 working college graduates to volunteer
Number of people at a career fair. The committee randomly selects 150 workers. What is
the probability that there will not be enough college graduates?
(b) 0.9767

23. Favorite Cookie Fifty-two percent of adults say chocolate chip is their
favorite cookie. You randomly select 40 adults and ask each if chocolate
chip is his or her favorite cookie. (Source: WEAREVER)
x = 14.5
(a) Find the probability that at most 15 people say chocolate chip is their
x
12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 favorite cookie.
Number of people
(b) Find the probability that at least 15 people say chocolate chip is their
(c) 0.9535 favorite cookie.
(c) Find the probability that more than 15 people say chocolate chip is their
favorite cookie.
(d) A community bake sale has prepared 350 chocolate chip cookies. The
x = 15.5 bake sale attracts 650 customers, and they each buy one cookie. What
is the probability there will not be enough chocolate chip cookies?
x
12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
Number of people
24. Long Work Weeks A survey of workers in the United States found that 2.9%
(d) 0.1635 work more than 70 hours per week. You randomly select 10 workers in the
U.S. and ask each if he or she works more than 70 hours per week.

(a) Find the probability that at most three people say they work more than
70 hours per week.
x = 350.5
(b) Find the probability that at least three people say they work more than
x
70 hours per week.
299 312 325 338 351 364 377
Number of people
(c) Find the probability that more than three people say they work more
than 70 hours per week.
24. Cannot use normal distribution (d) A large company is concerned about overworked employees who work
because np 6 5. more than 70 hours per week. The company randomly selects 50
(a) 0.99987 employees. What is the probability there will be no employee working
(b) 0.00251 more than 70 hours?
(c) 0.00013
(d) 0.230 25. Bigger Home A survey of homeowners in the United States found that
25. (a) np = 6 Ú 5 24% feel their home is too small for their family. You randomly select
nq = 19 Ú 5 25 homeowners and ask them if they feel their home is too small for their
(b) 0.121
family.
(c) No, because the z-score is (a) Verify that the normal distribution can be used to approximate the
within one standard deviation binomial distribution.
of the mean.
(b) Find the probability that more than eight homeowners say their home
is too small for their family.
(c) Is it unusual for 8 out of 25 homeowners to say their home is too small?
Why or why not?

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268 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

26. (a) np = 32 Ú 5; nq = 8 Ú 5 26. Driving to Work A survey of workers in the United States found that 80%
(b) 0.0150 rely on their own vehicle to get to work. You randomly select 40 workers
(c) Yes, because the z-score is more and ask them if they rely on their own vehicle to get to work.
than two standard deviations
(a) Verify that the normal distribution can be used to approximate the
from the mean.
binomial distribution.
27. Highly unlikely. Answers will vary.
(b) Find the probability that at most 26 workers say they rely on their own
28. Probable. Answers will vary.
vehicle to get to work.
29. 0.1020
(c) Is it unusual for 26 out of 40 workers to say they rely on their own
30. 0.1736 vehicle to get to work? Why or why not?

Extending Concepts
Getting Physical In Exercises 27 and 28, use the following information.
The graph shows the results of a survey of adults in the United States ages 33 to 51
who were asked if they participated in a sport. Seventy percent of adults said they
regularly participate in at least one sport, and they gave their favorite sport.

How
adults
get physical
Swimming 16%
(tie) Bicycling, golf 12%
Hiking 11%
(tie) Softball, walking 10%
Fishing 9%
Tennis 6%
(tie) Bowling, running 4%
Aerobics 2%

27. You randomly select 250 people in the United States ages 33 to 51 and ask
each if he or she regularly participates in at least one sport. You find that
60% say no. How likely is this result? Do you think the sample is a good
one? Explain your reasoning.
28. You randomly select 300 people in the United States ages 33 to 51 and ask
each if he or she regularly participates in at least one sport. Of the 200 who
say yes, 9% say they participate in hiking. How likely is this result? Is the
sample a good one? Explain your reasoning.

Testing a Drug In Exercises 29 and 30, use the following information. A drug
manufacturer claims that a drug cures a rare skin disease 75% of the time.The claim
is checked by testing the drug on 100 patients. If at least 70 patients are cured, the
claim will be accepted.
29. Find the probability that the claim will be rejected assuming that the
manufacturer’s claim is true.
30. Find the probability that the claim will be accepted assuming that the
actual probability that the drug cures the skin disease is 65%.

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Uses and Abuses
Statistics in the Real World

Uses
Normal Distributions Normal distributions can be used to describe many
real-life situations and are widely used in the fields of science, business, and
psychology. They are the most important probability distributions in statistics
and can be used to approximate other distributions, such as discrete binomial
distributions.
The most incredible application of the normal distribution lies in the
Central Limit Theorem. This theorem states that no matter what type of
distribution a population may have, as long as the sample size is at least 30, the
distribution of sample means will be normal. If the population is itself normal,
then the distribution of sample means will be normal no matter how small the
sample is.
The normal distribution is essential to sampling theory. Sampling theory
forms the basis of statistical inference, which you will begin to study in the
next chapter.

Abuses
Confusing Likelihood with Certainty A common abuse of normal probability
distributions is to confuse the concept of likelihood with the concept of
certainty. For instance, if you randomly select a member from a population that
is normally distributed, you know the probability is approximately 95% that
you will obtain a value that lies within two standard deviations of the mean. This
does not imply, however, that you cannot get an unusual result. In fact, 5% of
the time you should expect to get a value that is more than two standard
deviations from the mean.
Suppose a population is normally distributed with a mean of 100 and
standard deviation of 15. It would not be unusual for an individual value taken
from this population to be 112 or more. It would be, however, highly unusual to
obtain a sample mean of 112 or more from a sample with 100 members.

Exercises
1. Confusing Likelihood with Certainty You are randomly selecting 100 people
from a population that is normally distributed. Are you certain to get
exactly 95 people who lie within two standard deviations of the mean?
Explain your reasoning.
2. Confusing Likelihood with Certainty You are randomly selecting 10 people from
a large population that is normally distributed. Which of the following is
more likely? Explain your reasoning.
a. All 10 lie within 2 standard deviations of the mean.
b. At least one person does not lie within 2 standard deviations of the mean.

