Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland

Worked solutions
Chapter 9 Continuous random
variables and the normal distribution
Exercise 9.1 Continuous random variables
TF Technology free question

1 Consider the continuous random variable with probability density function:

3 2
 ( x + 4) 0 ≤ x ≤ 1
f ( x ) = 13
0 otherwise

Calculate the following probabilities, correct to 4 decimal places.

(a) P ( X < 0.75 )

Worked solution
0.75
 x3 + 12 x 
(
3 2
)
0.75
∫0 13
x + 4 dx =

 13  0


( 0.75) + 12 × ( 0.75 )
3

=
13
= 0.7248 ( 4 d.p.)

P ( X < 0.75 ) =
0.7248

Answer
0.7248

(b) P ( X < 0.9 )

Worked solution
0.9
 x3 + 12 x 
(
3 2
)
0.9
∫0 13
x + 4 dx =

 13  0


( 0.9 ) + 12 × ( 0.9 )
3

=
13
= 0.8868 ( 4 d.p.)

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
P ( X < 0.9 ) =
0.8868
Answer
0.8868

(c) P ( X > 0.25 )

Worked solution
1
 x3 + 12 x 
(
3 2
)
1
∫0.25 13 x + 4 dx =

 13  0.25


 (1)3 + 12 × (1)   ( 0.25 )3 + 12 × ( 0.25 ) 

=  − 
 13   13 
   
= 0.7680 ( 4 d.p.)

P ( X > 0.25 ) =
0.7680
Answer
0.7680

(d) P ( X > 0.65 )

Worked solution
1
 x3 + 12 x 
(
3 2
)
1
∫0.65 13 x + 4 dx =

 13  0.65


 (1)3 + 12 × (1)   ( 0.65 )3 + 12 × ( 0.65 ) 

=  − 
 13   13 
   
= 0.3789 ( 4 d.p.)

P ( X > 0.65 ) =
0.3789
Answer
0.3789

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
−3 ( x − 1)2 + 2 0 ≤ x ≤ 1
2 ƒ(x) = 
 0 otherwise

Nigel performs the following calculation:

P(X ) = ∫ ( −3x )
1
2
+ 6 x − 1 dx
0
1
= − x3 + 3 x 2 − x 
0

= (
− (1) + 3 (1) − (1) − ( 0 )
3 2
)
=1
Nigel then concludes that the function represents a probability density function. Explain why Nigel is
incorrect.
Worked solution

The integral:

∫ ( −3x )
1 1
2
+ 6 x − 1 dx = − x3 + 3 x 2 − x 
0 0

=1
However, the probability of any event cannot be negative. Because the given function sits
below, not above, the x -axis for some of the given, non-zero domain, the given function is not a
valid probability density function.
Answer
The given function is below the x-axis some of the time, so it is not a valid probability density
function.

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
3 Consider the continuous random variable with probability density function:

15000 ( x − 50 )
 x ≥ 50
f ( x) =  x4
0
 otherwise

Calculate the exact values of the following probabilities.

(a) P ( X < 60 )

Worked solution
60 15000( x − 50) 60  15000 750000 
∫50
=
x4
dx ∫50  3 −
 x x4 
 dx
60
 7500 250000 
=
 − x 2 + x3 
  50
 7500 250000   7500 250000 
=
 − 602 + 603  −  − 502 + 503 
 25 125 
= − + − [ −3 + 2]
 12 108 
−25
= +1
27
2
=
27
2
Therefore, P ( X < 60) =
27
Answer
2
27

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(b) P ( X < 75 )

Worked solution
15000( x − 50)
75
75  7500 250000 
∫50 x 4
dx =
 − x 2 + x3 
  50
 7500 250000 
=  − 752 + 753  + 1
 
 4 16 
= − +  + 1
 3 27 
−20
= +1
27
7
=
27
7
Therefore, P( X < 75) =.
27
Answer
7
27

(c) P ( X > 65 )

Worked solution
∞
∞ 15000( x − 50)  7500 250000 
∫65 x 4
dx =
 − 2 +
 x x 3  65

[0] −  −
7500 250000 
= +
 65
2
653 
 7500 250000 
=−  − +
 65
2
653 
300 2000
= −
169 2197
1900
=
2197
Alternatively, use the complement:

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
P ( X > 65 ) =
1 − P ( X < 65 )
6515000( x − 50)
= 1− ∫ dx
50 x4
65
 7500 250000 
= 1 − − 2 +
 x x 3  50
  7500 250000   7500 250000  
= 1 −  − 2 + − − + 
  65 653   502 503  
 297 
= 1−  
 2197 
1900
=
2197
1900
Therefore, P ( X > 65 ) = .
2197
Answer
1900
2197

(d) P ( X > 99 )

Worked solution
∞
∞ 15000( x − 50)  7500 250000 
∫99 x 4
dx =
 − x 2 + x3 
99

[0] −  −
7500 250000 
= +
 99
2
993 
2500 250000
= −
3267 970299
742500 − 250000
=
970299
492500
=
970299
Alternatively, use P ( X > 99) =
1 − P ( X < 99) and integrate from 50 to 99 .
492500
Therefore, P ( X > 99 ) = .
970 299
Answer
492500
970 299

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
4 A particular continuous random variable has the following probability density function:

1 1
 20 x − 10 2 ≤ x ≤ 6

2 1
f ( x ) =  − x 6 < x ≤ 12
 5 30
0 otherwise



Use technology to calculate the following probabilities, correct to 4 decimal places.

(a) P ( X < 3.5 )

Worked solution
 1 1
P ( X < 3.5 )
3.5
=
2 ∫

 20
x −  dx
10 
= 0.0563 ( 4 d.p.)
Answer
0.0563

(b) P ( X > 9.8 )

Worked solution
2 1 
P ( X > 9.8 )=
12
∫
9.8  5

− x  dx
30 
= 0.0807 ( 4 d.p.)
Answer
0.0807

(c) P ( X < 9.2 )

Worked solution
 1 1
P ( X <=
6)
6
∫


2 20
x −  dx
10 
= 0.4
2 1 
P ( 6 < X < 9.2=
)
9.2
∫
6 5

− x  dx
30 
= 0.4693 ( 4 d.p.)

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
P ( X < 9.2 ) = P ( X < 6 ) + P ( 6 < X < 9.2 )
= 0.4 + 0.4693
= 0.8693 (4 d.p.)
Answer
0.8693

(d) P ( X > 4.6 )

Worked solution
 1 1
P ( 4.6 < X =
< 6)
6
∫ 

4.6 20
x −  dx
10 
= 0.231
2 1 
P ( 6 < X < 12=
)
12
∫6  − x  dx
 5 30 
= 0.6
P ( X > 4.6=
) P ( 4.6 < X < 6 ) + P ( 6 < X < 12 )
= 0.231 + 0.6
= 0.8310 (3 d.p.)
Answer
0.8310

5 Calculate the mean of the continuous random variable with probability density function:

15000 ( x − 50 )
 x ≥ 50
f ( x) =  x4
0
 otherwise

Worked solution
∞ 15000( x − 50)  15000 750000 
∞
∫50
x
x4
= dx ∫50 
 x
2
−
x3 
 dx
∞
 15000 375000 
=  − x + x 2 
50

 15000 375000 
= [ 0] −  − +
 50 502 
= 300 − 150
= 150
The mean is 150 .

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
This is reasonable, because it lies in the interval [50, ∞) .
Answer
150

x
 +k 0≤ x≤6
6 If f ( x ) =  45 defines a probability density function, what is the value of k ?
0 otherwise

1 1 1
A 0 B − C D
10 10 2
Worked solution
6  x 
Solve the equation ∫0  + k  dx =
 45 
1 for k.

6
6  x   x2 
∫0  45   90 + kx 
+ k dx =
0

 62 
=  + k × 6 − ( 0 )
 90 
= 6k + 0.4
6k + 0.4 =
1
6k = 0.6
k = 0.1
1
Therefore, k = .
10
The correct option is C.
Answer
C

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
7 Consider the continuous random variable with probability density function:

 2x
 0≤ x≤5
f ( x ) =  25
0 otherwise

Determine the following probabilities.

(a) P (1.5 < X < 2.5 )

Worked solution
2.5
2.5 2x  x2 
∫1.5 25
dx =  
 25 1.5
2.52 1.52
= −
25 25
4
=
25
= 0.16
Therefore, P (1.5 < X < 2.5) =
0.16 .

Answer
0.16

(b) P ( 2 < X < 4.5 )

Worked solution
4.5
4.5 2x  x2 
∫2 25
dx =  
 25  2
4.52 22
= −
25 25
16.25
=
25
= 0.65
Therefore, P ( 2 < X < 4.5) =
0.65 .

Answer
0.65

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(c) P (1.75 < X < 3.15 )

Worked solution
3.15
3.15 2x  x2 
∫1.75 25
dx =  
 25 1.75
3.152 1.752
= −
25 25
6.86
=
25
= 0.2744
Therefore, P (1.75 < X < 3.15 ) =
0.2744 .
Answer
0.2744

π πx 
 sin   0 ≤ x ≤ 6 , what is P X < 3 ?
TF 8 If f ( x ) = 12  6  ( )
0
 otherwise

A 0.25 B 0.5 C 0.55 D 0.6

Worked solution
3
3 π πx   1  π x 
∫0 12 sin  6 dx = − 2 cos  6  0
1 π  
−  cos   − cos ( 0 ) 
=
2 2 
1
= − ( 0 − 1)
2
1
=
2
Therefore, P ( X < 3) =
0.5 .
The correct option is B.
Answer
B

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
TF 9 Consider the uniform continuous random variable with probability density function:

k 0 ≤ x ≤ 6
f ( x) = 
0 otherwise

(a) Determine the exact value of k .

Worked solution
6k = 1
1
k=
6
Answer
1
k=
6

(b) Calculate P ( X < 3) .

Worked solution
1
Because 3 is halfway between 0 and 6 , P ( X < 3) =.
2
Alternatively:
3
3 1 x
∫0 6
dx =  
 6 0
3 0
= −
6 6
1
=
2
Answer
1
2

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(c) Calculate P ( X < 5 ) .

Worked solution
5 5
Because 5 is of the way between 0 and 6 , P ( X < 5 ) =.
6 6
Alternatively:
5
5 1 x
∫0 6
dx =  
 6 0
5 0
= −
6 6
5
=
6
Answer
5
6

TF 10 Determine the exact value of the median of the continuous random variable with probability density
function:

 sin ( x )
 0≤ x ≤π
f ( x) =  2
0
 otherwise

Worked solution
π π
Because the distribution is symmetric about x = , the median is .
2 2
Alternatively:

sin ( x )  − cos ( x ) 
m
m
∫0 2
dx = 
 2

0
− cos ( m )  − cos ( 0 ) 
= − 
2  2 
1 cos ( m )
= −
2 2
1 cos ( m )
Solve − 0.5 , where 0 < m < π .
=
2 2

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
cos ( m )
=0
2
cos ( m ) = 0

π
Hence, m =
2
Answer
π
2

11 Consider the continuous random variable with probability density function:

3 2

f ( x ) = 13
( )
x + 4 0 ≤ x ≤1
0 otherwise

Calculate the following values, correct to 4 decimal places.

(a) the mean

Worked solution

( x + 4 ) dx=
3 2
∫ 13 ( x
3
+ 4 x ) dx
1 1
∫ x× 3
0 13 0

1
3  x4 
=  + 2x2 
13  4 0
3 1 
=  + 2 − ( 0 )
13  4 
3 9
= ×
13 4
27
=
52
= 0.5192 ( 4 d.p.)
The mean is 0.5192 . This is reasonable, because it is in the interval [0,1] .
Answer
0.5192

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(b) the standard deviation
Worked solution
∞
=
For standard deviation, first find the variance: σ2 ∫−∞
x 2 f ( x)dx − µ 2 .

( x + 4 ) dx=
3 2
∫ 13 ( x
3
+ 4 x 2 ) dx
1 1
∫ x2 × 4
0 13 0

1
3  x5 4 x3 
= +
13  5 3  0
3 1 4 
=  + − ( 0 )
13  5 3 
3 23
= ×
13 15
23
=
65
2
23  27 
σ=
2
− 
65  52 
1139
=
13520

1139
σ=
13520
= 0.2903 ( 4 d.p.)
The standard deviation is 0.2903 .
Check: 5 × σ ≈ 1.5 and the range is 1 − 0 =
1 , so the value is reasonable.
Answer
0.2903

12 Calculate the median, correct to 4 decimal places, of the continuous random variable with probability
density function:

3 2

f ( x ) = 13
(
x + 4 0 ≤ x ≤1)
0 otherwise

Worked solution

( x − 4 ) dx =
3 2
m
Let m be the median, then solve ∫ 0 13
0.5 .

