Senior High School

Statistics and
Probability
Quarter 3 – Module 2
Normal Distribution
Statistics & Probability – Grade 11
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 3 – Module 2: Normal Distribution
Second Edition, 2021

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ii
 Module 2: Normal Distribution
In this module, we will consider a distribution of a continuous type of data. This
distribution is commonly known as the normal distribution or simply the normal curve.
The normal curve is frequently used as a mathematical model in inferential statistics.
Through the normal curve, the inferences that we make regarding a population can
be visualized.
This module deals with the concepts and processes regarding the normal curve
distribution and it consists of the following lessons:
 Lesson 1 – Understanding the Normal Curve Distribution
 Lesson 2 – Identifying the Regions of Areas Under the Normal Curve
 Lesson 3 – Standard Scores
 Lesson 4 – Determining Probabilities
 Lesson 5 – Computing Percentiles Under the Normal Curve

What I Need to Know

At the end of this module, the learners are expected to:

1. illustrate normal random variable and its characteristics;
2. identify regions under normal curve corresponding to different standard
normal values;
3. convert a normal random variable to a standard normal variable and vice-
versa; and
4. compute probabilities and percentiles using the standard normal table.

Lesson Understanding the

1 Normal Curve Distribution

What’s In

The previous module explained the concept of random variables. It is focused

on discrete probability distribution. The properties of a probability distribution were
also taught. This includes: a) the probability of each value if the random variable
must be between 0 and 1 or equal to 0 or 1; b) The sum of the probabilities of all
values of the random variable is equal to 1.
Moreover, the mean, variance, and standard deviation of a probability
distribution were computed through formulas and the suggested steps. The
probabilities of a distribution enable to make predictions and decisions concerning
the population. However, there are data that are continuous. The distribution of this
type is known as the normal probability distribution or the normal curve. The

1
properties, concepts and processes involving this distribution will be presented and
tackled in this module.

What’s New

Given the following score distributions of the students in a mathematics quiz,

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

2. What is the shape of the graph?

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

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

4. Where did you find these measures of the graph? At the center? To the left side
of the graph? Or to the right side of the graph?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

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

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

2
 What is It

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

Fig. 2.1. The Normal Probability Distribution

The given distribution consists of a large number of cases and the three
measures of averages (mean, median, and mode) are equal and the distribution is
symmetrical and the skewness is 0. In Statistics, such distribution is called normal
distribution or simply normal curve. The normal distribution is the most important and
most widely used distribution in statistics.

From the sketch of the graph you did in the activity, the following properties of
the normal probability distribution emerge.

Properties of the Normal Probability Distribution

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

3
The Normal Distribution Curve
The equation that describes normal curve is:

( )
2
−1 x−µ
2 σ
Y= e
σ √2 π

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

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Standard Normal Distribution

A normal distribution is determined by the mean μ and standard deviation σ . If

the mean µ = 0 and a standard deviation σ = 1, the normal distribution is called a
standard normal distribution. By substituting the mean, µ = 0 and the standard
deviation, σ = 1 in the formula mathematicians are able to find the areas under the
normal curve. The areas under the normal curve can be found using the Areas under
the Standard Normal Distribution Table. These areas have already been
predetermined for use.

Mean

Fig. 2.2. The Areas Under the Normal Curve

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

5
Using a Standard Normal Distribution Table
The table of areas under the normal curve is also known as the z-table. The z-
score is a measure of relative standing. It is calculated by subtracting x∨μ from the
measurement of x and then dividing the result by s∨σ . The final result, the z-score,
represents the distance between a given measurement x and the mean, expressed
in standard deviations. Either z-score locates x within a sample within a population.
Study and examine the entries in the table.
Table 1. Table of Areas Under the Normal Curve

https://www.growingknowing.com/GKStatsBookNormalTable1.html

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Read the following about the z-table.

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

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

Examples:

1. Find the area that corresponds to z=1.25 .

Finding the area that corresponds to z=1.25 is the same as finding the area
between z=0 and z=1.25.