269

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270 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

Chapter Summary
5
What did you learn? Review Exercises
Section 5.1
◆ How to interpret graphs of normal probability distributions 1, 2
◆ How to find and interpret z-scores 3, 4
x - m
z =
s
◆ How to find areas under the standard normal curve 5–16

Section 5.2
◆ How to find probabilities for normally distributed variables 17–24

Section 5.3
◆ How to find a z-score given the area under the normal curve 25–30
◆ How to transform a z-score to an x-value 31, 32
x = m + zs
◆ How to find a specific data value of a normal distribution given the 33–36
probability

Section 5.4
◆ How to find sampling distributions and verify their properties 37, 38
◆ How to interpret the Central Limit Theorem 39, 40
s
mx = m, sx =
1n
◆ How to apply the Central Limit Theorem to find the probability of a 41–46
sample mean

Section 5.5
◆ How to decide when the normal distribution can approximate the binomial 47, 48
distribution
m = np, s = 1npq
◆ How to find the correction for continuity 49–52
◆ How to use the normal distribution to approximate binomial probabilities 53, 54

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 Review Exercises 271

Review Exercises
5
1. m = 15, s = 3 Section 5.1
2. m = -3, s = 5 In Exercises 1 and 2, use the graph to estimate m and s.
3. -2.25 ; 0.5; 2; 3.5
1. 2.
4. 1.32 and 1.78 are unusual.
5. 0.2005
6. 0.9946
7. 0.3936
8. 0.8962
x x
9. 0.0465 5 10 15 20 25 − 20 −15 −10 − 5 0 5 10 15
10. 0.7967
In Exercises 3 and 4, use the following information and standard scores to
11. 0.4495 investigate observations about a normal population. A batch of 2500 resistors is
12. 0.2224 normally distributed, with a mean resistance of 1.5 ohms and a standard deviation
13. 0.3519 of 0.08 ohm. Four resistors are randomly selected and tested.Their resistances were
14. 0.95 measured at 1.32, 1.54, 1.66, and 1.78 ohms.
15. 0.1336 3. How many standard deviations from the mean are these observations?
16. 0.5905
4. Are there any unusual observations?
17. 0.8997
18. 0.7704
In Exercises 5–16, use the Standard Normal Table to find the indicated area under
19. 0.9236
the standard normal curve.
20. 0.3364
21. 0.0124 5. To the left of z = -0.84
22. 0.5465 6. To the left of z = 2.55
7. To the left of z = -0.27
8. To the left of z = 1.26
9. To the right of z = 1.68
10. To the right of z = -0.83
11. Between z = -1.64 and the mean
12. Between z = -1.22 and z = -0.43
13. Between z = 0.15 and z = 1.35
14. Between z = -1.96 and z = 1.96
15. To the left of z = -1.5 and to the right of z = 1.5
16. To the left of z = 0.12 and to the right of z = 1.72

Section 5.2
In Exercises 17–22, find the indicated probabilities.
17. P1z 6 1.282 18. P1z 7 -0.742
19. P1-2.15 6 z 6 1.552 20. P10.42 6 z 6 3.152
21. P1z 6 -2.50 or z 7 2.502 22. P1z 6 0 or z 7 1.682

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272 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

23. (a) 0.3156 In Exercises 23 and 24, find the indicated probabilities.
(b) 0.3099 23. A study found that the mean migration distance of the green turtle was
(c) 0.3446 2200 kilometers and the standard deviation was 625 kilometers. Assuming
24. (a) 0.9544 that the distances are normally distributed, find the probability that a
(b) 0.3420 randomly selected green turtle migrates a distance of
(c) 0.0026 (a) less than 1900 kilometers.
25. -0.07 (b) between 2000 kilometers and 2500 kilometers.
26. -1.28 (c) greater than 2450 kilometers.
27. 1.13
(Adapted from Dorling Kindersley Visual Encyclopedia)
28. -2.055
24. The world’s smallest mammal is the Kitti’s hog-nosed bat, with a mean
29. 1.04
weight of 1.5 grams and a standard deviation of 0.25 gram. Assuming that
30. -0.84
the weights are normally distributed, find the probability of randomly
31. 43.9 meters selecting a bat that weighs
32. 45.7 meters
(a) between 1.0 gram and 2.0 grams.
33. 45.9 meters
(b) between 1.6 grams and 2.2 grams.
34. 45.435 meters
(c) more than 2.2 grams.
35. 45.74 meters
36. 44.28 meters (Adapted from Dorling Kindersley Visual Encyclopedia)

Section 5.3
In Exercises 25–30, use the Standard Normal Table to find the z-score that
corresponds to the given cumulative area or percentile. If the area is not in the
table, use the entry closest to the area.
25. 0.4721 26. 0.1 27. 0.8708
28. P2 29. P85 30. P20

In Exercises 31–36, use the following information. On a dry surface, the braking
distance (in meters) of a Pontiac Grand AM SE can be approximated by a normal
distribution, as shown in the graph. (Source: National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration)

31. Find the braking distance of a Pontiac Grand AM SE that corresponds to

z = -2.4.
32. Find the braking distance of a Pontiac Grand AM SE that corresponds to
Braking Distance of a z = 1.2.
Pontiac Grand Am SE
33. What braking distance of a Pontiac Grand AM SE represents the 95th
µ = 45.1 m percentile?
σ = 0.5 m
34. What braking distance of a Pontiac Grand AM SE represents the third
quartile?
35. What is the shortest braking distance of a Pontiac Grand AM SE that can
x
43.5 44 44.5 45 45.5 46 46.5 be in the top 10% of braking distances?
Braking distance (in meters)
36. What is the longest braking distance of a Pontiac Grand AM SE that can be
in the bottom 5% of braking distances?