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
m
3  x3 
(
3 2
)
m
∫0 13
x + 4 dx = 
13  3
+ 4x
0
3  m3 
=  + 4m − ( 0 ) 
13  3 
3  m3 
=  + 4m 
13  3 
3  m3 
 + 4m  =
0.5
13  3 
m3 13
+ 4m =
3 6
2m + 24m − 13 =
3
0
Using technology: m = 0.5293 ( 4 d.p.) .

The median is 0.5293 .

This is reasonable, because it is in the interval [ 0,1] .
Answer
0.5293

13 Calculate the median of the continuous random variable with probability density function:

15000 ( x − 50 )
 x ≥ 50
f ( x) =  x4
0
 otherwise

Worked solution
m 15000 ( x − 50 )
Let m be the median, then solve ∫
50 x4
dx = 0.5 .

15000 ( x − 50 )
m  15000 750000 
m
∫50 x4
= dx ∫50 
 x
3
−
x4 
 dx
m
 7500 250000 
= − x 2 + x3 
50

 7500 250000   7500 250000 

= − 2 + − − +
 m m3   502 503 
 7500 250000 
= − 2 + − [ −3 + 2]
 m m3 
 7500 250000 
=  − m 2 + m3  + 1

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland

 7500 250000 
 − m 2 + m3  + 1 =0.5

7500 250000
− =
0.5
m2 m3
7500m − 250000 =
0.5m3
m3 − 15000m + 500000 =
0
From technology: m = 100 , 36.60 or −136.60 .
The median is 100 as this is the only solution in the interval [50, ∞) .
Answer
100

14 In the javelin competition at the primary school’s athletics carnival, it is found that the distance that
the javelin is thrown, s metres, is a continuous random variable with probability density function:

 1

f ( s ) =  486
( )
81 − s 2 0 ≤ s ≤ 9
0 otherwise

Calculate the following, giving your answers correct to 3 decimal places where necessary.

(a) the mean distance the javelin is thrown

Worked solution
∞
µ = ∫ xf ( x )dx
−∞

1
( ) ds 1
( 81s − s 3 ) ds
9 9
∫0
s×
486
81 − s 2 = ∫0 486
9
1  81s 2 s 4 
= − 
486  2 4 0
1  81 × 92 94 
=  − − ( 0)
486  2 4 
= 3.375
The mean distance the javelin is thrown is 3.375 m .
This is reasonable, because 3.375 is in the interval [0, 9].
Answer
3.375 m

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(b) the standard deviation for the distance the javelin is thrown
Worked solution
∞
=
For standard deviation, first find the variance: σ2 ∫
−∞
x 2 f ( x )dx − µ 2 .

1
( ) ds 1
( 81s 2 − s 4 ) ds
9 9
∫ s2 × 81 − s= ∫
2
0 486 0 486
9
1  81s 3 s 5 
= − 
486  3 5 0
1  81 × 93 95 
=  − − ( 0)
486  3 5 
= 16.2
σ 2 16.2 − 3.3752
=
= 4.809375
σ = 4.8094
= 2.193 ( 3 d.p.)
The standard deviation for the distance the javelin is thrown is 2.193 m .
Check: 5 × σ ≈ 11 and the range is 9 − 0 =9 , so the value is reasonable.
Answer
2.193 m

(c) the median distance the javelin is thrown

Worked solution
1
( )
m
Let m be the median, then solve ∫0 486
81 − s 2 ds =
0.5 .

m
1  s3 
1
( )
m
∫0 486
81 − s 2 ds= 
486 
81s − 
3 0
1  m3 
= 81m − − ( 0 )
486  3 
1  m3 
= 81m − 
486  3 

1  m3 
81m − =0.5
486  3 
m3
81m − =
243
3
m3 − 243m + 729 =
0

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
Using technology: m = 3.126 ( 3 d.p.) , 13.789 ( 3 d.p.) or −16.915 ( 3 d.p.) .

Therefore, m = 3.126 because this is the only solution in the interval [0,9] .
The median distance the javelin is thrown is 3.126 m .
Answer
3.126 m

15 Let the time, X minutes, of a telephone conversation be represented by the following continuous
random variable with probability density function:

Ce − 10 x ≥ 0
x

f ( x) = 
0 otherwise

(a) Determine the value of C , as a fraction.

Worked solution
The area under the graph must be 1 for a probability distribution.
x
∞ −
∫ 0
Ce 10
dx = 1
∞
 − 
x

 −10Ce  =
10
1
 0
−10C [ 0 − 1] =
1
1
C=
10
Answer
1
C=
10

(b) Determine the following probabilities, correct to 4 decimal places.

(i) P ( X < 2.5)

Worked solution
2.5
2.5 1 −10x  −10x 
∫0 10
e dx =  −e 
 0
= −  e −0.25 − 1
= 0.2212 ( 4 d.p.)

P ( X < 2.5) =
0.2212

Copyright © Pearson Australia 2019 (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) ISBN 978 1 4886 2142 0 Page 19
 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
Therefore, the probability of a call lasting less than 2.5 minutes is 0.2212.
Answer
0.2212
(ii) P ( X > 6.4 )

Worked solution
∞
∞ 1 −10x  −10x 
∫6.4 10 e dx =  −e 
  6.4
= − 0 − e −0.64 
= 0.5273 ( 4 d.p.)

P ( X > 6.4 ) =
0.5273
Therefore, the probability of a call lasting more than 6.4 minutes is 0.5273.
Answer
0.5273
(iii) P (2 < X < 7)

Worked solution
7
7 1 −10x  −10x 
∫2 10 e dx =  −e 
 2
= −  e −0.7 − e −0.2 
= 0.3221 ( 4 d.p )

P ( 2 < X < 7) =
0.3221
Therefore, the probability of a call lasting between 2 and 7 minutes is 0.3221.
Answer
0.3221

(c) Use technology to calculate E ( X ) and Var ( X ) .

Worked solution
Using technology:
∞ x − 10x
µ=∫ e dx
0 10
= 10
The expected duration of a telephone call is E ( X ) = 10 minutes.

Copyright © Pearson Australia 2019 (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) ISBN 978 1 4886 2142 0 Page 20
 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland

x 2 − 10x
( )
∞
− µ2
E X 2= ∫0 10e dx − 100
= 200 − 100
= 100
The variance in call time, Var ( X ) = 100 minutes.

Answer
E ( X ) = 10 , Var (X) = 100

(d) Calculate and interpret P ( X < E ( X ) ) as a percentage, correct to 2 decimal places.

Worked solution
10
10 1 −10x  −10x 
∫0 10
e dx =  −e 
 0
= − e −1 − 1
= 0.6321( 4 d.p.)

P ( X < E ( X )) =
0.6321

The probability of a call lasting less than the average call time of 10 minutes is 0.6321. That is,
63.21% of all calls are shorter than the average call time of 10 minutes.
Answer
63.21% of all calls are shorter than the average call time of 10 minutes.

16 A physical therapist uses a practical test to determine the reaction times of her patients. From
experience, she has determined that the reaction time, t seconds, can be modelled by the following
continuous random variable with probability density function:

  1   5 2 1 5
k  t −   − t  ≤x≤
f (t ) =   4   4  4 4
0
 otherwise

Calculate the following, giving your answers correct to 3 decimal places where necessary.

(a) the value of k

Worked solution
2
 1  5 
5
Solve: ∫1
4
4
k  t −   − t  dt =
 4  4 
1

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
Use technology or expand and integrate:
2
 1  5   11 35 25 
k  t −   − t  = k  t3 − t2 + t − 
 4  4   4 16 64 
1.25
 t 4 11t 3 35t 2 25t 
k − + − =
64  0.25
1
 4 12 32
  625 1375 875 125   1 11 35 25  
k − + −  − − + −  = 1
 1024 768 512 256  1024 768 512 256  
k
=1
12
k = 12
Answer
k = 12

(b) the mean and median reaction times

Worked solution
2
 1  5 
5
µ= ∫
1
4
4
12t  t −   − t  dt
 4  4 
Use technology or expand and integrate:
1.25  11 35 25   4
1.25 105 2 75 
∫0.25
12t  t 3 − t 2 + t − =
 4 16
 dt
64  ∫0.25 

12t − 33t 3 +
4
t − t  dt
16 
1.25
12t 5 33t 4 35t 3 75t 2 
=  − + −
 5 4 4 32  0.25
625  203 
= −− 
1024  5120 
13
=
20
= 0.65
The mean reaction time is 0.65 s .
m  11 35 25 
To calculate median reaction time, first solve ∫1
4
12  t 3 − t 2 + t −  dt = 0.5 for m:
 4 16 64 

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
m  3 105 75 
∫0.25 

12t − 33t 2 +
4
t −  dt
16 
m
 105t 2 75t 
= 3t 4 − 11t 3 + −
 8 16  0.25

105m 2 75m  105 ( 0.25 ) 75 ( 0.25 ) 

2

= 3m − 11m + − −  3 ( 0.25 ) − 11( 0.25 ) + − 

4 3 4 3

8 16  8 16 
 
2
105m 75m 131
= 3m 4 − 11m3 + − +
8 16 256
105m 2 75m 131
Solve for m: 3m 4 − 11m3 + − + =
0.5
8 16 256
Technology gives m = 0.636 ( 3 d.p.) as the only reasonable value.

The median reaction time is 0.636 s .

The mean and median values found, seem to be reasonable as they are in the interval
[0.25,1.25] .
Answer
mean: 0.65 s ; median: 0.636 s

(c) the proportion of patients who react in the following periods of time (use technology for this
question)
(i) less than one second

Worked solution
Using technology:
2
1  1  5 
∫14 12  t − 4  − t  dt =
 4 
0.949 219

= 0.949 ( 3 d.p.)

The proportion of patients who react in less the one second is 0.949 .
Answer
0.949
2 4
(ii) between and of a second
5 5

Worked solution
2
4
 1  5 
0.649 ( 3 d.p.)
∫25 12  t − 4   4 − t  dt =
5

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
2 4
The proportion of patients who react in between and of a second is 0.649 .
5 5
Answer
0.649
3
(iii) longer than of a second
4

Worked solution
2
5
 1  5 
0.313 ( 3 d.p.)
∫43 12  t − 4   4 − t  dt =
4

3
The proportion of patients who take longer than of a second to react is 0.313 .
4
Answer
0.313

17 Consider the function f whose graph is shown below.

(a) Demonstrate that the function could be used to represent a probability density function. Explain
your answer using mathematical reasoning.
Worked solution
ƒ(x) is a probability density function because it satisfies the two properties ƒ(x) ≥ 0 on  and
∞
∫−∞
f ( x)dx = 1 .

By inspection, the graph of ƒ(x) is on or above the x -axis, hence f ( x) ≥ 0 .

∞
Check ∫−∞
f ( x)dx by calculating the area of ∆AOP .

1 1
Area under the graph is: bh = × 1× 2 = 1 .
2 2

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
Answer
ƒ(x) is on or above the x-axis, hence f ( x) ≥ 0 and the area under the graph is 1, so
∞
∫ f ( x ) dx = 1 .
−∞

(b) Specify the rule of f .

Worked solution
2 
OP passes through the points ( 0, 0 ) and  , 2  , so its slope is:
3 
2−0
mOP =
3 −0
2

=3
The y -intercept is c = 0 .
The equation of the line segment OP is y = 3 x .

2 
AP passes through the points  , 2  and (1, 0 ) , so its slope is:
3 
2−0
mAP =
3 −1
2

2
=
− 13
= −6
The equation of the line segment AP is y =−6 x + c .

Substitute the point (1, 0 ) into the equation y =−6 x + c .

0 =−6 + c
c=6
The equation of the line segment AP is y =−6 x + 6 .
For all other values of x (i.e. x < 0 and x > 1 ), f ( x ) = 0 .

Define f ( x ) as a piece-wise function.