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

2. Using the z-table,

find the first two digits z .00 .01 . .03 .04 .05 .06
2
of the given z-value
on the left column. 0. 0.008
0.0000 0.0040 0.0120 0.0160 0.0199 0.0239
0 0
3. Match the third digit … … … … … … … …
with the appropriate 1. 0.346
0.3413 0.3438 0.3485 0.3508 0.3531 0.3554
column on the right. 0 1
1. 0.368
0.3643 0.3665 0.3708 0.3729 0.3749 0.3770
1 6
1. 0.388
0.3849 0.3869 0.3907 0.3925 0.3944 0.3962
2 8
1. 0.4032 0.4049 0.406 0.4082 0.4099 0.4115 0.4131

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 3 6
4. Read the area at the
intersection of the
The required area is 0.3944.
row and the column.
This is the required

2. Find the area that corresponds to z=−1.36

area.

In the z-table, the area that corresponds to z=−1.36 is the same as the area
that corresponds to z=1.36 . In the graph of this region, it is located on the left of
the mean.
Steps Solution
1. Express the
given z-value
into a three- z=−1.36
digit form.

2. Using the z-
table, find the
first two digits z .00 .01 .02 .03 .04 .05 .06 .07
of the given z- 0. 0.023
0.0000 0.0040 0.0080 0.0120 0.0160 0.0199 0.0279
value on the 0 9
… … … … … … … …
left column. 1. 0.377
3. Match the 0.3643 0.3665 0.3686 0.3708 0.3729 0.3749 0.3790
1 0
third digit with 1. 0.396
0.3849 0.3869 0.3888 0.3907 0.3925 0.3944 0.3980
the 2 2
appropriate 1. 0.413
0.4032 0.4049 0.4066 0.4082 0.4099 0.4115 0.4147
column on the 3 1
right. 1.
0.4192 0.4207 0.4222 0.4236 0.4251 0.4265
0.427
0.4292
4 9
4. Read the area
at the
intersection of
The required area is 0.4131.
the row and
the column.
This is the
required area.

What’s More

Independent Practice
Using the z-table (please refer to page 7 or Appendix), find the corresponding
area between z=0 and each of the following:
1. z ¿0.92

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 2. z¿1.29
3. z¿2.73
4. z¿−¿0.50
5. z ¿−¿2.98

What I Have Learned

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

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

µ = 0 and a standard deviation σ = 1.

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

What I Can Do

Find the corresponding area between z=0 and each of the following:
1. z¿0.85
2. z¿ 1.27
3. z¿ 2.86
4. z¿−¿1.05

9
5. z ¿−¿2.96

10
 Additional Activities

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

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 Lesson Identifying Areas Under the
2 Normal Curve

What’s In

In the previous lesson, you have learned about the properties of the normal
distribution. The distribution curve is bell-shaped and symmetrical about its center.
The mean, the median, and the mode are equal and coincide at the center, the width
of the curve is determined by the standard deviation of the distribution, the curve is
asymptotic to the base line, the area under the curve is 1. The area under the normal
curve represents the probability or proportion or the percentage associated with the
specific sets of measurement values.
You have also learned how to read entries in the z-table and how to use it in
determining the area under the normal curve. This time, you will enrich your learning
on identify regions under the normal curve corresponding to different standard
normal values. When you say region under the curve, you are interested in the area
of the region.

What’s New

Study the curve and identify the shaded region in terms of z-values. Can you
think of another region with the same area?

z-score
Fig.2.3. A Normal Curve Region

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

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 What is It

Regions under the curve can be described in terms of area. Area between two
specific z-values can be determined using the z-table and the suggested steps
below.
For easier way of identifying the region under a normal curve, the following steps
are suggested:

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

Study the following cases in identifying the area under the normal given
specified z-values.
Case 1. When the required area is between z=0 and any z-value:

Fig. 2.4. Area Under the Normal Curve Between z=0 and Fig. 2.5. Area Under the Normal Curve Between z=0 and
–z z

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

Finding the area that corresponds to z=−1 is the same as finding the area
between z=0 and z=−1 .

1. Draw the normal curve and locate the

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

2. Use the z-table to find the areas that

correspond to the given z-value or z=−1corresponds to an area of 0.3413
values.
3. Perform appropriate operations to get No operations needed because the
the required area, if needed. answer is already given in the z-table.
Thus, the area that corresponds to z=−1
4. Write the required area.
is 0.3413.

13
Example 2: Find the area that corresponds to z=1.

1. Draw the normal curve and locate

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

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

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

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

Example 3: Find the area above z=−1.34 .