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 Review Exercises 273

37. See Odd Answers, page A##. Section 5.4

38. 5 00, 01, 02, 03, 10, 11, 12, 13, 20, 21, In Exercises 37 and 38, use the given population to find the sampling distribution
22, 23, 30, 31, 32, 33 6
of the sample means for the indicated sample sizes. Find the mean and standard
1.5, 1.118; 1.5, 0.791 deviation of the population and the mean and standard deviation of the sampling
39. 152.7, 8.7 distribution. Compare the values.
37. A corporation has five executives. The number of minutes each exercises a
week is reported as 40, 200, 80, 0, and 600. Draw three executives’ names
from this population, with replacement, and form a sampling distribution of
the sample mean of the minutes they exercise.

x
38. There are four residents sharing a house. The number of times each washes
135.1 152.7 170.3 his or her car each month is 1, 2, 0, and 3. Draw two names from this
Mean consumption (in pounds) population, with replacement, and form a sampling distribution for the
40. 226.6, 10.768 sample mean of the number of times their cars are washed each month.

In Exercises 39 and 40, use the Central Limit Theorem to find the mean and
standard error of the mean of the indicated sampling distribution. Then sketch a
graph of the sampling distribution.
39. The consumption of processed fruits by people in the United States in a
x
205.0 226.6 248.2
recent year was normally distributed, with a mean of 152.7 pounds and a
Mean consumption (in pounds) standard deviation of 51.6 pounds. Random samples of size 35 are drawn
41. (a) 0.0485
from this population. (Adapted from U.S. Department of Agriculture)
(b) 0.8180 40. The consumption of processed vegetables by people in the United States in
(c) 0.0823 a recent year was normally distributed, with a mean of 226.6 pounds and a
(a) and (c) are smaller, (b) is larger.
standard deviation of 68.1 pounds. Random samples of size 40 are drawn
This is to be expected because the from this population. (Adapted from U.S. Department of Agriculture)
standard error of the sample
means is smaller. In Exercises 41–46, find the probabilities for the sampling distributions.
42. (a) L 1
41. Refer to Exercise 23. A sample of 12 green turtles is randomly selected. Find
(b) 0.1446
the probability that the sample mean of the distance migrated is (a) less than
(c) L 0 1900 kilometers, (b) between 2000 kilometers and 2500 kilometers, and
(a) is larger and (b) and (c) are (c) greater than 2450 kilometers. Compare your answers with those in
smaller. Exercise 23.
43. (a) L 0 (b) L 0
42. Refer to Exercise 24. A sample of seven Kitti’s hog-nosed bats is randomly
44. (a) 0.9918
selected. Find the probability that the sample mean is (a) between 1.0 gram
(b) 0.9998 and 2.0 grams, (b) between 1.6 grams and 2.2 grams, and (c) more than
2.2 grams. Compare your answers with those in Exercise 24.
43. The mean annual salary for chauffeurs is $24,700. A random sample of size
45 is drawn from this population. What is the probability that the mean
annual salary is (a) less than $23,700 and (b) more than $26,200? Assume
s = $1500. (Source: Salary.com)
44. The mean value of land and buildings per acre for farms is $1300. A
random sample of size 36 is drawn. What is the probability that the mean
value of land and buildings per acre is (a) less than $1400 and (b) more
than $1150? Assume
 $250.

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274 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

45. 0.0019 45. The mean price of houses in a city is $1.5 million with a standard deviation
46. 0.0006 of $500,000. The house prices are normally distributed. You randomly select
47. Cannot use normal distribution 15 houses in this city. What is the probability that the mean price will be less
because nq 6 5. than $1.125 million?
48. Can use normal distribution. 46. Mean rent in a city is $5000 per month with a standard deviation of $300.The
m = 8.85, s = 1.905 rents are normally distributed. You randomly select 15 apartments in this
49. P1x 7 24.52 city. What is the probability that the mean price will be more than $5250?
50. P1x 6 36.52
51. P144.5 6 x 6 45.52 Section 5.5
52. P149.5 6 x 6 50.52
In Exercises 47 and 48, a binomial experiment is given. Decide whether you can use
53. Can use normal distribution. the normal distribution to approximate the binomial distribution. If you can, find
0.0032 the mean and standard deviation. If you cannot, explain why.
47. In a recent year, the American Cancer Society predicted that the five-year
µ = 29.25 survival rate for new cases of kidney cancer would be 90%. You randomly
select 12 men who were new kidney cancer cases this year and calculate
x = 20.5 their five-year survival rate. (Source: American Cancer Society)
x 48. A survey indicates that 59% of men purchased perfume in the past year.
20 24 28 32 36
Children saying yes
You randomly select 15 men and ask them if they have purchased perfume
in the past year. (Source: USA TODAY)
54. Cannot use normal distribution
because np 6 5.
0.171
In Exercises 49–52, write the binomial probability as a normal probability using the
continuity correction.
Binomial Probability Normal Probability
49. P1x Ú 252 P1x 7 ?2
50. P1x … 362 P1x 6 ?2
51. P1x = 452 P1? 6 x 6 ?2
52. P1x = 502 P1? 6 x 6 ?2

In Exercises 53 and 54, decide whether you can use the normal distribution to
approximate the binomial distribution. If you can, use the normal distribution to
approximate the indicated probabilities and sketch their graphs. If you cannot,
explain why and use the binomial distribution to find the indicated probabilities.
53. Sixty-five percent of children ages 12 to 17 keep at least part of their savings
in a savings account. You randomly select 45 children and ask each if he or
she keeps at least part of his or her savings in a savings account. Find the
probability that at most 20 children will say yes. (Source: International
Communications Research for Merrill Lynch)

54. Thirty-three percent of adults graded public schools as excellent or good at

preparing students for college. You randomly select 12 adults and ask them
if they think public schools are excellent or good at preparing students for
college. Find the probability that more than five adults will say yes. (Source:
Marist Institute for Public Opinion)