Answer
 2
3 x 0≤ x≤
3

f ( x ) = −6 x + 6
2
< x ≤1
3

0 otherwise

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
2
Alternative answers could include 0, , 1 in any of the adjacent regions.
3

 2  2
(c) Calculate P  X <  and P  X >  using the areas of the triangles.
 3  3

Worked solution
Area OP :
 2
P X <  = Area ∆
 3
1
= bh
2
1 2
= × ×2
2 3
2
=
3
Area AP :
 2 1 1 1 1
P  X >  = Area ∆ = bh = × × 2 =
 3 2 2 3 3
 2  2
Note that: P  X <  + P  X >  =
1
 3  3
Answer
 2 2  2 1
P X <  = , P X >  =
 3 3  3 3

 2  2
(d) Calculate P  X <  and P  X >  using integration. Comment on the results from parts (c)
 3  3
and (d).
Worked solution
Determine the relevant definite integral over the appropriate interval.
 2 2 
The intervals required are 0,  and  ,1 .
 3 3 

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
Use the formula:
 2
f ( x ) dx
2

∫
P X <  =
3

 3 0

= ∫ 3x dx
3

0
2

 3x 2  3
= 
 2 0
2
=
3
 2 1
f ( x ) dx
3  ∫23
P X >  =


∫ ( −6 x + 6 ) dx
1
= 2
3

1
= −3 x + 6 x  23
2

 4 
=−3 + 6 −  − + 4 
 3 
1
=
3
Answer
 2 2  2 1
P  X <  =and P  X >  =
 3 3  3 3
Regardless of the method used (triangles or integration), the answers should be the same.

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland

1 5
(e) Calculate P  < X <  , using integration.
2 6

Worked solution
1 5
f ( x ) dx
5

P < X <  =∫
6

 
1
2 6 2

3 x dx + ∫2 ( −6 x + 6 ) dx
2 5

= ∫
3 6

1
2 3
2

 3x 2  3
5

=   + 
 −3 x 2
+ 6 x 

6

 2  12
2
3

2 3  25   4 
= − +  − + 5 −  − + 4
3 8  12   3 
7 35 8
= + −
24 12 3
13
=
24
Answer
1 5  13
P < X <  =
2 6  24

18 Consider the probabilities that a train is late, given by the table below.

Minutes late 0− < 2 2− < 4 4− < 6 6− < 8 8− < 10

Probability 0.1 0.3 0.34 0.2 0.06

The probability distribution function is to be modelled by a quadratic equation using the same limits as
the table.

(a) Determine an appropriate function in piece-wise form.

Worked solution
=
Let the equation be y ax ( x − 10 ) , where 0 ≤ x ≤ 10 and the value of a is negative.

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland

ax ( x − 10 ) dx = ∫ ( ax )
10 10
∫ − 10ax dx
2
0 0
10
a 
=  x 3 − 5ax 2 
3 0
1000a
= − 5a (100 ) − 0
3
500a
= −
3
The total probability must be 1 , therefore:
500a
− = 1
3
3
a= −
500
a = −0.006
This gives the probability density function as:
−0.006 x ( x − 10 ) 0 ≤ x ≤ 10
f ( x) = 
0 otherwise
Answer
−0.006 x ( x − 10 ) 0 ≤ x ≤ 10
A possible function is f ( x ) = 
0 otherwise

(b) Analyse the suitability of your model by comparing the probability values predicted by the
model with the actual probability values.
Worked solution
Model values:

∫ ( −0.006 x )
2 2
2
 −0.002 x 3 + 0.03 x 2 
+ 0.06 x dx =
0 0

−0.002 ( 2 ) + 0.03 ( 2 ) − 0
3 2
=
= 0.104

∫ ( −0.006 x )
4
2
+ 0.06 x dx
2
4
 −0.002 x 3 + 0.03 x 2 
=
2

−0.002 ( 4 ) + 0.03 ( 4 ) − −0.002 ( 2 ) + 0.03 ( 2 )

=
3 2
( 3 2
)
= 0.248

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland

∫ ( −0.006 x )
6
2
+ 0.06 x dx
4
6
 −0.002 x 3 + 0.03 x 2 
=
4
3 2
(
=−0.002 ( 6 ) + 0.03 ( 6 ) − −0.002 ( 4 ) + 0.03 ( 4 )
3 2
)
= 0.296

∫ ( −0.006 x )
8
2
+ 0.06 x dx
6
8
 −0.002 x 3 + 0.03 x 2 
=
6
3 2
(
=−0.002 ( 8 ) + 0.03 ( 8 ) − −0.002 ( 6 ) + 0.03 ( 6 )
3 2
)
= 0.248
And, from symmetry:

∫ ( −0.006 x )
10
2
+ 0.06 x dx =
0.104
8

The values calculated by this model are shown with the actual probabilities:

Minutes late 0− < 2 2− < 4 4− < 6 6− < 8 8− < 10

Probability 0.1 0.3 0.34 0.2 0.06

Calculated probability 0.104 0.248 0.296 0.248 0.104

The model is symmetrical, where the original had lower values to the right.
The model shares the probability more evenly, so it has a lower peak, and higher values at the
extreme.
Answer
Minutes late 0− < 2 2− < 4 4− < 6 6− < 8 8− < 10

Probability 0.1 0.3 0.34 0.2 0.06

Calculated probability 0.104 0.248 0.296 0.248 0.104

The model is symmetrical where the original had lower values to the right.
The model shares the probability more evenly, so has a lower peak, and higher values at the
extreme.

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(c) Determine the model’s prediction for the probability that the train is less than 3 minutes late.

Worked solution

∫ ( −0.006 x + 0.06 x ) dx =
3 3
2
 −0.002 x 3 + 0.03x 2 
0 0

−0.002 ( 3) + 0.03 ( 3) − 0
=
3 2

= 0.216
Therefore, P ( train is less than 3 minutes late ) = 0.216 .

This seems reasonable, because the actual values give the value as lying between 0.1 and
0.1 + 0.3 =
0.4 .
Answer
0.216

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland

Worked solutions
Chapter 9 Continuous random
variables and the normal distribution
Exercise 9.2 The normal distribution

1 The annual rainfall, X mm , in the town of Dry Gulch is such that X ~ N ( 500,10 000 ) .

(a) Calculate each of the following probabilities, correct to 4 decimal places.

(i) P ( X < 490 mm )

Worked solution
µ = 500
σ = 10000
= 100
Using 0 as the lower bound, and 490 as the upper bound, technology gives the following
results:
P ( X < 490 mm ) =
0.4602 ( 4 d.p.)

Answer
0.4602
(ii) P ( X < 450 mm )

Worked solution
µ = 500 , σ = 100
Using 0 as the lower bound, and 450 as the upper bound, technology gives the following
results:
P ( X < 450 mm ) =
0.3085 ( 4 d.p.)

Answer
0.3085

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(iii) P ( X < 250 mm )

Worked solution
µ = 500 , σ = 100
Using 0 as the lower bound, and 250 as the upper bound, technology gives the following
results:
P ( X < 250 mm ) =
0.0062 ( 4 d.p.)

Answer
0.0062

(b) Determine the probability that in a particular year the rainfall was within each of the following
ranges. Give your answers correct to 4 decimal places.

(i) P ( 250 < X < 400 )

Worked solution
µ = 500 , σ = 100
Using 250 as the lower bound and 400 as the upper bound, technology gives the following
results:
P ( 250 < X < 400 ) =
0.1524 ( 4 d.p.)

Answer
0.1524
(ii) P ( 450 < X < 650 )

Worked solution
µ = 500 , σ = 100
Using 450 as the lower bound and 650 as the upper bound, technology gives the following
results:
P ( 450 < X < 650 ) =
0.6247 ( 4 d.p.)

Answer
0.6247
(iii) P ( 250 < X < 650 )

Worked solution
µ = 500 , σ = 100

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
Using 250 as the lower bound and 650 as the upper bound, technology gives the following
results:
0.9270 ( 4 d.p.)
P ( 250 < X < 650 ) =

Answer
0.9270

TF 2 X ~ N (10, 4 )

(a) Determine the range of x -values in which you would expect to find the middle 68% .
Worked solution
µ = 10
σ= 4
=2
( µ − σ , µ + σ ) = (10 − 2,10 + 2 )
= ( 8,12 )
The range of x -values in which you would expect to find the middle 68% is 8 to 12 .
Answer
8 to 12

(b) Determine the range of x -values in which you would expect to find the middle 95% .
Worked solution
µ = 10 , σ = 2
( µ − 2σ , µ + 2σ )= (10 − 2 × 2,10 + 2 × 2 )
=(10 − 4,10 + 4 )
= ( 6,14 )
The range of x -values in which you would expect to find the middle 95% is 6 to 14 .
Answer
6 to 14

(c) Determine the range of x -values in which you would expect to find the middle 99.7% .
Worked solution
µ = 10 , σ = 2

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland

( µ − 3σ , µ + 3σ )= (10 − 3 × 2,10 + 3 × 2 )
=(10 − 6,10 + 6 )
= ( 4,16 )
The range of x -values in which you would expect to find the middle 99.7% is 4 to 16 .
Answer
4 to 16

3 The graph represents a continuous random variable that has a normal distribution.

(a) The distribution is best represented by which of the following?

A N (14, 26 ) B N ( 20,3) C N ( 26,12 ) D N ( 20,9 )

Worked solution
14 + 26
The mean is = 20 and the value 26 is two standard deviations above the mean.
2
26 − 20
So the standard deviation is = 3.
2

( )
Therefore the distribution N µ , σ 2 can be represented by N 20, ( 3) . ( 2
)
The random variable is distributed as N ( 20,9 ) .
The correct option is D.
Answer
D

(b) Explain the common error made by a student who chose the second incorrect option.
Worked solution
The second incorrect option is B: N ( 20,3) .

σ = 3, σ2 = 9
The student has given N ( µ , σ ) instead of N µ , σ 2 . ( )
Answer
The student has given N ( µ , σ ) instead of N µ , σ 2 . ( )

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
4 Determine the following probabilities, correct to 4 decimal places.

(a) Given X ~ N ( 50,100 ) , calculate P ( 62 < X < 70 ) .

Worked solution
Solve using these values:
µ = 50
σ = 100
= 10
lower bound = 62
upper bound = 70
P ( 62 < X < 70 ) =
0.0923 ( 4 d.p.)

Answer
0.0923

(b) Given X ~ N ( 65,81) , calculate P ( 53 < X < 72 ) .

Worked solution
Solve using these values:
µ = 65
σ = 81
=9
lower bound = 53
upper bound = 72
0.6904 ( 4 d.p.)
P ( 53 < X < 72 ) =

Answer
0.6904

(c) Given X ~ N ( 2,0.25) , calculate P (1.6 < X < 2.7 ) .

Worked solution
Solve using these values:
µ=2
σ = 0.25
= 0.5
lower bound = 1.6

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
upper bound = 2.7
0.7074 ( 4 d.p.)
P (1.6 < X < 2.7 ) =

Answer
0.7074

(d) Given X ~ N ( 5,0.09 ) , calculate P ( 4.5 < X < 5.6 ) .

Worked solution
Solve using these values:
µ =5
σ = 0.09
= 0.3
lower bound = 4.5
upper bound = 5.6
P ( 4.5 < X < 5.6 ) =
0.9295 ( 4 d.p.)

Answer
0.9295

(e) Given X ~ N (16,16 ) , calculate P (17 < X < 22 ) .

Worked solution
Solve using these values:
µ = 16
σ = 16
=4
lower bound = 17
upper bound = 22
P (17 < X < 22 ) =
0.3345 ( 4 d.p.)

Answer
0.3345

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(f) Given X ~ N ( 25, 25) , calculate P (19 < X < 24 ) .

Worked solution
Solve using these values:
µ = 25
σ = 25
=5
lower bound = 19
upper bound = 24
P (19 < X < 24 ) =
0.3057 ( 4 d.p.)

Answer
0.3057

TF 5 Given that X is normally distributed with a mean of 100 and a variance of 16 , which of the following
graphs correctly represents the distribution?

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
D

Worked solution
68% of values lie within ( µ − σ , µ + σ ) , so 96 to 104 .

95% of values lie within ( µ − 2σ , µ + 2σ ) , so 92 to 108 .

99.7% of values lie within ( µ − 3σ , µ + 3σ ) , so 88 and 112 .

B, where 68% of values lie between 96 and 104 , is correct.