1. Draw the normal curve and locate

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

2. Use the z-table to find the areas

that correspond to the given z- z=−1.34 corresponds to an area of 0.4099
value or values.
3. Perform appropriate operations to The graph suggests addition.
get the required area, if needed. 0.4099+ 0.5=0.9099

14
 4. Write the required area. Thus, the area above z=−1.34 is 0.9099.
Example 4: Find the area to the right of z=1.56 .

1. Draw the normal curve and locate

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

2. Use the z-table to find the areas

that correspond to the given z- z=1.56corresponds to an area of 0.4406.
value or values.
3. Perform appropriate operations to The graph suggests subtraction.
get the required area, if needed. 0.5−0.4406=0.0594
Thus, the area to the right of z=1.56 is
4. Write the required area.
0.4406.

Case 3. When the required area is less than z

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

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

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

1. Draw the normal curve and locate

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

2. Use the z-table to find the areas

z=−1.52corresponds to an area of
that correspond to the given z-
0.4357.
value or values.
3. Perform appropriate operations to The graph suggests subtraction.
get the required area, if needed. 0.5−0.4357=0.0643

15
 Thus, the area to the left of z=−1.52 is
4. Write the required area.
0.0643.
Example 6: Find the area less than z=1.25

1. Draw the normal curve and locate

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

2. Use the z-table to find the areas that

correspond to the given z-value or z=1.25corresponds to an area of 0.3944.
values.
3. Perform appropriate operations to The graph suggests addition.
get the required area, if needed. 0.5+ 0.3944=0.8944
Thus, the area less than z=1.25 is
4. Write the required area.
0.8944.

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

Fig. 2.9. Area Under the Normal Curve Between −z 1 and

Fig. 2.10. Area Under the Normal Curve Between z 1 and z 2
−z 2

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

1. Draw the normal curve and locate

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

2. Use the z-table to find the areas

z=1.70corresponds to an area of0.4554
that correspond to the given z-
z=0.82 corresponds to an area of 0.2939
value or values.
The graph suggests subtraction. Subtract
3. Perform appropriate operations to
the smaller area from the larger area.
get the required area, if needed.
0.4554−0.2939=0.1615

16
 Thus, the area between z=0.82and z=1.70
4. Write the required area.
is 0.1615.
Example 8: Find the area between z=−2and z=−1

1. Draw the normal curve and

locate the given z-value or
values at the base line of
the curve. Then, draw a
vertical line through the
given z-value or values and
shade the required region.
2. Use the z-table to find the
z=−2corresponds to an area of 0.4772
areas that correspond to the
z=−1corresponds to an area of 0.3413
given z-value or values.
3. Perform appropriate The graph suggests subtraction. Subtract the
operations to get the smaller area from the larger area.
required area, if needed. 0.4772−0.3413=0.1359
Thus, the area between z=−2and z=−1 is
4. Write the required area.
0.1359.

Case 5. When the required area is between −z 1∧z 2

Fig. 2.11. Area Under the Normal Curve Between −z 1 and z2

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

1. Draw the normal curve and locate

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

2. Use the z-table to find the areas

z=−1.54 corresponds to an area of 0.4382
that correspond to the given z-
z=1.75corresponds to an area of 0.4599
value or values.
3. Perform appropriate operations to The graph suggests addition.
get the required area, if needed. 0.4382+0.4599=0.8981

17
 Thus, the area between z=−1.54 and
4. Write the required area.
z=1.75 is 0.8981.
What’s More

You already know that the area under the normal curve represents probability,
proportion or the percentage associated with specific set of measurement values.
Now, let’s extend your learning on representing the region under the normal curve in
terms of percent. Sketch the normal curve and use the z-table to find the area that
corresponds to each of the following z-values. Then, multiply the area to 100 to get
its percent form. The final answers are given as your guide.
1. What percent of the area under the normal curve is between z=2.25 and
z=0.58 ?

1. Draw the normal curve and locate

the given z-value or values at the
base line of the curve. Then, draw a
vertical line through the given z-
value or values and shade the
required region.
2. Use the z-table to find the areas that
correspond to the given z-value or
values.
3. Perform appropriate operations to
get the required area, if needed. To
convert area to percent, multiply the
area to 100.
Thus, the area between z=2.25 and
4. Write the required area (in percent). z=0.58 is 26.88% of the area under the
normal curve.