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 Chapter Quiz 275

Chapter Quiz
5
Take this quiz as you would take a quiz in class. After you are done, check your work
against the answers given in the back of the book.
1. (a) 0.9821
(b) 0.9994 1. Find each standard normal probability.
(c) 0.9802 (a) P1z 7 -2.102
(d) 0.8135 (b) P1z 6 3.222
2. (a) 0.9198
(c) P1-2.33 6 z 6 2.332
(b) 0.1940
(d) P1z 6 -1.75 or z 7 -0.752
(c) 0.0456
3. 0.1611 2. Find each normal probability for the given parameters.
4. 0.5739 (a) m = 5.5, s = 0.08, P15.36 6 x 6 5.642
5. 81.59% (b) m = -8.2, s = 7.84, P1-5.00 6 x 6 02
6. 1417.6 (c) m = 18.5, s = 9.25, P1x 6 0 or x 7 372
7. 337.588
8. 257.952 In Exercises 3–10, use the following information. In a recent year, grade 8
9. L 0 Washington State public school students taking a mathematics assessment test
10. More likely to select one student had a mean score of 281 with a standard deviation of 34.4. Possible test scores
with a test score greater than 300 could range from 0 to 500. Assume that the scores are normally distributed.
because the standard error of the (Source: National Center for Educational Statistics)
mean is less than the standard
deviation. 3. Find the probability that a student had a score higher than 315.
11. Can use normal distribution. 4. Find the probability that a student had a score between 250 and 305.
m = 16.32, s L 2.285
5. What percent of the students had a test score that is greater than 250?
12. 0.3594
6. If 2000 students are randomly selected, how many would be expected to
have a test score that is less than 300?
7. What is the lowest score that would still place a student in the top 5% of the
scores?
8. What is the highest score that would still place a student in the bottom 25%
of the scores?
9. A random sample of 60 students is drawn from this population. What is the
probability that the mean test score is greater than 300?
10. Are you more likely to randomly select one student with a test score greater
than 300 or are you more likely to select a sample of 15 students with a
mean test score greater than 300? Explain.

In Exercises 11 and 12, use the following information. In a survey of adults, 68%
thought that DNA tests for identifying an individual were very reliable. You
randomly select 24 adults and ask each if he or she thinks DNA tests for identifying
an individual are very reliable. (Source: CBS News)
11. Decide whether you can use the normal distribution to approximate the
binomial distribution. If you can, find the mean and standard deviation. If
you cannot, explain why.
12. Find the probability that at most 15 people say DNA tests for identifying an
individual are very reliable.

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276 CHAPTER 5 Normal Probability Distributions

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

Real Statistics ■ Real Decisions

You work for a manufacturing company as a statistical process analyst. Your job
is to analyze processes and make sure they are in statistical control. In one
process, a machine cuts wood boards to a thickness of 25 millimeters with an
acceptable margin of error of ; 0.6 millimeter. (Assume this process can be
approximated by a normal distribution.) So, the acceptable range of thicknesses
for the boards is 24.4 millimeters to 25.6 millimeters, inclusive.
Because of machine vibrations and other factors, the setting of the
wood-cutting machine “shifts” from 25 millimeters. To check that the machine is
cutting the boards to the correct thickness, you select at random three samples
of four boards and find the mean thickness (in millimeters) of each sample. A
coworker asks you why you take three samples of size 4 and find the mean
instead of randomly choosing and measuring 12 boards individually to check the
machine’s settings. (Note: Both samples are chosen without replacement.)

Exercises
1. Sampling Individuals Original Distribution when
You select one board and measure its thickness. Assume the machine shifts distribution machine shifts
and is cutting boards with a mean thickness of 25.4 millimeters and a of individual Upper limit
standard deviation of 0.2 millimeter. boards of acceptable
(a) What is the probability that you select a board that is not outside the range
acceptable range (in other words, you do not detect that the machine Mean = 25 Mean = 25.4
has shifted)? (See figure.)
(b) You randomly select 12 boards. What is the probability that you select at x
least one board that is not outside the acceptable range? 24.6 25 25.4 25.8
Thickness (in millimeters)
2. Sampling Groups of Four
Figure for Exercise 1
You select four boards and find their mean thickness. Assume the machine
shifts and is cutting boards with a mean thickness of 25.4 millimeters and a
Mean = 25.4
standard deviation of 0.2 millimeter.
Original Distribution when
(a) What is the probability that you select a sample of four boards that has distribution machine shifts
a mean that is not outside the acceptable range? (See figure.) of sample
(b) You randomly select three samples of four boards. What is the means,
probability that you select at least one sample of four boards that has a n=4 Upper limit
of acceptable
mean that is not outside the acceptable range? Mean = 25 range
(c) What is more sensitive to change—an individual measure or the mean?
3. Writing an Explanation x
24.6 25 25.4 25.8
Write a paragraph to your coworker explaining why you take three samples Thickness (in millimeters)
of size 4 and find the mean of each sample instead of randomly choosing and
Figure for Exercise 2
measuring 12 boards individually to check the machine’s settings.

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 Technology 277

U.S. Census Bureau Class Class Relative

boundaries midpoint frequency
www.census.gov
0–4 2 6.7%
5–9 7 6.8%
Age Distribution in the United States 10–14
15–19
12
17
7.4%
7.2%
One of the jobs of the U.S. Census Bureau is to keep 20–24 22 7.0%
track of the age distribution in the country. The age 25–29 27 6.2%
distribution in 2003 is shown below.
30–34 32 6.8%
Age Distribution in the U.S. 35–39 37 7.3%
40–44 42 8.1%
9% 45–49 47 7.6%
8% 50–54 52 6.6%
Relative frequency

7% 55–59 57 5.5%
6% 60–64 62 4.2%
5% 65–69 67 3.4%
4% 70–74 72 3.0%
3% 75–79 77 2.6%
2%
80–84 82 1.9%
1%
85–89 87 1.0%
2 7 12 17 22 27 32 37 42 47 52 57 62 67 72 77 82 87 92 97 90–94 92 0.5%
Age classes (in years) 95–99 97 0.2%

Exercises
We used a technology tool to select random samples United States? Does this agree with the result
with n = 40 from the age distribution of the United predicted by the Central Limit Theorem?
States. The means of the 36 samples were as follows.
3. Are the ages of people in the United States
28.14, 31.56, 36.86, 32.37, 36.12, 39.53, normally distributed? Explain your reasoning.
DATA
36.19, 39.02, 35.62, 36.30, 34.38, 32.98, 4. Sketch a relative frequency histogram for the 36
36.41, 30.24, 34.19, 44.72, 38.84, 42.87, sample means. Use nine classes. Is the histogram
38.90, 34.71, 34.13, 38.25, 38.04, 34.07, approximately bell shaped and symmetric?
39.74, 40.91, 42.63, 35.29, 35.91, 34.36, Does this agree with the result predicted by the
36.51, 36.47, 32.88, 37.33, 31.27, 35.80 Central Limit Theorem?
1. Enter the age distribution of the United States 5. Use a technology tool to find the standard devi-
into a technology tool. Use the tool to find the ation of the ages of people in the United States.
mean age in the United States.
6. Use a technology tool to find the standard
2. Enter the set of sample means into a technology deviation of the set of 36 sample means. How
tool. Find the mean of the set of sample means. does it compare with the standard deviation of
How does it compare with the mean age in the the ages? Does this agree with the result pre-
dicted by the Central Limit Theorem?