Answer
B

TF 6 The marks, X , obtained by students in an examination were normally distributed with a mean of 85
and a standard deviation of 4 . If the top 2.5% of students received a prize, what was the minimum
score to receive a prize?
Worked solution
Because 95% of the scores are within two standard deviations of the mean, 2.5% are above the
mean plus two standard deviations.
µ + 2σ = 85 + 2 × 4
= 93
The minimum score to receive a prize is 93 .
Answer
93

7 Determine the following probabilities, correct to 4 decimal places.

(a) Given X ~ N ( 5,1) , calculate P ( X < 6.5 ) .

Worked solution
Use technology where:
µ =5
σ= 1
=1
lower bound = −10 000

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
upper bound = 6.5
P ( X < 6.5 ) =
0.9332 ( 4 d.p.)

Answer
0.9332

(b) Given X ~ N (12,9 ) , calculate P ( X < 13.2 ) .

Worked solution
Use technology where:
µ = 12
σ= 9
=3
lower bound = −10 000
upper bound = 13.2
P ( X < 13.2 ) =
0.6554 ( 4 d.p.)

Answer
0.6554

(c) Given X ~ N (10, 4 ) , calculate P ( X > 7.5 ) .

Worked solution
Use technology where:
µ = 10
σ= 4
=2
lower bound = 7.5
upper bound = 10 000
P ( X > 7.5 ) =
0.8944 ( 4 d.p.)

Answer
0.8944

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(d) Given X ~ N ( 4,1) , calculate P ( X > 3.5 ) .

Worked solution
Use technology where:
µ=4
σ= 1
=1
lower bound = 3.5
upper bound = 10 000
P ( X > 3.5 ) =
0.6915 ( 4 d.p.)

Answer
0.6915

8 The daily maximum temperature, X°C, during December at the Solaris resort follows a normal
distribution with a mean of 29°C and a variance of 12. Determine the probability that on any particular
day during December, the maximum temperature meets the following conditions. Give your answers
correct to 4 decimal places.

(a) The maximum temperature is above 36°C.

Worked solution
X ~ N ( 29,12 )

µ = 29 , σ = 12
lower bound = 36
upper bound = 10 000
P ( X > 36 ) =
0.0217 ( 4 d.p.)

The probability that the maximum temperature is above 36°C is 0.0217 .

Answer
0.0217

(b) The maximum temperature is between 25°C and 35°C.

Worked solution
µ = 29 , σ = 12
Assume the temperature values are actual, not rounded to the nearest degree.
lower bound = 25
upper bound = 35

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
P ( 25 < X < 35) =
0.8343 ( 4 d.p.)

The probability that the maximum temperature is between 25°C and 35°C is 0.8343 .
Answer
0.8343

(c) If quoted temperatures are rounded correct to the nearest degree, calculate the following
probabilities assuming rounded values.
(i) The maximum temperature is above 36°C .

Worked solution
To be quoted as above 36°C , the temperature would be quoted as 37°C or more.
Hence, the lowest actual temperature would be 36.5°C .
µ = 29 , σ = 12
lower bound = 36.5
upper bound = 10 000
P ( X > 36.5) =
0.0152 ( 4 d.p.)

The probability that the maximum temperature is quoted above 36°C is 0.0152 .
Answer
0.0152
(ii) The maximum temperature is between 25°C and 35°C inclusive.

Worked solution
To be quoted as between 25°C and 35°C inclusive, the actual temperature would be between
24.5°C and 35.5°C .
µ = 29 , σ = 12
lower bound = 24.5
upper bound = 35.5
P ( 24.5 < X < 35.5) =
0.8727 ( 4 d.p.)

The probability that the maximum temperature is quoted between 25°C and 35°C inclusive is
0.8727 .
Answer
0.8727

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
9 Statzone potato chips are packed by two different machines. Machine A fills the packets following a
normal distribution with a mean of 100 g and a standard deviation of 3 g. Machine B fills the packets
following the normal distribution N (104, 16).

(a) Between what values would you expect to find the middle 68% of packets for:
(i) machine A?

Worked solution
µ = 100
σ =3
( µ − σ , µ + σ ) = (100 − 3,100 + 3)
= ( 97,103)
68% of the packets produced by machine A should have masses between 97 g and 103 g .
Answer
97 g and 103 g
(ii) machine B?

Worked solution
µ = 104
σ =4
( µ − σ , µ + σ ) = (104 − 4,104 + 4 )
= (100,108)
68% of the packets produced by machine B should have masses between 100 g and 108 g .
Answer
100 g and 108 g

(b) Between what values would you expect to find the middle 95% of packets for:
(i) machine A?

Worked solution
µ = 100
σ =3
( µ − 2σ , µ + 2σ=) (100 − 2 × 3,100 + 2 × 3)
=(100 − 6,100 + 6 )
= ( 94,106 )

95% of the chip packets produced by machine A should have masses between 94 g and 106 g .

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
Answer
94 g and 106 g
(ii) machine B?

Worked solution
µ = 104
σ =4
( µ − 2σ , µ + 2σ=) (104 − 2 × 4,104 + 2 × 4 )
=(104 − 8,104 + 8)
= ( 96,112 )

95% of the chip packets produced by machine B should have masses between 96 g and 112 g .
Answer
96 g and 112 g

(c) Between what values would you expect to find the middle 99.7% of packets for:
(i) machine A?

Worked solution
µ = 100
σ =3
( µ − 3σ , µ + 3σ=) (100 − 3 × 3,100 + 3 × 3)
=(100 − 9,100 + 9 )
= ( 91,109 )

99.7% of the chip packets produced by machine A should have masses between 91 g and
109 g .
Answer
91 g and 109 g
(ii) machine B?

Worked solution
The mean is 104 and the standard deviation is 4 .
( µ − 3σ , µ + 3σ=) (104 − 3 × 4,104 + 3 × 4 )
= (104 − 12,104 + 12 )
= ( 92,116 )

99.7% of the chip packets produced by machine B should have masses between 92 g and
116 g .

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
Answer
92 g and 116 g

(d) If you bought a packet of the chips, which machine would you prefer to have packed it? Explain
your answer in terms of average quantity and consistency.
Worked solution
The average mass of chips in bags produced by machine A is 100 g and the average mass of
chips in bags produced by machine B is 104 g . So the preference would be for bags of chips
produced by machine B with, on average, 4 g more. Most bags produced by machine A are
between 91 g and 109 g , whereas most bags produced by machine B are between 92 g and
116 g , so you might choose machine A for more consistent amounts.
Answer
Machine B is preferable, producing on average a mass 4 g higher. You might prefer machine A
if you want less variability.

TF 10 The time taken by all

competitors to finish the 50 m freestyle at the school swimming carnival, X s ,
was found to follow a normal distribution where X ~ N ( 45,9 ) . Calculate the following values.

(a) the time range in which you would expect to find the middle 95% of the results
Worked solution
µ = 45
σ2 =9
σ= 9
=3

( µ − 2σ , µ + 2σ )= ( 45 − 2 × 3, 45 + 2 × 3)
=( 45 − 6, 45 + 6 )
= ( 39,51)

95% of the results should be between 39 and 51 seconds.

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
Answer
39 to 51 seconds

(b) the percentage of students you would expect to take more than 48 seconds
Worked solution
µ = 45 , σ =3

= 45 + 3
48
= µ +σ
So 48 seconds is one standard deviation above the mean.
68% lie within one standard deviation, so 32% lie outside this range.
You are only interested in one side of this, so 16% lie above 48 .
16% of students should take more than 48 seconds.
Answer
16%

(c) the percentage of students you would expect to take less than 36 seconds
Worked solution
µ = 45 , σ =3

= 45 − 9
36
= µ − 3σ
So 36 seconds is three standard deviations below the mean.
99.7% lie within three standard deviations, so 0.3% lie outside this range.

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
You are only interested in one side of this, so 0.15% lie below 36 .
0.15% of students should take less than 36 seconds .

Answer
0.15%

TF 11 The height, X cm , of a population is known to be distributed as X ~ N (170,81) .

(a) What percentage of the population is expected to be found in the range 152 − 188 cm ?
Worked solution

Because the mean is 170 and the standard deviation is 9 , the range 152–188 is within two
standard deviations to either side of the mean.
So it follows that 95% of the population is expected to have heights in the range 152 − 188 cm .
Answer
95%

(b) What percentage of the population is expected to be taller than 197 cm ?

Worked solution

197= 170 + 3 × 9 , so 197 is three standard deviations greater than the mean.
Because 99.7% of the population is expected to be within three standard deviations of the
mean, it follows that 0.15% would be more than three standard deviations greater than the
mean.
The percentage of the population expected to be taller than 197 cm is 0.15% .

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
Answer
0.15%

(c) What percentage of the population is expected to be shorter than 170 cm ?

Worked solution

Because half of the population is shorter than 170 cm and half is taller, 50% are expected to be
shorter than 170 cm .
Answer
50%

(d) What percentage of the population is expected to have heights in the range 161–197 cm ?
Worked solution

Because 68% of the population is within one standard deviation to either side of the mean, it
follows that 34% is within one standard deviation below the mean.
Similarly, 49.85% of the population is within three standard deviations above the mean.
34 + 49.85 = 83.85%
The percentage of the population expected to have heights in the range 161–197 cm is 83.85% .
Answer
83.85%

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
12 The mass, M g, of a batch of commemorative coins is such that M ~ N (50, 9). Each coin is checked
before packaging, and a coin will be rejected if its mass is less than 47 g. What percentage of coins
should you expect to be rejected?
Worked solution

Because 47 g is one standard deviation below the mean and 68% of the coins have masses
within one standard deviation of the mean, it follows that 16% of the coins will be rejected.
Answer
16%

13 Packets of Greatstart breakfast cereal are labelled as having a mass of 500 g. However, the machine
that fills the packets can be modelled by a normal distribution with a mean of 510 g and a standard
deviation of 5 g.

(a) Determine the percentage of packets that have a mass less than 500 g. Give your answer correct
to 2 decimal places.
Worked solution
X ~ N ( 510,52 )

lower bound = 0
upper bound = 500
P ( X < 500 ) =
0.0228 ( 4 d.p.)

2.28% of the packets have a mass of less than 500 g .

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
Answer
2.28%

(b) Calculate P ( X < 500 | X < 510 ) , correct to 4 decimal places.

Worked solution
P ( A ∩ B)
P ( A | B) = , where P ( A ∩ B )= P ( X < 500 )
P ( B)

P ( X < 500 )
P ( X < 500 | X < 510 ) =
P ( X < 510 )
0.02275
=
0.5
= 0.0455 ( 4 d.p.)
The probability of receiving a packet of breakfast cereal with a mass of between 500 grams and
510 grams is 0.0455.
Answer
0.0455

(c) Use a trial and error process to determine the two whole number values between which k falls,
such that P ( X < k ) = 0.9 .

Worked solution
X ~ N ( 510,52 )

lower bound = 0 for all trials.

upper bound = 515 : P ( X < 515) =
0.84 , which is too small

upper bound = 520 : P ( X < 520 ) =

0.98 , which is too large

upper bound = 516 : P ( X < 516 ) =

0.88

upper bound = 517 : P ( X < 517 ) =

0.92

k must lie between 516 and 517 .

Answer
516 < k < 517

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
14 Seventy students enrolled in a university course had their height measured in metres, correct to
2 decimal places where necessary. The table below shows the heights of the 70 students.

1.5 1.57 1.63 1.65 1.68 1.69 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7

1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.72 1.72 1.73 1.73

1.73 1.73 1.73 1.73 1.75 1.75 1.75 1.75 1.75 1.75

1.76 1.76 1.76 1.76 1.77 1.78 1.78 1.78 1.78 1.78

1.78 1.78 1.78 1.78 1.78 1.78 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8

1.8 1.8 1.8 1.82 1.83 1.83 1.83 1.83 1.83 1.84

1.85 1.85 1.85 1.85 1.85 1.85 1.85 1.88 1.93 1.95

(a) Group the results using 1.5− < 1.55 … as the intervals and draw a histogram to represent the
data.
Worked solution
Height (m) Frequency

1.5− < 1.55 1

1.55− < 1.6 1

1.6− < 1.65 1

1.65 < 1.7 3

1.7 − < 1.75 18

1.75− < 1.8 22

1.8− < 1.85 14

1.85− < 1.9 8

1.9− < 1.95 1

1.95– < 2 1

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
Answer

(b) Comment on the shape of the histogram and whether it would be reasonable to suggest that the
sample follows a normal distribution.
Worked solution
The histogram seems to follow a bell shape, so it is reasonable to conclude that the data is
normally distributed.
Answer
The histogram displays a distinct bell shape, although it is not perfectly symmetrical. Therefore,
it would be reasonable to suggest that the sample follows a normal distribution.