2. What percent of the area is between z=−1.2and z=2?

1. Draw the normal curve and locate
the given z-value or values at the
base line of the curve. Then, draw a
vertical line through the given z-
value or values and shade the
required region.
2. Use the z-table to find the areas that
correspond to the given z-value or
values.
3. Perform appropriate operations to
get the required area, if needed. To
convert area to percent, multiply the
area to 100.
Thus, the area between z=−1.2and
4. Write the required area (in percent). z=2is 86.21% of the area under the
normal curve.

18
19
 What I Have Learned

Let’s summarize!

 When speaking about a region under the curve, we are interested in the area
of the region.
 The area in any specified region under the normal curve can be associated
with probability, proportion or percentage.
 When z is negative, simply ignore the negative sign and proceed. The
negative sign indicates that the region is on the left side of the mean or below
the mean. Areas are always positive values.

What I Can Do

Find the area under the normal curve in each of the following cases.
1. to the right of z=1.63
2. between z=−1.36 and z=2.55
3. to the left of z=−1.78
4. between z=−2.76 and z=−1.25
5. between z=1.56 and z=2.51

Additional Activities

Look for a partner and exchange problem on identifying regions under the
normal curve. Write the z-value or values your partner has given to you and find the
area under the normal curve of the given case.

20
 Lesson
Standard Scores
3

What’s In

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

What’s New

Think of words or phrases you can associate with the word standard scores.
Write your answer in the graphic organizer below.

Standard Score

Why use standard score or z-score?

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

21
 What is It

Let’s explore the concept of z-scores. Read and study the notes about z-scores
and note the computing formula.
Z-score or standard score measures how many standard deviation a given value
(x) is above or below the mean. Z-scores are useful in comparing observed values. If
a z-score is equal to 0, it is on the mean. A positive z-score indicates that the score
or observed value is above the mean, whereas a negative z-score indicates that the
score or observed value is below the mean. For example, if a z-score is equal to 1, it
is 1 standard deviation above the mean. If a z-score is equal to −¿2, it is 2 standard
deviations below the mean.
The areas under the normal curve are given in terms of z-scores. Either it locates
x within a sample or within a population.

The formula for calculating z is:

x−x
For Sample: z=
s
x−μ
For Population: z=
σ
where:
z = standard score
x = raw score
x = sample mean
s = sample standard deviation
μ = population mean
σ = population standard deviation

Study the following examples.

Example 1: Locate the z-value that corresponds to Mathematics test score of 55

given the mean, μ=¿50 and the standard deviation, σ =¿2.
1. Choose the formula to use.
(Use the z-score formula for x−μ
z=
population data as indicated in σ
the problem.)
2. Write the given values. x=55 ; μ=50 ; σ=2
x−μ
z=
σ
3. Substitute the given values in 55−50
the computing formula. Then, z=
2
compute the z-value.
5
z=
2
z=2.5

22
 Thus, the z-value that corresponds to the raw score 55 is 2.5 in a population
distribution. This means the score 55 is 2.5 standard deviations above the mean.
Example 2: On the midterm examination in Statistics, the sample mean was 80 and
the sample standard deviation was 7. Determine the standard score of a student who
got a score of 75 assuming that the scores are normally distributed.
1. Choose the formula to use.
(Use the z-score formula for x−x
z=
sample data as indicated in s
the problem.)
2. Write the given values. x=75 ; x=80 ; s=7
x−x
z=
s
3. Substitute the given values in 75−80
the computing formula. Then, z=
7
compute the z-value.
−5
z=
7
z=−0.71
Thus, the z-value that corresponds to the raw score 75 is −¿0.71 in a sample
distribution. This means the score 75 is 0.71 standard deviations below the mean.

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

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

1. Choose the formula to use. x−μ

z=
(For population data) σ

Subject x μ σ
2. Write the given values. Mathematics 90 80 10
English 70 60 8

Mathematics English
x−x x−x
z= z=
σ σ
3. Substitute the given values in 90−80 70−60
the computing formula. Then, z= z=
10 8
compute the z-value. 10 10
z= z=
10 8
z=1 z=1.25

The z-value that corresponds to Liza’s Mathematics raw score of 90 is 1 in a

population distribution. This means the score 90 is 1 standard deviation above the

23
mean. Meanwhile, the z-value that corresponds to her English score of 70 is 1.25.
This means that 70 is 1.25 standard deviations above the mean. Thus, Liza has a
better standing in English compared to Mathematics.