Extended solutions are given in the Technology Supplement. Technical

instruction is provided for MINITAB, Excel, and the TI-83.

■ Cyan ■ Magenta ■ Yellow ■ Black ■ Pantone 299

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 TRY IT YOURSELF ANSWERS A37

d. x P1x2 Section 4.3

0 0.0546 1a. 0.23, 0.177, 0.136 b. 0.543
1 0.197 c. The probability that your first sale will occur before your
2 0.304 fourth sales call is 0.543.
3 0.261 2a. P102 L 0.050
4 0.134 P112 L 0.149
5 0.0416 P122 L 0.224
6 0.00714 P132 L 0.224
7 0.000525 P142 L 0.168
gP1x2 L 1 b. 0.815 c. 0.185
d. The probability that more than four accidents will occur
4a. n = 250, p = 0.71, x = 178 b. 0.056
in any given month at the intersection is 0.185.
c. The probability that exactly 178 people in the United
3a. 0.10 b. 0.10, 3 c. 0.0002
States will use more than one topping on their hotdog is
about 0.056. d. The probability of finding three brown trout in any given
cubic meter of the lake is 0.0002.
5a. (1) x = 2 (2) x = 2, 3, 4, or 5 (3) x = 0 or 1
b. (1) 0.217
(2) 0.217, 0.058, 0.008, 0.0004; 0.283 CHAPTER 5
(3) 0.308, 0.409; 0.717
Section 5.1
c. (1) The probability that exactly two men consider fishing
their favorite leisure-time activity is about 0.217. 1a. A: 45, B: 60, C: 45; B has the greatest mean.
(2) The probability that at least two men consider fishing b. Curve C is more spread out, so curve C has the greatest
their favorite leisure-time activity is about 0.283. standard deviation.
(3) The probability that fewer than two men consider 2a. 3.5 feet b. 3.3, 3.7; 0.2 foot
fishing their favorite leisure-time activity is about 3a. (1) 0.0143 (2) 0.9850
0.717.
4a. b. 0.9834
6a. Trial: selecting a business and asking if it has a website
Success: selecting a business with a website
Failure: selecting a business without a website
b. n = 10, p = 0.30, x = 4 c. 0.200
d. The probability that exactly four of the 10 small business z
0 2.13
have a website is 0.200.
7a. 0.006, 0.050, 0.167, 0.294, 0.293, 0.155, 0.034 5a. b. 0.0154
b. c. Owning a Computer c. 0.9846
x P1x2
P(x)

0 0.006 0.30
Relative frequency

1 0.050 0.25
0.20
2 0.167 0.15 z
− 2.16 0
3 0.294 0.10

4 0.293 0.05 6a. 0.0885 b. 0.0154 c. 0.0731

x
5 0.155 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Households
6 0.034

8a. Success: selecting a clear day

n = 31, p = 0.44, q = 0.56
b. 13.6 c. 7.6 d. 2.8
e. On average, there are about 14 clear days during the
month of May. The standard deviation is about 3 days.

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A38 TRY IT YOURSELF ANSWERS

Section 5.2 5ab.

1a. b. 2.50
µ = 27 c. 0.0062
10%

z
−1.28 0
x
23.8 27.0 30.2
x = 31 c. 8.512
Miles per gallon
d. So, the maximum length of time an employee could have
worked and still be laid off is 8 years.
d. The probability that a randomly selected manual
transmission Focus will get more than 31 miles per gallon
in city driving is 0.0062. Section 5.4
2a. b. -1, 1.25
1a.
µ = 45 c. 0.1587; 0.8944
Sample Mean Sample Mean Sample Mean
d. 0.7357
1, 1, 1 1 3, 3, 5 3.67 5, 7, 1 4.33
1, 1, 3 1.67 3, 3, 7 4.33 5, 7, 3 5
x
9 21 45 57 69 81 1, 1, 5 2.33 3, 5, 1 3 5, 7, 5 5.67
x = 33 x = 60 1, 1, 7 3 3, 5, 3 3.67 5, 7, 7 6.33
Time (in minutes)
1, 3, 1 1.67 3, 5, 5 4.33 7, 1, 1 3
3a. Read user’s guide for the technology tool. 1, 3, 3 2.33 3, 5, 7 5 7, 1, 3 3.67
b. Enter the data. 1, 3, 5 3 3, 7, 1 3.67 7, 1, 5 4.33
c. The probability that a randomly selected U.S. man’s 1, 3, 7 3.67 3, 7, 3 4.33 7, 1, 7 5
cholesterol is between 190 and 225 is about 0.4968. 1, 5, 1 2.33 3, 7, 5 5 7, 3, 1 3.67
1, 5, 3 3 3, 7, 7 5.67 7, 3, 3 4.33
Section 5.3 1, 5, 5 3.67 5, 1, 1 2.33 7, 3, 5 5
1a. (1) 0.0384 (2) 0.0250 and 0.9750 1, 5, 7 4.33 5, 1, 3 3 7, 3, 7 5.67
bc. (1) -1.77 (2) ; 1.96 1, 7, 1 3 5, 1, 5 3.67 7, 5, 1 4.33
1, 7, 3 3.67 5, 1, 7 4.33 7, 5, 3 5
2a. (1) Area = 0.10 (2) Area = 0.20
1, 7, 5 4.33 5, 3, 1 3 7, 5, 5 5.67
(3) Area = 0.99
1, 7, 7 5 5, 3, 3 3.67 7, 5, 7 6.33
bc. (1) -1.28 (2) -0.84 (3) 2.33
3, 1, 1 1.67 5, 3, 5 4.33 7, 7, 1 5
3a. m = 70, s = 8
3, 1, 3 2.33 5, 3, 7 5 7, 7, 3 5.67
b. 64; 104.32; 55.44 3, 1, 5 3 5, 5, 1 3.67 7, 7, 5 6.33
c. 64 is below the mean, 104.32 is above the mean, and 55.44 3, 1, 7 3.67 5, 5, 3 4.33 7, 7, 7 7
is below the mean.
3, 3, 1 2.33 5, 5, 5 5
4ab. 3, 3, 3 3 5, 5, 7 5.67