(c) Use technology to determine the mean and standard deviation (sample), of the original
ungrouped data. Give your answers correct to 3 decimal places.
Worked solution
Make sure you use the original data.
µ = 1.765 , σ = 0.074
Answer
mean: 1.765 m ; standard deviation: 0.074 m

(d) Determine the percentage of results that fall within each of the following. Give your answers
correct to 1 decimal place.
(i) one standard deviation of the mean

Worked solution
µ = 1.765
σ = 0.074
( µ − σ , µ + σ=) (1.765 − 0.074,1.765 + 0.074 )
= (1.691,1.839 )

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
53 of the results lie between these values.
53
× 100 =
75.7%
70
75.7% of the results lie within one standard deviation of the mean.
Answer
75.7%
(ii) two standard deviations of the mean

Worked solution
µ = 1.765
σ = 0.074
( µ − 2σ , µ + 2=
σ ) (1.765 − 2 × 0.074,1.765 + 2 × 0.074 )
= (1.765 − 0.148,1.765 + 0.148)
= (1.617,1.913)

66 of the results lie between these values.

66
× 100 =
94.3%
70
94.3% of the results lie within two standard deviations of the mean.
Answer
94.3%
(iii) three standard deviations of the mean

Worked solution
µ = 1.765
σ = 0.074
( µ − 3σ , µ + 3=
σ ) (1.765 − 3 × 0.074,1.765 + 3 × 0.074 )
= (1.765 − 0.222,1.765 + 0.222 )
= (1.543,1.987 )
All the data lies between these two values except for one, which is 1.5.
69
× 100% =
98.6% of the results lie within three standard deviations of the mean.
70
Answer
98.6%

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(e) Would it be reasonable to suggest that the sample follows a normal distribution?
Worked solution
In a normal distribution, roughly 68% , 95% and 99.7% of the data lies within one, two and
three standard deviations of the mean respectively.
This is not the case with this data, with the portion within one standard deviation of the mean too
high, at 75.7% . While the distribution exhibits the shape of a bell curve, it would not be correct
to conclude that the data is normally distributed. It might be suitable to use the normal model
only to estimate further results, only if no other model is available.
Answer
The portion within one standard deviation of the mean is too high, at 75.7% instead of 68%.
While the distribution exhibits the shape of a bell curve, it would not be correct to conclude that
the data is normally distributed. It might be suitable to use the normal model to estimate further
results, only if no other model is available.

15 A business analyst has weighed some packets of biscuits and calculated the difference between the
actual weights of the packets and the weights stated on the labels. Packets weighing more than the
label weight are recorded as positive values, and packets that weigh less than the label weight are
recorded as negative values. The data is normally distributed with a mean of 0.5 g above the label
weight and a standard deviation of 0.3 g.

(a) Calculate the probability that the difference between the actual weight and the label weight was
not greater than 1 g . Give your answer correct to 4 decimal places.

Worked solution
Let X be the amount above the mean.
µ = 0.5 , σ = 0.3

Using technology, P ( −1 < X < 1) =0.9522 ( 4 d.p.) .

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
The probability that the difference between the actual weight and the label weight was not
greater than 1 g is 0.9522 .
Answer
0.9522

(b) Use appropriate calculations to show that a packet of biscuits is more likely to be more than
0.4 g above the label weight than to be within 0.4 g of the label weight.
Worked solution
Let X be the amount above the mean.
µ = 0.5 , σ = 0.3
0.6306 ( 4 d.p.) .
More than 0.4 g above the label weight: P ( X > 0.4 ) =

Within 0.4 g of the label weight: P ( −0.4 < X < 0.4 ) =

0.3681 ( 4 d.p.) .

0.6306 > 0.3681 , so it is more likely to be more than 0.4 g above the label weight than within
0.4 g of the label weight.

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
Answer
The probability of being more than 0.4 g above the label weight, 0.6306, is greater than the
probability of being within 0.4 g of the label weight, 0.3681.

(c) Calculate the probability that the actual weight of a packet of biscuits was the same as the label
weight.
Worked solution
For a continuous random variable, the probability of the variable being equal to any particular
single value is zero.
Let X be the amount above the mean.
P ( X= 0=
) 0
Or consider the interval:
P ( −0.01 < X < 0.01) =
0.006633
≈0

In reality, measuring instruments cannot be perfectly accurate, so the weights may be the same
within the margin of error for the instrument.
Answer
0

16 Two golfers, Charlie Birdyman and Lester Hooksoften, play a round of golf. In golf, the lower the
score the better. Charlie scores 70 and Lester scores 75 . Charlie’s scores C follow a normal
distribution where C ~ N ( 72, 4 ) , and Lester’s scores L are such that L ~ N ( 80,9 ) .

(a) Which golfer scored better in this round compared to his normal performance? Explain your
answer.
Worked solution
σ
Charlie: µ = 72 , = =
4 2

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
Charlie scores 70 : 70 − 72 =
−2 , so one standard deviation below the mean.
σ
Lester: µ = 80 , = =
9 3
5
Lester takes 75 : 75 − 80 =
−5 , i.e. = 1.67 ( 2 d.p.) standard deviations below the mean.
3
Lester’s score is relatively better because it is a greater number of standard deviations below the
mean.
Alternatively, calculate the percentage of the time each has performed better.
Because the scores are discrete, take half a unit each side for the actual score.
Charlie:
c = 70 where C ~ N ( 72, 4 )

µ = 72 , σ = 2
0.23 ( 2 d.p.)
P ( C < 70.5) =

Lester:
l = 75 where L ~ N ( 80,9 )

µ = 80 , σ = 3
P ( L < 75.5) =
0.07 ( 2 d.p.)

Lester’s score is better than Charlie’s when each is compared to his own overall performance.
Lester does this performance or better only 7% of the time, whereas Charlie does this
performance or better 23% of the time.
Answer
Lester’s score is better than Charlie’s when each is compared to his own overall performance.
Lester does this performance or better 7% of the time, whereas Charlie does this performance or
better 23% of the time. Also, Lester’s score is a greater number of standard deviations below the
mean, 1.67 compared to Charlie’s score.

(b) What score would Lester need to have a comparative performance equal to Charlie’s?
Worked solution
Lester would need to have one standard deviation below the mean.
80 − 3 =77
For Lester, a score of 77 would be equivalent to Charlie’s performance on the day.
Answer
77

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
17 A certain variety of apple has mass, X g , such that X ~ N (120, 400 ) . Apples of this variety are
classified as ‘large’ if they have a mass greater than 145 g . What percentage of ‘large’ apples have a
mass less than 165 g ? Give your answer to the nearest whole percentage.

Worked solution
First find the probability that an apple will be ‘large’:
Use technology where:
µ = 120 , σ = 20
lower bound = 145
upper bound = 10 000
P ( X > 145) =
0.10564977

The probability that an apple will be ‘large’ is about 0.1056 .

Calculate the probability of an apple being ‘large’ and having a mass less than 165 g :
lower bound = 145
upper bound = 165
P (145 < X < 165) =
0.0934253

The probability that an apple will be ‘large’ and have a mass less than 165 g is about 0.0924 .
Calculate the probability of a ‘large’ apple having a mass less than 165 g .
P (145 < X < 165)
P ( X < 165 | X > 145) =
P ( X > 145)
0.0934253
=
0.10564977
= 0.88 ( 2 d.p.)
88% of ‘large’ apples will have a mass less than 165 g .
Answer
88%

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland

Worked solutions
Chapter 9 Continuous random
variables and the normal distribution
Exercise 9.3 The standard normal distribution
TF Technology free question

TF 1 If X ~ N (15, 9 ) , calculate the exact z -scores corresponding to the following x -values.

(a) x = 18

Worked solution
X ~ N (15, 9 ) , µ = 15 and =
σ =
9 3

x−µ
z=
σ
18 − 15
z=
3
3
=
3
=1
x = 18 corresponds to z = 1 ; that is, 18 is one standard deviation greater than the mean of 15.
Answer
z =1

(b) x = 21
Worked solution
µ = 15 and σ = 3
21 − 15
z=
3
6
=
3
=2
x = 21 corresponds to z = 2 ; that is, 21 is two standard deviations greater than the mean of 15.
Answer
z=2

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(c) x = 22
Worked solution
µ = 15 and σ = 3
22 − 15
z=
3
7
=
3
1
=2
3
1 1
x = 22 corresponds to z = 2 ; that is, 22 is 2 standard deviations greater than the mean.
3 3
Answer
1
z=2
3

(d) x = 16
Worked solution
µ = 15 and σ = 3
16 − 15
z=
3
1
=
3
1 1
x = 16 corresponds to z = ; that is, 16 is of a standard deviation greater than the mean.
3 3
Answer
1
z=
3

(e) x = 12
Worked solution
µ = 15 and σ = 3
12 − 15
z=
3
−3
=
3
= −1
x = 12 corresponds to z = −1 ; that is, 12 is one standard deviation below the mean.

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
Answer
z = −1

(f) x = 7.5
Worked solution
µ = 15 and σ = 3
7.5 − 15
z=
3
−7.5
=
3
= −2.5
x = 7.5 corresponds to z = −2.5 ; that is, 7.5 is 2.5 standard deviations below the mean.
Answer
z = −2.5

2 A normal distribution graph is shown. If P ( X > 14 ) =

0.35 , calculate P ( X > 6 ) .

Worked solution
P ( X < 6=
) P ( X > 14 )
= 0.35
P ( X > 6 ) =1 − P ( X < 6 )
= 1 − 0.35
= 0.65
Answer
0.65

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
TF 3 For a particular normal distribution, P ( X > a ) =
0.71 and P ( X < b ) =
0.44 . Calculate P ( a < X < b ) .

Worked solution

P ( X > a) =
0.71

P ( X < a ) =1 − P ( X > a )
= 1 − 0.71
= 0.29
P ( X < b) =
0.44

P ( a < X < b=
) P ( X < b) − P ( X < a )
= 0.44 − 0.29
= 0.15
Answer
0.15

TF 4 For a particular normal distribution, P ( X < a ) =

0.214 and P ( X < b ) =
0.496 , where a < b .
Determine the following probabilities.

(a) P ( X > a)

Worked solution

P ( X > a ) =−
1 P ( X < a)
= 1 − 0.214
= 0.786
Answer
P ( X > a) =
0.786

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(b) P ( X > b)

Worked solution

P ( X > b ) =−
1 P ( X < b)
= 1 − 0.496
= 0.504
Answer
P ( X > b) =
0.504

(c) P (a < X < b)

Worked solution

P ( a < X < b=
) P ( X < b) − P ( X < a)
= 0.496 − 0.214
= 0.282
Answer
P (a < X < b) =
0.282

TF 5 For Z ~ N ( 0,1) it is known that P ( Z < 0.85 ) =

0.8023 . Determine the following probabilities.

(a) P ( Z > 0.85 )

Worked solution
P ( Z > 0.85 ) =
1 − P ( Z < 0.85 )
= 1 − 0.8023
= 0.1977
Answer
P ( Z > 0.85 ) =
0.1977

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(b) P ( Z < −0.85 )

Worked solution

P ( Z < −0.85
= ) P ( Z > 0.85)
= 0.1977
Answer
P ( Z < −0.85 ) =0.1977

(c) P ( Z > −0.85 )

Worked solution

By symmetry,
P ( Z > −0.85
= ) P ( Z < 0.85)
= 0.8023
Answer
P ( Z > −0.85 ) =0.8023

(d) P ( −0.85 < Z < 0.85 )

Worked solution
P ( −0.85 < Z < 0.85 ) =1 − 2 P ( Z > 0.85 )
= 0.6046
Answer
P ( −0.85 < Z < 0.85 ) =
0.6046

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
TF 6 For Z ~ N ( 0,1) , it is known that P ( −1.5 < Z < 1.5 ) =
0.8664 . Determine the following probabilities.