What’s More

Let’s extend your learning!

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

2. Write the given values. μ=30; σ=5 , z=1.30

x=μ+ zσ
3. Substitute the given values in x=30+1.30 (5)
the computing formula. Then, x=30+6.5
compute the raw score ( x ¿. x=36.5

Thus, the raw score when z=1.30 is 36.5.

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

1. Use the computing formula for
finding the z-score for sample
data. You can derive the
formula for easy computation.
2. Write the given values.
3. Substitute the given values in
the computing formula. Then,
compute the raw score ( x ¿.

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

1. Use the computing formula for
finding the z-score for sample
data. You can derive the

24
 formula for easy computation.
2. Write the given values.

3. Substitute the given values in

the computing formula. Then,
compute the raw score ( x ¿.

What I Have Learned

Let’s Summarize!
 The formula for calculating z is:
x−x x−μ
For Sample: z= For Population: z=
s σ
 Z-score or standard score measures how many standard deviation a given
value (x) is above or below the mean.
 If a z-score is equal to 0, it is on the mean. A positive z-score indicates that the
score or observed value is above the mean, whereas a negative z-score
indicates that the score or observed value is below the mean.

What I Can Do

Solve the following problems.

1. Given x=60 ;and s=6, find the z-score that corresponds to each of the following
scores up to two decimal places.
a. x=70 b. x=58
2. Given μ=72 ;and σ =8, find the z-score that corresponds to each of the following
scores up to two decimal places.
a. x=68 b. x=80
3. Alex scored 90 during the first periodic exam in Mathematics and 88 during the
second periodic exam. The scores in first periodic exam have a mean μ=¿83 and
a standard deviation σ =¿ 9. Scores in the second periodic exam have a mean
μ=¿80 and a standard deviation σ =¿ 8. In which periodic exam was his standing
better, assuming that the scores in his periodic exams are normally distributed?
4. On a final examination in Biology, the mean was 75 and the standard deviation
was 12. Determine the standard score of a student who received a score of 60
assuming that the scores are normally distributed.
5. Given: μ=64 , σ =7. What is the raw score when z=−0.76 ?

25
 Lesson
Determining Probabilities
4

What’s In
You have learned about finding the areas under the normal curve. Further,
you also learned how to compute the z-value corresponding to a raw score. You
have also seen that all areas under the normal curve can be shown as probabilities
associated with standard normal variables. In this lesson, you will practice more your
skills in determining areas under the normal curve since computing probabilities is
the same with finding the areas under the normal curve. Recall the suggested steps
in determining areas under the normal curve to compute for probabilities.

What’s New

Determine the area corresponding to the following z-scores.

1. greater than z=2.31
2. less than z=1.20
3. between z=−1.96 and z=2

What is It
Finding the area of a region under the normal curve is the same as finding the
probability associated with that region. Thus, the area under the normal curve
denotes probability. Hence, we could the probability between two z-values by simply
calculating the required area.

Probability Notations
Study the following notations for a random variable used in various solutions
concerning the normal curve. These notations are used in representing probabilities.
Mathematical notations are convenient form of lengthy expressions.
Let a and b be z-score values:

26
  P(a< z< b)denotes the probability that the z-score is between a and b.
It is read as “the probability that the z-score falls between z=aand z=b .”
 P(z >a)denotes the probability that the z-score is greater than a.
It is read as “the probability that the z-score is greater than a.”
 P ( z< a ) denotes the probability that the z-score is less than a.
It is read as “the probability that the z-score is less than a.”
Recall the cases in identifying regions under the curve and the steps on
determining the area under the normal curve.
Example 1: Find the probability that the z-score is less than z=−1.78 .

1. Draw the normal curve and

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

2. Use the z-table to find the areas

that correspond to the given z- z=−1.78 corresponds to an area of 0.4625
value or values.
The graph suggests subtraction.
3. Perform appropriate operations 0.5−0.4625=0.0375
to get the required area, if
needed. That is, P ( z←1.78 )=0.0375 .