b. x f Probability mx = 4
1sx22 = 1.667
1% 1 1 0.0156
1.67 3 0.0469 sx = 1.291
z
−2.33 0 2.33 6 0.0938
3 10 0.1563
c. 142.83
3.67 12 0.1875
d. So, the longest braking distance a Ford F-150 could have
4.33 12 0.1875
and still be in the top 1% is 143 feet.
5 10 0.1563
5.67 6 0.0938
6.33 3 0.0469
7 1 0.0156

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 TRY IT YOURSELF ANSWERS A39

c. mx = m = 4 c. d. 1.91 e. 0.0281
µ = 42.7
2
15
1sx22 =
s s s
= = 1.667; sx = = = 1.291
n 3 n 13
2a. 64, 0.9
x = 50.5
b. n = 100
x
n = 100 30 34 38 42 46 50 54
Number responding yes

4a. Normal distribution can be used. b. 76, 6.86

n = 36 c. P1x … 85.52 d. 1.38 e. 0.9162

x
59.5 61.0 62.5 64.0 65.5 67.0 68.5 µ = 76
Mean of phone bills (in dollars)

x = 85.5
c. With a larger sample size, the standard deviation decreases.
3a. 3.5, 0.05 x
55 62 69 76 83 90 97
b. Number responding yes

5a. Normal distribution can be used. b. 190, 3.08

c. P1190.5 6 x 6 191.5) d. 0.16, 0.49 e. 0.1243

µ = 190
x
3.35 3.40 3.45 3.50 3.55 3.60 3.65
Mean diameter (in feet) x = 190.5 x = 191.5

4a. mx = 25
sx = 0.15
x
b. -2, 3.33 c. 0.9768 181 184 187 190 193 196 199
Number responding yes
5a. 243,756; 12,701.71

CHAPTER 6

x
218,356 243,756 269,156
Mean sales price (in dollars)

b. –3.44 c. 0.9997
6a. 0.5, 1.58 b. 0.6915, 0.9429
c. There is a 69% chance an individual receiver will cost less
than $700. There is a 94% chance that the mean of a
sample of 10 receivers is less than $700.

Section 5.5
1a. 70, 0.61, 0.39 b. 42.7, 27.3
c. Normal distribution can be used.
d. 42.7, 4.08
2a. (1) 57, 58, Á , 83 (2) Á , 52, 53, 54
b. (1) 56.5 6 x 6 83.5 (2) x 6 54.5
3a. Normal distribution can be used. b. 42.7, 4.08

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A18 ODD ANSWERS

Real Statistics–Real Decisions for Chapter 4 41. (a) Light Bulb Life Spans It is reasonable to
(page 212) f assume that the life span
7 is normally distributed
1. (a) Answers will vary. For example, calculate the 6 because the histogram is

Frequency
probability of obtaining zero clinical pregnancies out 5
nearly symmetric and
4
of 10 randomly selected ART cycles. 3 bell shaped.
(b) Binomial. The distribution is discrete because the 2
1
number of clinical pregnancies is countable. x
1279 1626 1973 2320 2667
2. n = 10, p = 0.328, P102 = 0.0188 Hours

x P1x2 (b) 1941.35, 432.385

(c) The sample mean of 1941.35 hours is less than the
0 0.0188
claimed mean, so, on average, the bulbs in the sample
1 0.0917 lasted for a shorter time. The sample standard
2 0.2013 deviation of 432 hours is greater than the claimed stan-
3 0.2621 dard deviation, so the bulbs in the sample had a greater
4 0.2238 variation in life span than the manufacturer’s claim.
5 0.1311 43. (a) A = 2.97; B = 2.98; C = 3.01; D = 3.05
6 0.0533 (b) 0.5; -1.5; -1; 2.5
7 0.0149 (c) x = 3.05 is unusual owing to a relatively large z-score
8 0.0027 12.52.
9 0.0003 45. (a) A = 801; B = 950; C = 1250; D = 1467
10 0.00001 (b) -0.36; 1.07; 2.11; -1.08
(c) x = 1467 is unusual owing to a relatively large z-score
12.112.
3. (a) Suspicious, because the probability is very small.
(b) Not suspicious, because the probability is not that
47. 0.6915 49. 0.05 51. 0.5328 53. 0.9265
small.
55. 0.9744 57. 0.3133 59. 0.901 61. 0.0098
63. The normal distribution curve
CHAPTER 5 is centered at its mean (60)
and has 2 points of inflection
Section 5.1 (page 224) (48 and 72) representing
m ; s.
1. Answers will vary.
3. Answers will vary. 36 48 60 72 84
Similarities: The two curves will have the same line of
symmetry. 65. (a) Area under curve = area of rectangle
Differences: One curve will be more spread out than the = 112112 = 1
other. (b) 0.25 (c) 0.4
5. m = 0 , s = 1
7. “The” standard normal distribution is used to describe Section 5.2 (page 232)
one specific normal distribution 1m = 0 , s = 12. “A” 1. 0.1151 3. 0.1151 5. 0.1144
normal distribution is used to describe a normal distribu-
7. 0.3022 9. 0.2742 11. 0.0566
tion with any mean and standard deviation.
13. (a) 0.1357 (b) 0.6983 (c) 0.1660
9. No, the graph crosses the x-axis.
15. (a) 0.1711 (b) 0.7018 (c) 0.1271
11. Yes, the graph fulfills the properties of the normal
distribution. 17. (a) 0.0062 (b) 0.9876 (c) 0.0062
13. No, the graph is skewed right. 19. (a) 0.0073 (b) 0.806 (c) 0.1867
15. It is normal because it is bell shaped and symmetric. 21. (a) 79.95% (b) 348 23. (a) 64.8% (b) 18
17. 0.3849 19. 0.6247 21. 0.9382 23. 0.975 25. (a) 30.85% (b) 31 27. (a) 99.87% (b) 0.798
25. 0.8289 27. 0.1003 29. 0.005 31. 0.05 29. 1.5%; It is unusual for a battery to have a life span that is
more than 2065 hours because of the relatively large
z-score 12.172.
33. 0.475 35. 0.437 37. 0.95 39. 0.2006

31. Out of control, because there is a point more than

3 standard deviations beyond the mean.