(a) P ( Z < −1.5 )

Worked solution
P ( Z < −1.5
= ) P ( Z > 1.5)

1 − P ( −1.5 < Z < 1.5 )

P ( Z < −1.5 ) =
2
1 − 0.8664
=
2
= 0.0668
Answer
P ( Z < −1.5 ) =0.0668

(b) P ( Z > −1.5 )

Worked solution
P ( Z > −1.5 ) = 1 − P ( Z < −1.5 )
= 1 − 0.0668
= 0.9332
Answer
P ( Z > −1.5 ) =0.9332

(c) P ( Z < −1.5 )

Worked solution
P ( Z < 1.5
= ) P ( Z > −1.5)
Using the earlier result, you can see that P ( Z < 1.5 ) =
0.9332 .

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
Answer
P ( Z < 1.5 ) =
0.9332

TF 7 Given the probability distribution graph for X , which follows a normal distribution, which of the
following expressions best represents the shaded area?

A P ( Z < 2) B P ( Z < 2 ) + P ( Z < −2 )

C P ( −2 < Z < 2 ) D P (180 < Z < 220 )

Worked solution
95% of the outcomes are within two standard deviations either side of the mean. Therefore:
P ( −2 < Z < 2 ) =0.95
= 95%
The correct option is C.
Answer
C

8 X is a random variable that follows a normal distribution. The values of a and b are such that
P ( a < X < b) =
0.6 , where this represents the middle 60% of values. Which of the following
represents a common error for this situation?

A P ( X > b) =
0.2 B P ( X < a) =
0.4

C P ( X > a) =
0.8 D P ( X < b) =
0.8

Worked solution

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland

× (1 − P ( X > a ) )
1
P ( X < a) =
2
1 − 0.6
=
2
= 0.2
For the solution P ( X < a ) =
0.4 , the student has forgotten to divide by two.

The common error is found in option B.

Answer
B

9 Verify the following statements using X ~ N ( 20,9 ) , with technology. Give your answers as
percentages, correct to 2 decimal places.

(a) About 68% of the results lie within one standard deviation of the mean.
Worked solution
µ = 20 , σ = 3
∴ µ −σ =
17 and µ + σ =
23
From technology: P (17 < X < 23) =
0.6827 ( 4 d.p.) .

Therefore 68.27% of the results lie within one standard deviation of the mean.
Answer
68.27% of the results lie within one standard deviation of the mean.

(b) About 95% of the results lie within two standard deviations of the mean.
Worked solution
µ = 20 , σ = 3
∴ µ − 2σ =
14 and µ + 2σ =
26
From technology: P (14 < X < 26 ) =
0.9545 .

Therefore 95.45% of the results lie within two standard deviations of the mean.
Answer
95.45% of the results lie within two standard deviations of the mean.

(c) About 99.7% of results lie within three standard deviations of the mean.
Worked solution
µ = 20 , σ = 3
∴ µ − 3σ =
11 and µ + 3σ =
29

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
From technology: P (11 < X < 29 ) =
0.9973 .

Therefore 99.73% of the results lie within three standard deviations of the mean.
Answer
99.73% of the results lie within three standard deviations of the mean.

10 Anita’s daily charges for gas consumption in her home form a normal distribution with an average
daily cost of $7.65 and a variance of $1.44 , where the random variable C represents the daily cost
for the gas used, in dollars.

(a) What is the probability that on any day, Anita’s cost is more than $4.25 ? Give your answer
correct to 4 decimal places.
Worked solution
µ = 7.65 , σ 2 = 1.44
∴ σ = 1.2
P ( C > 4.25) =
0.9977 ( 4 d.p.)

The probability of the daily cost being more than $4.25 is 0.9977 .
Answer
0.9977

(b) Determine the number of standard deviations above or below the mean for each of the following
daily costs. Give your answers correct to 2 decimal places.
(i) $8.05

Worked solution
µ = 7.65 , σ = 1.2 , m = 8.05
m−µ
z=
σ
8.05 − 7.65
=
1.2
= 0.33 ( 2 d.p.)
$6.65 is 0.33 standard deviations below the mean.
Answer
0.33 standard deviations above the mean
(ii) $6.65

Worked solution
µ = 7.65 , σ = 1.2 , m = 6.65

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
m−µ
z=
σ
6.65 − 7.65
=
1.2
= −0.83 ( 2 d.p.)
$6.65 is 0.83 standard deviations below the mean.
Answer
0.83 standard deviations below the mean

11 Felipe has been applying for scholarships. He got a score of 42 on a test that followed the distribution
X ~ N ( 40, 4 ) . He scored 82 on another test that followed the distribution Y ~ N ( 75, 25 ) . On which
test did Filipe have a better score?
Worked solution
First test: X ~ N ( 40, 4 ) , µ = 40 and =
σ =
4 2

42 − 40
z=
2
2
=
2
=1
An x -value of 42 corresponds to a z -score of 1 . Felipe scored one standard deviation higher
than the mean.
Second test: Y ~ N ( 75, 25) , µ = 75 and=
σ =
25 5
82 − 75
z=
5
7
=
5
= 1.4
A y -value of 82 corresponds to a z -score of 1.4 . Felipe scored 1.4 standard deviations higher
than the mean.
The z -score for the second test was 1.4 , which was greater than the z -score of 1 for the first
test.
Therefore he had a better score on the second test.
Answer
Felipe did better on the second test.

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
12 Consider the probability distributions A ~ N ( 56,39.69 ) and B ~ N (12, 2.89 ) . Give your answers
correct to 1 decimal place.

(a) Determine equivalent values from the distribution of A for each of the following values from
the distribution of B .
(i) b = 17.1

Worked solution
B ~ N (12, 2.89 ) , µ = 12
= ,σ =
2.89 1.7

b−µ
b = 17.1 , where z =
σ
17.1 − 12
z=
1.7
=3
A ~ N ( 56,39.69 ) , µ = 56 =
and σ =
39.69 6.3
a= µ + zσ

a 56 + ( 3) 6.3
=
= 74.9
b = 17.1 is equivalent to a = 74.9 because both are three standard deviations above the mean.
Answer
a = 74.9
(ii) b = 10.5

Worked solution
B ~ N (12, 2.89 ) , µ = 12
= ,σ =
2.89 1.7

b−µ
b = 10.5 , where z =
σ
10.5 − 12
z=
1.7
15
= −
17
A ~ N ( 56,39.69 ) , µ = 56 =
and σ =
39.69 6.3
a= µ + zσ

 15 
=
a 56 +  −  6.3
 17 
= 50.4 (1 d.p.)

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
15
b = 10.5 is equivalent to a = 50.4 because both are standard deviations below the mean.
17
Answer
a = 50.4
(iii) b = 15.2

Worked solution
B ~ N (12, 2.89 ) , µ = 12
= ,σ =
2.89 1.7

b−µ
b = 15.2 , where z =
σ
15.2 − 12
z=
1.7
32
=
17
A ~ N ( 56,39.69 ) , µ = 56 =
and σ =
39.69 6.3
a= µ + zσ

 32 
=
a 56 +   6.3
 17 
= 67.9 (1 d.p.)
32
b = 15.2 is equivalent to a = 67.9 because both are standard deviations above the mean.
17
Answer
a = 67.9

(b) Determine equivalent values from the distribution of B for each of the following values from
the distribution of A .
(i) a = 43.4

Worked solution
A ~ N ( 56,39.69 ) , µ = =
56 , σ =
39.69 6.3
a−µ
a = 43.4 , where z =
σ
43.4 − 56
z=
6.3
= −2
B ~ N (12, 2.89 ) , µ = 12
= ,σ =
2.89 1.7

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
b= µ + zσ
b = 12 + ( −2 ) 1.7
= 8.6
a = 43.4 is equivalent to b = 8.6 because both are two standard deviations below the mean.
Answer
b = 8.6
(ii) a = 70.8

Worked solution
A ~ N ( 56,39.69 ) , µ = =
56 , σ =
39.69 6.3

a−µ
a = 70.8 , where z =
σ
70.8 − 56
z=
6.3
148
=
63
B ~ N (12, 2.89 ) , µ = 12
= ,σ =
2.89 1.7

b= µ + zσ

 148 
=
b 12 +   1.7
 63 
= 16.0 (1 d.p.)
148
a = 70.8 is equivalent to b = 16.0 because both are standard deviations above the mean.
63
Answer
b = 16.0
(iii) a = 51.9

Worked solution
A ~ N ( 56,39.69 ) , µ ==
56 , σ =
39.69 6.3

a−µ
a = 51.9 , where z =
σ
51.9 − 56
z=
6.3
41
= −
63

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland

B ~ N (12, 2.89 ) , µ = 12
= ,σ =
2.89 1.7
b= µ + zσ

 41 
b= 12 +  − 1.7
 63 
= 10.9 (1 d.p.)
41
a = 51.9 is equivalent to b = 10.9 because both are standard deviations below the mean.
63
Answer
b = 10.9

X −µ
TF 13 Use Z= to demonstrate each of the following.
σ

(a) P ( −1 < Z < 1) ≈ 68% gives P ( ( µ − σ ) < X < ( µ + σ ) ) ≈ 68%

Worked solution
P ( −1 < Z < 1) ≈ 68%

X −µ
Substitute Z = :
σ
 X −µ 
P  −1 < < 1 ≈ 68%
 σ 
Multiply each part of the inequality by σ :
P ( −σ < X − µ < σ ) ≈ 68%

Add µ to each part of the inequality:

P ( ( µ − σ ) < X < ( µ + σ ) ) ≈ 68%

Answer
 X −µ 
P  −1 < < 1 ≈ 68%
 σ 
P ( −σ < X − µ < σ ) ≈ 68%
P ( ( µ − σ ) < X < ( µ + σ ) ) ≈ 68%

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland

(b) P ( −2 < Z < 2 ) ≈ 95% gives P ( ( µ − 2σ ) < X < ( µ + 2σ ) ) ≈ 95%

Worked solution
P ( −2 < Z < 2 ) ≈ 95%

X −µ
Substitute Z = :
σ
 X −µ 
P  −2 < < 2  ≈ 95%
 σ 
Multiply each part of the inequality by σ :
P ( −2σ < X − µ < 2σ ) ≈ 95%

Add µ to each part of the inequality:

P ( ( µ − 2σ ) < X < ( µ + 2σ ) ) ≈ 95%

Answer
 X −µ 
P  −2 < < 2  ≈ 95%
 σ 
P ( −2σ < X − µ < 2σ ) ≈ 95%
P ( ( µ − 2σ ) < X < ( µ + 2σ ) ) ≈ 95%

(c) P ( −3 < Z < 3) ≈ 99.7% gives P ( ( µ − 3σ ) < X < ( µ + 3σ ) ) ≈ 99.7%

Worked solution
P ( −3 < Z < 3) ≈ 99.7%

X −µ
Substitute Z = :
σ
 X −µ 
P  −3 < < 3  ≈ 99.7%
 σ 
Multiply each part of the inequality by σ :
P ( −2σ < X − µ < 3σ ) ≈ 99.7%

Add µ to each part of the inequality:

P ( ( µ − 3σ ) < X < ( µ + 3σ ) ) ≈ 99.7%

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
Answer
 X −µ 
P  −3 < < 3  ≈ 99.7%
 σ 
P ( −3σ < X − µ < 3σ ) ≈ 99.7%
P ( ( µ − 3σ ) < X < ( µ + 3σ ) ) ≈ 99.7%

14 The distribution of weights for all 2-year-old girls with a height of 80.5 cm is such that the mean
weight is 10.3 kg with a standard deviation of 0.8 kg. z-scores are used as a definition for some forms
of malnutrition. For this height, moderate acute protein-energy malnutrition is defined as having a
z-score in the range [ −3.0, −2.0] , and severe acute protein-energy malnutrition is defined as having a
z-score less than −3.0 .