4. Write the required area (or Thus, the probability that the z-score is less
probability). than z−1.78 is 0.0375.

Example 2: Find the probability that the z-score is at most z=0.91

1. Draw the normal curve and locate

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

2. Use the z-table to find the areas

that correspond to the given z- z=0.91corresponds to an area of 0.3186
value or values.

27
 The graph suggests subtraction.
3. Perform appropriate operations to 0.3186+ 0.5=0.8186
get the required area, if needed.
That is, P ( z< 0.91 )=0.8186 .

4. Write the required area (or Thus, the probability that the z-score is at
probability). most z−1.78 is 0.8186.

Example 3: Find the probability that the z-score lies between z=1and z=2.

1. Draw the normal curve and

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

2. Use the z-table to find the areas

z=2corresponds to an area of0.4772
that correspond to the given z-
z=1corresponds to an area of0.3413
value or values.
The graph suggests subtraction.
3. Perform appropriate operations 0.4772−0.3413=0.1359
to get the required area, if
needed.
That is, P ( 1< z< 2 )=0.1359 .
4. Write the required area (or The probability that the z-scores lie between
probability). z=1 and z=2 is 0.1359.

What’s More

Let’s extend your learning by applying the concept to a word problem. Letter a is
already done for you. Solve letters b and c.
In a Science test, the mean score is 42 and the standard deviation is 5.
Assuming the scores are normally distributed, what is the probability that the score
is:
1. greater than 48?
1. Convert the raw score of 48 to a z- Given: x=48 , x=42 , s=5
score.
x−x
z=
s
48−42
z=
5

28
 6
z=
5
z=1.2

2. Draw the normal curve and locate

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

3. Use the table and find the area that

corresponds to the computed z- z=1.2corresponds to an area of0.3849
score.
The graph suggests subtraction.
4. Examine the shaded region and 0.5−0.3849=0.1151
make an appropriate operation to
apply, if needed.
That is, P ( z> 1.2 )=0.1151.
The probability that the scores is greater
5. Make a concluding statement.
than 48 is 0.1151.

2. less than 50?

1. Convert the raw score of 50 to a z-
score.

2. Draw the normal curve and locate the

given z-value or values at the base
line of the curve. Then, draw a vertical
line through the given z-value or
values and shade the required region.
3. Use the table and find the area that
corresponds to the computed z-score.

4. Examine the shaded region and make

an appropriate operation to apply, if
needed.

5. Make a concluding statement.

3. between 30 and 48?

1. Convert the raw score of 30 and 48

to a z-score.

2. Draw the normal curve and locate

the given z-value or values at the
base line of the curve. Then, draw a

29
 vertical line through the given z-value
or values and shade the required
region.
3. Use the table and find the area that
corresponds to the computed z-
score.
4. Examine the shaded region and
make an appropriate operation to
apply, if needed.
5. Make a concluding statement.

30
 What I Have Learned

Let’s summarize!
 Finding the area of a region is the same as finding the probability associated
with that region.
 The following are probability notations used to denote probabilities under the
normal curve.
1. P(a< z< b)denotes the probability that the z-score is between a and b.
2. P(z >a)denotes the probability that the z-score is greater than a.
3. P ( z< a ) denotes the probability that the z-score is less than a.

What I Can Do

Find the probabilities of the following:

1. P ( z> 1.36 )
2. P(z <2.45)
3. P(1.2< z <1.4)
4. P(−2.75< z←0.56)
5. P(z >−1.05)

Additional Activities

Solve the given problem.

In a Math test, the mean score is 45 and the standard deviation is 4.
Assuming normality, what is the probability that a score picked at random will lie
a. above score 50?
b. below score 38?
c. between 35 and 53?

31
 Lesson Computing Percentiles Under the
5 Normal Curve

What’s In

You have learned about computing probabilities under the normal curve. You
further learned that a probability value corresponds to an area under the normal
curve. You have determined areas or probabilities given the z-scores or you have
computed the z-score given the raw score, mean and standard deviation and looked
for the area in the z-Table or However, in this lesson the area or probability is given
and you are going to find the corresponding z-score. This is what you do when you
want to determine percentiles and locate them under the normal curve.