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 ODD ANSWERS A19

33. Out of control, because there are nine consecutive points 11. (c), because m = 16.5, s = 1.19, and the graph approx-
below the mean, and two out of three consecutive points imates a normal curve.
lie more than 2 standard deviations from the mean. 13. 87.5, 1.804 15. 349, 1.26

Section 5.3 (page 242)

1. -2.05 3. 0.85 5. -0.16 7. 2.39
9. -1.645 11. 0.995 13. -2.325 15. -0.25
17. 1.175 19. -0.675 21. 0.675 23. -0.385
x x
25. -0.38 27. -0.58 29. -1.645, 1.645 82.1 83.9 85.7 87.5 89.3 91.1 92.9 346.5 349 351.5
31. 0.325 33. -0.33 35. 1.28 37. ; 0.06 Mean height (in feet) Mean price (in dollars)

39. (a) 68.52 (b) 62.14 41. (a) 12.28 (b) 20.08 17. 113.5, 8.61
43. (a) 139.22 (b) 96.92 45. 19.89
47. Tires that wear out by 26,800 miles will be replaced free of
charge.
49. 7.93

Section 5.4 (page 254) x

95.5 113.5 131.5
1. 100, 2.12 3. 100, 0.949 Mean consumption of
red meat (in pounds)
5. False. As the size of a sample increases, the mean of the
distribution of sample means does not change. 19. 87.5, 1.276; 87.5, 1.042
7. False. The shape of a sampling distribution is normal if n = 36 As the sample size increases,
either n Ú 30 or the shape of the population is normal. n = 24
the standard error decreases,
9. while the mean of the sample
means remains constant.
Sample Mean Sample Mean Sample Mean
n = 12
0, 0, 0 0 2, 2, 4 2.67 4, 8, 0 4
0, 0, 2 0.67 2, 2, 8 4 4, 8, 2 4.67 x
83.6 84.9 86.2 87.5 88.8 90.1 91.4
0, 0, 4 1.33 2, 4, 0 2 4, 8, 4 5.33 Mean height (in feet)
0, 0, 8 2.67 2, 4, 2 2.67 4, 8, 8 6.67
21. 0.0019 23. 0.6319 25. L 0
0, 2, 0 0.67 2, 4, 4 3.33 8, 0, 0 2.67
27. It is more likely to select a sample of 20 women with a
0, 2, 2 1.33 2, 4, 8 4.67 8, 0, 2 3.33
mean height less than 70 inches because the sample of 20
0, 2, 4 2 2, 8, 0 3.33 8, 0, 4 4 has a higher probability.
0, 2, 8 3.33 2, 8, 2 4 8, 0, 8 5.33 29. Yes, it is very unlikely that you would have randomly
0, 4, 0 1.33 2, 8, 4 4.67 8, 2, 0 3.33 sampled 40 cans with a mean equal to 127.9 ounces.
0, 4, 2 2 2, 8, 8 6 8, 2, 2 4 31. (a) 0.0008 (b) Claim is inaccurate.
0, 4, 4 2.67 4, 0, 0 1.33 8, 2, 4 4.67 (c) No, assuming the manufacturer’s claim is true,
0, 4, 8 4 4, 0, 2 2 8, 2, 8 6 because 96.25 is within 1 standard deviation of the
0, 8, 0 2.67 4, 0, 4 2.67 8, 4, 0 4 mean for an individual board.
0, 8, 2 3.33 4, 0, 8 4 8, 4, 2 4.67 33. (a) 0.0002 (b) Claim is inaccurate.
0, 8, 4 4 4, 2, 0 2 8, 4, 4 5.33 (c) No, assuming the manufacturer’s claim is true,
0, 8, 8 5.33 4, 2, 2 2.67 8, 4, 8 6.67 because 49,721 is within 1 standard deviation of the
2, 0, 0 0.67 4, 2, 4 3.33 8, 8, 0 5.33 mean for an individual tire.
2, 0, 2 1.33 4, 2, 8 4.67 8, 8, 2 6 35. Yes, because of the relatively large z-score 12.122.
2, 0, 4 2 4, 4, 0 2.67 8, 8, 4 6.67 37. L 0
2, 0, 8 3.33 4, 4, 2 3.33 8, 8, 8 8
2, 2, 0 1.33 4, 4, 4 4 Section 5.5 (page 265)
2, 2, 2 2 4, 4, 8 5.33 1. Cannot use normal distribution.
mx = 3.5, sx = 1.708 3. Can use normal distribution.
m = 3.5, s = 2.958 5. Cannot use normal distribution because np 6 5.