(a) Adah weighs 8.3 kg. Which diagnosis would be made for Adah, moderate acute protein-energy
malnutrition, severe acute protein-energy malnutrition or neither?
Worked solution

µ = 10.3 , σ = 0.8 , x = 80.5

x−µ
z=
σ
8.3 − 10.3
=
0.8
= −2.5
Adah’s z -score of −2.5 puts her in the moderate acute protein-energy malnutrition range.
Answer
moderate acute protein-energy malnutrition

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(b) Jamilah has been diagnosed with severe acute protein-energy malnutrition. What is Jamilah’s
maximum possible weight, correct to 1 decimal place?
Worked solution
µ = 10.3 , σ = 0.8 , z = −3
x−µ
z=
σ
x − 10.3
−3 =
0.8
x =−3 × 0.8 + 10.3
= 7.9
Jamilah’s weight, correct to 1 decimal place, is less than 7.9 kg , so a maximum of 7.9 kg .
Answer
7.9 kg

(c) Xhosa is not diagnosed with either form of acute protein-energy malnutrition. What is Xhosa’s
minimum weight?
Worked solution
µ = 10.3 , σ = 0.8 , z = −2
x−µ
z=
σ
x − 10.3
−2 =
0.8
x =−2 × 0.8 + 10.3
= 8.7
Xhosa’s minimum weight is 8.7 kg .
Answer
8.7 kg

15 The percentage marks obtained by a group of students in a mathematics examination are represented
by a random variable M. The marks are normally distributed with a mean of 72 and a variance of 121.
All marks are rounded to the nearest per cent.

(a) Calculate the probability that a student obtained a mark of at least 50% in this examination,
correct to 4 decimal places. Then calculate the number of standard deviations this cut-off value
is below the mean, correct to 3 decimal places.
Worked solution
Because marks are rounded, calculate P ( M > 49.5) .

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
m−µ
Convert the m-value to the z-score using z = , where µ = 72 .
σ
σ = variance
= 121
= 11
m = 49.5 , which is equivalent to:
49.5 − 72
z=
11
= −2.045 ( 3 d.p.)

P ( M > 49.5
= ) P ( Z > −2.045)
= 0.9796 ( 4 d.p.)

P ( mark at least 50% when rounded ) = 0.9796 .

A score of 49.5% is 2.045 standard deviations below the mean.

Answer
0.9796 ; 2.045 standard deviations below the mean

(b) Determine the probability that a student obtained a mark of less than 45% , correct to 4 decimal
places. Then calculate the value m for which P ( M > m ) has the same probability. Interpret the
result.
Worked solution
Because marks are rounded, calculate P ( M < 44.5) .

Probability of scoring less than 45% : P ( M < 44.5) =

0.0062 ( 4 d.p.)

Determine the symmetrical value to 45% :

72 − 44.5 =
27.5 , so 45.5 is 27.5 below the mean.
72 + 27.5 =
99.5 , so 99.5 is 27.5 above the mean.
There is the same probability of scoring 100% as there is of scoring below 45% .
Answer
0.0062, m = 99.5 There is the same probability of scoring 100% as there is of scoring below
45%.

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(c) To obtain an A + , a student has to be in the top 10% of the cohort of students who have
undertaken this examination. Given P ( Z > 1.28 ) = 0.1 , calculate the minimum mark a student
needed in this examination to be awarded an A + . Explain any assumptions you had to make.
Worked solution
P ( Z > 1.28) =
0.1

m−µ
Calculate the data value using the formula z = :
σ
m − 72
1.28 =
11
m= 1.28 ×11 + 72
= 86.08
Because 86% rounded to the nearest whole number includes 85.5 to 86.4 , some students with
86% will score A + while others with 86% will be excluded.
Hence the minimum score for A + is 86% .
Answer
The minimum mark for A + is 86% if it is possible to distinguish between students with the
same rounded score. If everyone with 86% is included, more than 10% will receive an A + . If
this is not allowed, and scores are rounded, then 87% would be the minimum score for A + , with
less than 10% having this score.

(d) The marks in the previous year’s mathematics examination were normally distributed with a
mean of 70 and a variance of 144 . Would a student who obtained a mark of 86% have been
awarded an A + grade? Use appropriate calculations in your explanation.
Worked solution
z = 1.28 , µ = 70

σ = variance
= 144
= 12
m−µ
Calculate the data value using the formula z = :
σ
m − 70
1.28 =
12
m= 1.28 ×12 + 70
= 85.36
A rounded mark of 86% includes everything from 85.5 to 86.4 .
Because the entire range is above 85.36 , everyone with an 86% score is within the top 10% .

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
Answer
A mark of 86% would have been awarded an A + in the previous year’s examination.

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland

Worked solutions
Chapter 9 Continuous random
variables and the normal distribution
Exercise 9.4 Inverse of standard normal distributions
TF Technology free question

1 The heights, X m , of a group of people are known to be normally distributed with

X ~ N (1.7, 0.0225 ) . For the following questions, give your answers correct to 2 decimal places and
include the required units.

(a) Determine the height under which you would expect to find 97.5% of the population.
Worked solution
µ = 1.7
σ = 0.0225
= 0.15
For P ( X < x ) =
0.975 , use the left tail.

The inverse normal function gives x = 1.99 ( 2 d.p.) .

The height under which you would expect to find 97.5% of the population is 1.99 m .
Answer
1.99 m

(b) Calculate k such that P ( X > k ) =

0.7 .

Worked solution
µ = 1.7 σ = 0.15

For P ( X > k ) =
0.7 , use the right tail.

The inverse normal function gives k = 1.62 ( 2 d.p.) .

The value of k such that P ( X > k ) =

0.7 is 1.62 m .

Answer
k = 1.62 m

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(c) Determine the end values for the middle 0.35 of the heights.
Worked solution
µ = 1.7 , σ = 0.15

For the middle 0.35 , use the central area.

lower value: 1.63 ( 2 d.p.)

upper value: 1.77 ( 2 d.p.)

The middle 0.35 of the population is between 1.63 m and 1.77 m tall.
Answer
1.63 m , 1.77 m

2 The weights, X kg , of a group of people are known to be normally distributed with

X ~ N ( 60,90.25) . Calculate the following, correct to 2 decimal places.

(a) the 4th decile

Worked solution
µ = 60
σ = 90.25
= 9.5
Using the inverse normal to solve P ( X < k ) =
0.4 for k :

k = 57.59 ( 2 d.p.)

The 4th decile is 57.59 kg .

Answer
57.59 kg

(b) the 85th percentile

Worked solution
µ = 60 , σ = 9.5
Using the inverse normal to solve P ( X < k ) =
0.85 for k :

k = 69.85 ( 2 d.p.)

The 85th percentile is 69.85 kg .

Answer
69.85 kg

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
3 For each of the following diagrams, consider Z ~ N ( 0,1) . Calculate z , correct to 3 decimal places.

(a)

Worked solution
Use the inverse normal function where µ = 0 , σ = 1 .
P (Z < z) =
0.8

z = 0.842 ( 3 d.p.)

Answer
z = 0.842

(b)

Worked solution
Use the inverse normal function where µ = 0 , σ = 1 .
P (Z < z) =
0.6

z = 0.253 ( 3 d.p.)

Answer
z = 0.253

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(c)

Worked solution
Use the inverse normal function where µ = 0 , σ = 1 .
P (Z < z) =
0.3

z = −0.524 ( 3 d.p.)

Answer
z = −0.524

4 For the standard normal distribution, calculate z for each of the following. Give your answers correct
to 3 decimal places.

(a) the 4th decile

Worked solution
Use the inverse normal function where µ = 0 , σ = 1 .
P (Z < z) =
0.4

z = −0.253 ( 3 d.p.)

Answer
z = −0.253

(b) the 82nd percentile

Worked solution
µ = 0 ,σ = 1
P (Z < z) =
0.82

z = 0.915 ( 3 d.p.)

Answer
z = 0.915

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(c) the 0.68 quantile
Worked solution
Use the inverse normal function where µ = 0 , σ = 1 .
P (Z < z) =
0.68

z = 0.468 ( 3 d.p.)

Answer
z = 0.468

(d) 7th percentile.

Worked solution
Use the inverse normal function where µ = 0 , σ = 1 .
P (Z < z) =
0.07

z = −1.476 ( 3 d.p.)

Answer
z = −1.476

5 X is normally distributed with µ = 50 , σ = 4 and P ( X < a ) =

0.95 .

(a) Which of the following values is closest to a ?

A 56.58 B 1.6449 C 57.84 D 43.42

Worked solution
µ = 50 , σ = 4
P ( X < a) =
0.95 , so use the left-tail area.

Using the inverse normal function: a = 56.58

The correct option is A.
Answer
A

(b) Which option incorrectly uses the right-tail area as 0.95 ?

Worked solution
µ = 50 , σ = 4
Right tail: P ( X > a ) =
0.95

Using the inverse normal function: a = 43.42

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
The incorrect right-tail area option is D.
Answer
D

(c) Which option incorrectly calculates a as the upper bound of the central area of 0.95 ?
Worked solution
µ = 50 , σ = 4
Central: P ( b < X < a ) =
0.95 , where b and a are equally spaced from the mean, and a > b .

Using the inverse normal function: a = 57.84

The incorrect central area option is C.
Answer
C

(d) What common error has been made by a student who chose the incorrect option not featured in
part (b) or part (c)?
Worked solution
The incorrect option not featured in part (b) or part (c) is B: 1.6449 .
P (Z < a) =
0.95 gives µ = 0 , σ = 1 with the left-tail area:

Using the inverse normal function: a = 1.6449

The student has used the standard normal distribution.
Answer
The student has used the standard normal distribution.

6 Using Z ~ N ( 0,1) , calculate the value of k , correct to 2 decimal places.

(a) P ( −k < Z < k ) =0.85

Worked solution

Use the central area with Z ~ N ( 0,1) .

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
Alternatively:
The middle 85% occurs between −k and k , leaving 7.5% at either end.
Use technology to find k , given that P ( Z < k ) =
0.925 .

This gives k = 1.44 ( 2 d.p.) .

Answer
k = 1.44

(b) P ( Z < −k ∪ Z > k ) =0.05

Worked solution

There are equal regions at either end that combine to give 5% .

Use the central area with the inverse normal function.
0.975 and Z ~ N ( 0,1) .
Alternatively, find k , given that P ( Z < k ) =

This gives k = 1.96 ( 2 d.p.) .

Answer
k = 1.96

7 The scores X on an aptitude test are such that X ~ N ( 75,35 ) .

(a) Determine the end values of the interquartile range of the scores, the middle half, to the nearest
whole numbers.
Worked solution
Use the inverse normal function with µ = 75 , σ = 35 .

P( X < l) =
0.25 gives l = 71 .

P ( X < u) =
0.75 gives u = 79 .

The interquartile range of the scores is 71 to 79 .

Answer
71 to 79

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(b) Calculate the first decile of X , correct to 1 decimal place. Interpret the result.
Worked solution
Calculate k , given that P ( X < k ) =
0.1 .

The mean is µ = 75 and the standard deviation is σ = 35 .

Using the inverse normal function gives the result k = 67.4 (1 d.p.) .

One-tenth of the values are below 67.4 .

Answer
67.4

(c) Calculate the 80th percentile of X , correct to 2 decimal places. Interpret the result.
Worked solution
Use the inverse normal function.
µ = 75 , σ = 35
P(X < k) =
0.8

Using technology gives the result k = 79.98 ( 2 d.p.) .

80% of the values are below 79.98 .

Answer
79.98

8 The diagram on the right represents the distribution of X , where X ~ N ( 25,8) . The shaded area
represents the middle 80% of observations.

Which of the following best represent the values of a and b ?

A a = 22.89 , b = 28.62 B a = 14.75 , b = 35.25

C a = 21.38 , b = 28.62 D a = 23.72 , b = 26.68

Worked solution
µ = 25 , σ = 8
Use the central area with the inverse normal function.
Alternatively, use the left-tail area with P ( X < a ) =
0.1 , P ( X < b ) =
0.9 .

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
Technology gives a = 21.38 and b = 28.62 .
The correct option is C.
Answer
C

9 The scores X in a national mathematics competition are such that X ~ N ( 80, 20 ) .

(a) Determine the integer score needed to earn a High Distinction certificate, if these are awarded to
the top 3% of students.
Worked solution
X ~ N ( 80, 20 ) , so the standard deviation is 20 .

Use the inverse normal function to calculate x , given that P ( X < x ) =

0.97 .

This gives the result x = 88.4 .

Therefore, given integer scores are required, a score of 88.4 or higher, i.e. a score of 89 , is
needed to receive a High Distinction certificate.
Answer
89

(b) Distinction certificates are awarded to students who score at or above the 87th percentile.
Calculate the minimum integer score needed to earn a Distinction certificate.
Worked solution
0.87 and X ~ N ( 80, 20 ) .
Use the inverse normal function to find x , given that P ( X < x ) =

Technology gives the result 85.04 . Given that an integer score is required and distinction
students are those with a score of 85.04 or higher, then a minimum score of 86 is needed to
receive a Distinction certificate.
Answer
86

(c) What is the minimum integer score needed to obtain a Credit certificate, if the cut-off is the
0.65 quantile?
Worked solution
Use the inverse normal function to calculate x , given that P ( X < x ) =
0.65 and
X ~ N ( 80, 20 ) .