What’s New

Often the units for raw test scores are not informative. You might know that
you scored 76 out of 100 on a test but it doesn’t give you much information of what
your score means. Scores are more meaningful if percentile rank is given. What do
you mean by a percentile? If your teacher told you that your score in test is in the
90th percentile. What does it mean?

What is It

What is a percentile?
Percentile is a measure of relative standing. It is the percent of cases that are
at or below a score. It tells you how a value compares to other values. If your teacher
tells you that you scored 90 th percentile, it means that 90% of the grades were lower
than yours and 10% were higher.
In the previous lesson, you learned on how to find the area or probability
under the normal curve given a z-value. Suppose, you know the area or probability
this time, how would you find the corresponding z-score?
When you are given with the area or probability and you want to know the
corresponding z-score, locate the area at the body of the table. If the exact area is
not available, take the nearest area. Then, look up the corresponding z-value.

32
Study the examples below.
Solving the problems does not follow a uniform procedure. You have to
analyze the problem carefully and apply what you have learned about the concepts
involving normal curve.

Example 1: Find the 97.5th percentile of a normal curve.

Finding 97.5th percentile means locating an area below the point. To begin,
find the z-value located at this point.
Solution: Express the 97.5th percentile to decimal to easily find it in the z-table, that
is, 0.9750. We know that 0.9750 occupies more than half of the curve. This occupies
all the area below the mean which is 0.5 or 0.5000 and an area of 0.4750 above the
mean (0.9750−¿0.5000¿0.4750). Then, locate the z-value corresponding to the area
0.4750. The z-value corresponding to the area 0.4750 is z ¿1.96. So, the 97.5th
percentile is z¿1.96.

To illustrate, draw the normal curve. Draw

a line through z=1.96 and shade the region
below it. The shaded region is 97.5% of the
distribution.

Example 2: Find the 90th percentile of a normal curve.

Finding 90th percentile means locating an area below the point. To begin, find
the z-value located at this point.
Solution: Express 90th percentile to decimal to easily find it in the z-table, that is,
0.9000. We know that 0.9000 occupies more than half of the curve. This occupies all
the area below the mean which is 0.5 or 0.5000 and an area of 0.4000 above the
mean (0.9000−¿0.5000¿0.4000). Then, locate the z-value corresponding to the area
0.4000. The z-value corresponding to the area 0.4000 is not found, so take the
nearest area. The nearest area is 0.3997 which corresponds to z ¿1.28. So, the 90th
percentile is z¿1.28.

To illustrate, draw the normal curve. Draw

a line through z=1.28 and shade the region below
it. The shaded region is 90% of the distribution.

33
Example 2: Find the 95th percentile of a normal curve.
Finding 95th percentile means locating an area below the point. To begin, find
the z-value located at this point.
Solution: Express 95th percentile to decimal to easily find it in the z-table, that is,
0.9500. We know that 0.9500 occupies more than half of the curve. This occupies all
the area below the mean which is 0.5 or 0.5000 and an area of 0.4500 above the
mean (0.9500−¿0.5000¿0.4500). Then, locate the z-value corresponding to the area
0.4500. The z-value corresponding to the area 0.4500 is not found, so take the
nearest area. The nearest areas are 0.4495 and 0.4505. Notice that the distances
from 0.4495 to 0.4500 and 0.4505 from 0.4500 are equal, which is 0.0005. So, find
the z-value corresponding to 0.4495 and 0.4505 and get the average. These are z ¿
1.64+1.65
1.64 and z¿1.65. The average of the two z-values is z= =1.645 . Thus, the
2
95th percentile is z¿1.645.

To illustrate, draw the normal curve. Draw

a line through z=1.645 and shade the region
below it. The shaded region is 95% of the
distribution.

What’s More

Let’s extend your learning by applying the concept to a word problem. The
steps and the final answer are provided for you, supply the solutions.
Problem: The results of the final exam in General Mathematics of the 12
sections of Grade 11 are normally distributed with μ=82 and σ =13. What is the
percentile rank of a score of 85?
A percentile rank of 85 means you have to find the percentage of scores
below 85. To find the required area in the z-table, transform 85 to a z-score.
Steps Solution
1. Convert the raw score of 85 to a z-score.
2. Draw the normal curve showing the z-
score.
3. Draw a line through the z-score and shade
the required region.
4. Use the table and find the area that
corresponds to the computed z-score.
5. Examine the shaded region and make an
appropriate operation to apply.
6. Compute the percentile rank of the score.
(Hint: Multiply the probability in decimal by 100

34
 to get the desired percentage.)
The percentile rank of the score
7. Make a concluding statement.
85 in a test is 59.10.
What I Have Learned

Let’s summarize!

