Cambridge (CIE) A Level Your notes
Maths: Probability &
Statistics 1
Working with Distributions
Contents
Modelling with Distributions
Normal Approximation of a Binomial Distribution
© 2026 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at [Link] 1
Modelling with Distributions
Your notes
Modelling with Distributions
When should I use a binomial distribution?
A random variable that follows a binomial distribution is a discrete random variable
A binomial distribution is used when the random variable counts something
The number of successful trials
The number of members of a sample that satisfy a criterion (satisfying the criteria
can be seen as a successful trial)
There are four conditions that X must fulfil to follow a binomial distribution
There is a fixed finite number of trials (n)
The trials are independent
There are exactly two outcomes of each trial (success or failure)
The probability of success (p) is constant
When should I use a geometric distribution?
A random variable that follows a geometric distribution is a discrete random variable
A geometric distribution is used when the random variable counts something
The number of trials until a successful trial
The conditions that X must fulfil to follow a geometric distribution are exactly the same
as for a binomial distribution except there is no fixed number of trials
Instead, the trials will continue until the first time a success occurs
When should I use a normal distribution?
A random variable that follows a normal distribution is a continuous random variable
A normal distribution is used when the random variable measures something and the
distribution is:
Symmetrical
Bell-shaped
A normal distribution can be used to model real-life data provided the histogram for this
data is roughly symmetrical and bell-shaped
If the variable is normally distributed then as more data is collected the outline of the
histogram should get smoother and resemble a normal distribution curve
© 2026 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at [Link] 2
Your notes
Can the binomial distribution and the normal distribution be
used in the same question?
Some questions might require you to first use the normal distribution to find the
probability of success and then use the binomial distribution
Remember a discrete distribution is either a binomial or geometric distribution
The key is to make sure you are very clear about what each parameter/variable
represents
Worked Example
In a population of cows, the masses of the cows can be modelled using a normal
distribution with mean 550 kg and standard deviation 80 kg. A farmer classifies cows
as beefy if they weigh more than 700 kg. The farmer takes a random sample of 10
cows and weighs them.
Find the probability that at most one cow is beefy.
Answer:
© 2026 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at [Link] 3
Your notes
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Always state what your variables and parameters represent. Make sure you know
the conditions for when each distribution is (or is not) a suitable model.
© 2026 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at [Link] 4
Normal Approximation of a Binomial Distribution
Your notes
Normal Approximation of Binomial
When can I use a normal distribution to approximate a binomial
distribution?
A binomial distribution X ∼ B(n ,p ) can be approximated by a normal distribution
X N ∼ N(μ ,σ 2) provided
n is large
p is close to 0.5
np > 5
nq > 5 where q = 1 − p
The mean and variance of a binomial distribution can be calculated by:
μ = np
σ 2 = np (1 − p )
Why do we use approximations?
If there are a large number of values for a binomial distribution there could be a lot of
calculations involved and it is inefficient to work with the binomial distribution
© 2026 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at [Link] 5
These days calculators can calculate binomial probabilities so approximations are
no longer necessary
Your notes
However it is easier to work with a normal distribution
You can calculate the probability of a range of values quickly
You can use the inverse normal distribution function (most calculators don't
have an inverse binomial distribution function)
In your exam you must use the formula and not a calculator to find binomial probabilities
so you are limited to small values of n
What are continuity corrections?
The binomial distribution is discrete and the normal distribution is continuous
A continuity correction takes this into account when using a normal approximation
The probability being found will need to be changed from a discrete variable, X, to a
continuous variable, XN
For example, X = 4 for binomial can be thought of as 3 . 5 ≤ X N < 4 . 5 for normal as
every number within this interval rounds to 4
Remember that for a normal distribution the probability of a single value is zero so
P(3 . 5 ≤ X N < 4 . 5) = P(3 . 5 < X N < 4 . 5)
How do I apply continuity corrections?
Think about what is largest/smallest integer that can be included in the inequality for the
discrete distribution and then find its upper/lower bound
P (X = k ) ≈ P (k − 0 . 5 < X N < k + 0 . 5)
P (X ≤ k ) ≈ P (X < k + 0 . 5)
N
You add 0.5 as you want to include k in the inequality
P (X < k ) ≈ P (X < k − 0 . 5)
N
You subtract 0.5 as you don't want to include k in the inequality
P (X ≥ k ) ≈ P (X > k − 0 . 5)
N
You subtract 0.5 as you want to include k in the inequality
P (X > k ) ≈ P (X > k + 0 . 5)
N
You add 0.5 as you don't want to include k in the inequality
For a closed inequality such as P(a < X ≤ b )
Think about each inequality separately and use above
P (X > a ) ≈ P (X N > a + 0 . 5)
© 2026 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at [Link] 6
P (X ≤ b ) ≈ P (X < b + 0 . 5)
N
Combine to give Your notes
P(a + 0 . 5 < X N < b + 0 . 5)
How do I approximate a probability?
STEP 1: Find the mean and variance of the approximating distribution
μ = np
σ 2 = np (1 − p )
STEP 2: Apply continuity corrections to the inequality
STEP 3: Find the probability of the new corrected inequality
Find the standard normal probability and use the table of the normal distribution
The probability will not be exact as it is an approximate but provided n is large and p is
close to 0.5 then it will be a close approximation
To decide if n is large enough and if p is close enough to 0.5 check that:
np > 5
np > 5 where q = 1 − p
Worked Example
The random variable X ∼ B (1250, 0 . 4) .
Use a suitable approximating distribution to approximate P(485 ≤ X ≤ 530) .
Answer:
© 2026 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at [Link] 7
Your notes
Examiner Tips and Tricks
In the exam, the question will often tell you to use a normal approximation but
sometimes you will have to recognise that you should do so for yourself. Look for
the conditions mentioned in this revision note, n is large, p is close to 0.5, np > 5
and nq > 5.
© 2026 Save My Exams, Ltd. Get more and ace your exams at [Link] 8