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A20 ODD ANSWERS

7. Cannot use normal distribution because nq 6 5. 27. Highly unlikely. Answers will vary.
9. d 10. b 11. a 12. c 13. a 29. 0.1020
14. d 15. c 16. b
17. Binomial: 0.549; Normal: 0.5463 Uses and Abuses for Chapter 5 (page 269)
19. Cannot use normal distribution because np 6 5. 1. No. Answers will vary.
(a) 0.0000199 (b) 0.000023 2. It is more likely that all 10 people lie within 2 standard
(c) 0.999977 (d) 0.1635 deviations of the mean. This can be shown by using the
Empirical Rule and the Multiplication Rule.
21. Can use normal distribution.
(a) By the Empirical Rule, the probability of lying within
(a) 0.1174 (b) 0.2643
2 standard deviations of the mean is 0.95. Let x =
number of people selected who lie within 2 standard
deviations of the mean.
x = 7.5 x = 8.5 x = 7.5
P1x = 102 = 10.95210 L 0.599
(b) P (at least one person does not lie within 2 standard
deviations of the mean) = 1 - P1x = 102 L 1 - 0.599
x x = 0.401
1.2 6 10.8 1.2 6 10.8
Number of workers Number of workers
Review Answers for Chapter 5 (page 271)
(c) 0.7357 (d) 0.7190
1. m = 15, s = 3 3. -2.25 ; 0.5; 2; 3.5 5. 0.2005
7. 0.3936 9. 0.0465 11. 0.4495 13. 0.3519
15. 0.1336 17. 0.8997 19. 0.9236 21. 0.0124
x = 7.5 x = 14.5
23. (a) 0.3156 (b) 0.3099 (c) 0.3446
25. -0.07 27. 1.13 29. 1.04 31. 43.9 meters
x x 33. 45.9 meters 35. 45.74 meters
1.2 6 10.8 5.5 12.5 19.5
Number of workers Number of workers 37. 0 0 0, 0 0 200, 0 0 40, 0 0 600, 0 0 80, 0 200 0, 0 200 200, 0
200 40, 0 200 600, 0 200 80, 0 40 0, 0 40 200, 0 40 40, 0 40
23. Can use normal distribution. 600, 0 40 80, 0 600 0, 0 600 200, 0 600 40, 0 600 600, 0 600
(a) 0.0465 (b) 0.9767 80, 0 80 0, 0 80 200, 0 80 40, 0 80 600, 0 80 80, 200 0 0, 200
0 200, 200 0 40, 200 0 600, 200 0 80, 200 200 0, 200 200 200,
200 200 40, 200 200 600, 200 200 80, 200 40 0, 200 40 200,
200 40 40, 200 40 600, 200 40 80, 200 600 0, 200 600 200, 200
600 40, 200 600 600, 200 600 80, 200 80 0, 200 80 200, 200
x = 15.5 x = 14.5 80 40, 200 80 600, 200 80 80, 40 0 0, 40 0 200, 40 0 40, 40 0
600, 40 0 80, 40 200 0, 40 200 200, 40 200 40, 40 200 600, 40
x x 200 80, 40 40 0, 40 40 200, 40 40 40, 40 40 600, 40 40 80, 40
12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
Number of people Number of people 600 0, 40 600 200, 40 600 40, 40 600 600, 40 600 80, 40 80 0,
40 80 200, 40 80 40, 40 80 600, 40 80 80, 600 0 0, 600 0 200,
(c) 0.9535 (d) 0.1635 600 0 40, 600 0 600, 600 0 80, 600 200 0, 600 200 200, 600
200 40, 600 200 600, 600 200 80, 600 40 0, 600 40 200, 600
40 40, 600 40 600, 600 40 80, 600 600 0, 600 600 200, 600 600
40, 600 600 600, 600 600 80, 600 80 0, 600 80 200, 600 80 40,
600 80 600, 600 80 80, 80 0 0, 80 0 200, 80 0 40, 80 0 600, 80
x = 350.5
x = 15.5 0 80, 80 200 0, 80 200 200, 80 200 40, 80 200 600, 80 200 80,
80 40 0, 80 40 200, 80 40 40, 80 40 600, 80 40 80, 80 600 0,
x x
12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 299 312 325 338 351 364 377 80 600 200, 80 600 40, 80 600 600, 80 600 80, 80 80 0, 80 80
Number of people Number of people 200, 80 80 40, 80 80 600, 80 80 80

m = 184, s L 218.504
25. (a) np = 6 Ú 5
mx = 184, sx L 126.153
nq = 19 Ú 5
(b) 0.121
(c) No, because the z-score is within one standard
deviation of the mean.

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 ODD ANSWERS A21

39. 152.7, 8.7

x
135.1 152.7 170.3
Mean consumption (in pounds)

41. (a) 0.0485 (b) 0.8180 (c) 0.0823

(a) and (c) are smaller, (b) is larger. This is to be expected
because the standard error of the sample means is smaller.
43. (a) L 0 (b) L 0 45. 0.0019
47. Cannot use normal distribution because nq 6 5.
49. P1x 7 24.52 51. P144.5 6 x 6 45.52
53. Can use normal distribution.
0.0032

µ = 29.25

x = 20.5

x
20 24 28 32 36
Children saying yes

Chapter Quiz for Chapter 5 (page 275)

1. (a) 0.9821 (b) 0.9994 (c) 0.9802 (d) 0.8135
2. (a) 0.9198 (b) 0.1940 (c) 0.0456
3. 0.1611 4. 0.5739 5. 81.59% 6. 1417.6
7. 337.588 8. 257.952 9. L 0
10. More likely to select one student with a test score greater
than 300 because the standard error of the mean is less
than the standard deviation.
11. Can use normal distribution.
m = 16.32, s L 2.285
12. 0.3594

Real Statistics–Real Decisions for Chapter 5

(page 276)
1. (a) 0.8413 (b) 0.9999999997
2. (a) 0.9772 (b) 0.9999881476 (c) mean
3. Answers will vary.

CHAPTER 6

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A8 SELECTED ANSWERS

CHAPTER 5 (c) 0.5910 (d) 0.9292

Section 5.4
12. (b), because m = 5.8, s = 0.23, and the graph approxi- x = 11.5
mates a normal curve.
x = 59.5
14. 800, 25.820 16. 47.2, 0.6
x x
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68
Number of people Number of people

22. Can use normal distribution.

(a) 0.1074 (b) 0.7291

x x
722 748 774 800 826 852 878 46 47.2 48.4
Mean number of eggs Mean age (in years)
x = 13.5 x = 14.5 x = 13.5
18. 49.3, 3.42

x x
9 15.5 22 9 15.5 22
Number of workers Number of workers

(c) 0.2709 (d) 0.0013

x
42.5 49.3 56.3
Mean consumption of
soft drinks (in gallons)
x = 13.5 x = 29.5
20. 800, 18.257; 800, 14.907
n = 45
n = 30 x x
9 15.5 22 35.1 46.5 57.9
Number of workers Number of workers

n = 15

CHAPTER 6
x
740 760 780 800 820 840 860
Mean number of eggs

As the sample size increases, the standard error decreases.

Section 5.5
20. Can use normal distribution.
(a) 0.1347 (b) 0.4090

x = 11.5 x = 12.5 x = 11.5

x x
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Number of people Number of people

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