 Percentile is a measure of relative standing. It is the percent of cases that are

at or below a score. It tells you how a value compares to other values.
 When you are given with the area or probability and you want to know the
corresponding z-score, locate the area at the body of the table. If the exact
area is not available, take the nearest area. Then, look up the corresponding
z-value.

What I Can Do

Find each of the percentile points and draw the normal curve.
1. Find the 98.5th percentile of the normal curve.
2. Find the 99th percentile of the normal curve.
3. The results of the entrance examination for freshmen are normally distributed
with x=85 and s=12.5. What is the percentile rank of a score of 92?

Additional Activities

Consider the shaded region in the diagram below and answer the following
questions.

1. If the unshaded region is 0.10, what is the area to the left of z ?

2. What does z represent?
3. What is the value of z ?

35
 Assessment

Read each question carefully. Write the letter of the correct answer.
1. The normal probability distribution has the following properties, EXCEPT
A. The width of the curve is determined by the mean of the distribution.
B. The mean, median, and the mode coincide at the center.
C. The curve is symmetrical about its center.
D. The distribution is bell-shaped.

2. Which of the following statements is TRUE?

A. A negative z-score indicates that the score/observed value is above the mean.
B. A positive z-score indicates that the score/observed value is below the mean.
C. The area under the normal curve is 1.
D. The curve touches the base line.

3. Let X be a normally distributed random variable with mean 120 and standard
deviation 8. If x=100, what is the corresponding z-score?
A. −¿2.5 B. 0.25 C. −¿0.25 D. 2.5

4. Given x=¿ 62 and s¿ 8. What is the z-score value that corresponds to the raw
score of 70?
A. −¿1 B. 1 C. −¿2 D. 2

5. What percent of the area under the normal curve is less than z ¿−¿1.78?
A. 96.25% B. 46.25% C. 13.75% D. 3.75%
For numbers 6-9, refer to the problem below.
It is known that the weights of mangoes harvested in a farm are normally
distributed with a mean of 220 grams and a standard deviation of 25 grams.

6. What is the z-score that corresponds to 180 grams?

A. −¿1.60 B. −¿1.70 C. 1.60 D. 1.70

7. What is the z-score that corresponds to 250 grams?

A. −¿1.20 B. −¿3.20 C. 1.20 D. 3.20

8. If a mango is selected at random, what is the probability that its weight lies
between 180 and 250 grams?
A. 0. 8849 B. 0. 8301 C.0. 4452 D. 0. 3849

9. The average monthly salary for a newly hired employee at a bank is ₱20,000. If
the hiring salary at this bank is normally distributed with a standard deviation of
₱2,800, what is the probability that a newly hired employee randomly selected
from a list of receives a monthly salary which is less than ₱16,000?
A. 0.9236 B. 0.8489 C. 0.0764 D. 0.1151

36
For number 10-14, find the area under the normal curve of the following cases.
10. To the left of z¿2.86
A. 0.0021 B. 0.4979 C. 0.5021 D. 0.9979

11. Between z¿ 1.15 and z¿ 2.89

A. 0.1232 B. 0.3749 C. 0.4981 D. 0.8730

12. Between z¿ 0 and z¿ 1.75

A. 0.9959 B. 0.8459 C. 0.4599 D. 0.0401

13. To the left of z¿−¿1.24

A. 0.1075 B. 0.3925 C. 0.6075 D. 0.8925

14. Between z¿−¿1.46 and z¿ 2.15

A. 0.0563 B. 0.4279 C. 0.4842 D. 0.9121
15. The division – wide aptitude test in Mathematics was conducted to students. The
mean of the test is 58 and the standard deviation is 12. The scores also
approximate the normal distribution. What percent of the scores is between 55
and 65?
A. 18.23% B. 31.77% C. 21.90% D. 9.87%

37
 Appendix

https://www.growingknowing.com/GKStatsBookNormalTable1.html

38
References

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

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