Technology gives the result 81.72 . Given that an integer score is required and Credit students
are those with a score of 81.72 or higher, then a minimum score of 82 is needed to receive a
Credit certificate.

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
Answer
82

10 The mass of honey, X kg , taken from a hive follows a normal distribution with a mean of 2.1 kg and
a standard deviation of 0.6 kg . For each of the following, calculate the value of k , correct to
3 decimal places.

(a) P( X < k) =
0.92

Worked solution
Use the inverse normal function to calculate k such that P ( X < k ) =
0.92 and
X ~ N ( 2.1,0.6 ) .

Technology gives the result k = 3.188 ( 3 d.p.) .

k = 3.188 kg
Answer
k = 3.188 kg

(b) P(X > k) =

0.62

Worked solution
Use the inverse normal function to calculate k , given that P ( X < k ) =
0.38 , where µ = 2.1 and
σ = 0.6 .
Technology gives the result k = 1.863 ( 3 d.p.) .

So, k = 1.863 kg
Answer
k = 1.863 kg

(c) P( X < k) =
0.45

Worked solution
Use the inverse normal function to calculate k , given that P ( X < k ) =
0.45 , where µ = 2.1 and
σ = 0.6 .
Technology gives the result k = 2.003 ( 3 d.p.) .

So, k = 2.003 kg
Answer
k = 2.003 kg

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(d) P( X > k) =
0.16

Worked solution
Use the inverse normal function to calculate k given that P ( X < k ) =
0.84 , where µ = 2.1 and
σ = 0.6 .
Technology gives the result k = 2.870 ( 3 d.p.) .

So, k = 2.870 kg
Answer
k = 2.870 kg

11 For Z ~ N ( 0,1) , calculate t , correct to 4 decimal places.

(a) P (0 < Z < t ) =

0.1234

Worked solution
If P ( 0 < Z < t ) =
0.1234 and P ( Z < 0 ) =
0.5 then:

P ( Z < t ) = 0.5 + 0.1234

= 0.6234
Use the inverse normal function with left-tail area to find t :
t = 0.3144 ( 4 d.p.)

Answer
t = 0.3144

(b) P(Z < t) =

0.6789

Worked solution
Use the inverse normal function with left-tail area to find t :
t = 0.4646 ( 4 d.p.) .

Answer
t = 0.4646

(c) P(Z > t) =

0.2357

Worked solution
Use right-tail area with P ( Z > t ) =
0.2357 .
Alternatively:

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
P ( Z > t ) =1 − P ( Z < t ) , so you could calculate t such that:

P ( Z < t ) =1 − 0.2357
= 0.7643
Use the inverse normal function with left-tail area to calculate t :
t = 0.7202 ( 4 d.p.)

Answer
t = 0.7202

TF 12 For Z ~ N ( 0,1) , calculate the following.

(a) P ( Z < t ) , given P ( 0 < Z < t ) =

0.1234

Worked solution
P ( Z < t=
) P ( Z < 0) + P ( 0 < Z < t )
= 0.5 + 0.1234
= 0.6234
Answer
0.6234

(b) P ( 0 < Z < t ) , given P ( Z < t ) =

0.6789

Worked solution
P ( 0 < Z < t=
) P ( Z < t ) − P ( Z < 0)
= 0.6789 − 0.5
= 0.1789
Answer
0.1789

(c) P ( 0 < Z < t ) , given P ( Z > t ) =

0.2357

Worked solution
P ( 0 < Z < t=
) P ( Z > 0) − P ( Z > t )
= 0.5 − 0.2357
= 0.2643
Answer
0.2643

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
13 Determine the mean for each given scenario. Give each answer as a whole number.

(a) The heights, H cm , of a group of people are such that H ~ N ( µ , 25 ) . In addition,

P ( H < 160 ) =
0.158655 .

Worked solution
Z : µ = 0 , σ =1
area = 0.158655 , left tail
From technology: z = −1
H ~ N ( µ , 25 )

σ = 25
=5
P ( H < 160 ) =
0.158655 , so h = 160
h= µ + σ z
160 = µ + 5 × ( −1)
µ 160 + 5
=
= 165
The mean is 165 cm .
Answer
165 cm

(b) The heights, H cm , of a group of people are such that H ~ N ( µ ,36 ) . In addition,
P ( H < 180 ) =
0.952 21 .

Worked solution
Z : µ = 0 , σ =1
area = 0.952 21 , left tail
From technology: z = 1.66667 
H ~ N ( µ ,36 )

σ = 36
=6
P ( H < 180 ) =
0.952 21 , so h = 180

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
h= µ + σ z
180 = µ + 6 ×1.66667 
=µ 180 − 10
= 170
The mean is 170 cm .
Answer
170 cm

(c) The arm lengths, L cm , of a group of people are such that L ~ N ( µ ,16 ) . In addition,
P ( L < 75 ) =
0.10565 .

Worked solution

For Z : µ = 0 , σ = 1
area = 0.10565 , left tail
From technology: z = −1.25
L ~ N ( µ ,16 )

σ = 16
=4
P ( L < 75 ) =
0.10565 , so l = 75
l= µ + σ z
75 = µ + 4 × ( −1.25 )
µ= 75 + 5
= 80
The mean is 80 cm .
Answer
80 cm

14 Determine the whole number standard deviation for each given scenario.

(a) (
The heights, H cm , of a group of students are such that H ~ N 165, σ 2 . In addition, )
P ( H < 160 ) =
0.158655 .

Worked solution
For Z : µ = 0 , σ = 1
area = 0.158655 , left tail
From technology: z = −1

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland

H ~ N (165, σ 2 ) , so µ = 165

P ( H < 160 ) =
0.158655 , so h = 160

h= µ + σ z
160= 165 + σ × ( −1)
σ 165 − 160
=
=5
The standard deviation is 5 cm .
Answer
5 cm

(b) (
The heights, H cm , of a group of students are such that H ~ N 160, σ 2 . In addition, )
P ( H < 165) =
0.797 672 .

Worked solution
For Z : µ = 0 , σ = 1
area = 0.797 672 , left tail
From technology: z = 0.83333
H ~ N (160, σ 2 ) , so µ = 160

P ( H < 165) =
0.797 672 , so h = 165

h= µ + σ z
165= 160 + σ × ( 0.83333)
165 − 160
σ=
0.83333
=6
The standard deviation is 6 cm .
Answer
6 cm

(c) (
The arm lengths, L cm , of a population of students are such that L ~ N 80, σ 2 . In addition, )
P ( L < 85) =
0.952 21 .

Worked solution
For Z : µ = 0 , σ = 1
area = 0.952 21 , left tail.

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
From technology: z = 1.66667
L ~ N (80, σ 2 ) , so µ = 80

P ( L < 85) =
0.952 21 , so l = 85

l= µ + σ z
85 = 80 + σ × 1.66667
85 − 80
σ=
1.66667
=3
The standard deviation is 3 cm .
Answer
3 cm

15 The monthly rainfall at the Solaris resort follows a normal distribution with a standard deviation of
12 mm . If the rainfall is less than 25 mm in 15% of all months, determine the mean monthly rainfall.
Give your answer correct to 1 decimal place.
Worked solution
Z : µ = 0, σ =1
area = 0.15 , left tail
From technology: z = −1.036 433 4

R ~ N ( µ ,122 ) , σ = 12

P ( R < 25) =
0.15 , so r = 25
r= µ + σ z
25 = µ + 12 × ( −1.036 433 4 )
= 25 + 12.4 (1 d.p.)
µ
= 37.4
The mean monthly rainfall is 37.4 mm .
Answer
37.4 mm

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
16 For Z ~ N ( 0,1) , P ( t < Z < 2.1) =
0.4680 . Calculate t , correct to 4 decimal places.

Worked solution

Using the cumulative density function for the standard normal distribution:
P ( Z < 2.1) =
0.982136

Given P ( t < Z < 2.1) =

0.4680 :

P ( Z=
< t ) 0.982136 − 0.4680
= 0.514136
Use the inverse normal function with left-tail area to calculate t :
t = 0.0354
Answer
t = 0.0354

17 A driving simulator was designed to check the reaction time of drivers. The random variable R,
representing teenagers’ reaction times in milliseconds, is normally distributed with a mean of 250 and
a variance of 2500.

(a) Calculate the probability that a teenager had a reaction time of between 320 and 350
milliseconds. Give your answer correct to 4 decimal places.
Worked solution
0.0580 , where R ~ N ( 250,502 ) .
Using technology, P ( 320 < R < 350 ) =

The probability of a reaction time between 320 and 350 ms is 0.0580 ( 4 d.p.) .

Answer
0.0580

(b) What is the reaction time k such that the probability that a teenager has a reaction time greater
than k is 0.0580? Give your answer correct to the nearest millisecond.
Worked solution
0.0580 , where R ~ N ( 250,502 ) .
Determine the inverse normal of P ( R > k ) =

Converting to the inverse normal:

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
P ( R < k ) =−
1 0.0580
= 0.942
Using technology gives k = 328.589 .
The reaction time that fits the description is 329 ms .
Answer
329 ms

(c) The same test was used to check the reaction time of drivers more than 20 years old. The
random variable R, representing drivers’ reaction times in milliseconds, is also normally
distributed, with a mean of 280 and a variance of σ 2 . Calculate the standard deviation for this
set of data, if the probability that any one driver more than 20 years old has a reaction time
greater than 300 milliseconds is 0.3580. Give your answer correct to the nearest millisecond.
Worked solution
0.3580 , where R ~ N ( 280, σ 2 ) .
Given P ( R > 300 ) =

Using the inverse normal of the left-hand area:

P ( R < 300 ) =
1 − 0.3580
= 0.6420
Using technology, P ( Z < 0.364 ) ≈ 0.6420 .

Substitute r = 300 , z = 0.364 , µ = 280 :

r−µ
z=
σ
300 − 280
0.364 =
σ
300 − 280
σ=
0.364
= 54.9
The standard deviation is 55 ms .
Answer
55 ms

18 A school recorded the 400 -metre running times for a group of students. These times, in seconds, are
represented by the random variable X , which is normally distributed with a variance of 31.36 . If
P ( X < 57 ) =
0.2961 , calculate the following, correct to 1 decimal place.

(a) the times that will place a student in the top 15% of runners
Worked solution
For Z : µ = 0 , σ = 1

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
area = 0.2961 , left tail
From technology: z = −0.5356506
X ~ N ( µ ,31.36 )

σ = 31.36
= 5.6
P ( X < 57 ) =
0.2961 , so x = 57
x= µ + σ z
57 = µ + 5.6 × ( −0.5356506 )
µ
= 57 + 3
= 60
The mean is 60 s.
The top 15% of runners have the smallest 15% of times.
For P ( X < x ) =
0.15 , X ~ N 60,5.62 : ( )
Using technology gives x = 54.2 (1 d.p.) .

Students with times less than 54.2 s will be in the top 15% .
Answer
less than 54.2 s

(b) the interquartile range

Worked solution
µ = 60 , σ = 5.6
Using inverse normal with technology:
P ( X < Q1 ) =
0.25 gives Q1 = 56.22 .

P ( X < Q3 ) =
0.75 gives Q3 = 63.78 .

= Q3 − Q1
IQR
= 63.78 − 56.22
= 7.6 ( to 1 d.p.)
The interquartile range is 7.6 s ; that is, the range in time between the middle 50% of runners is
7.6 seconds.
Answer
7.6 s

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland

19 The probability distributions for two variables are defined as follows: X ~ N 120, σ 2 and ( )
( )
Y ~ N µ , 2σ 2 and P ( X < 124 ) = P (Y > 124 ) .

(a) Calculate µ , correct to 1 decimal place.

Worked solution

(
X ~ N 120, σ 2 )
Y ~ N ( µ , 2σ ) , so the standard deviation is
2
2σ .

P ( X < 124 ) = P (Y > 124 ) , so:

xY − µY xX − µ X
=
σY σX
µ − 124 124 − 120
=
2σ σ
= 2 (124 − 120 )
µ − 124
µ 124 + 4 2
=
µ = 129.7 (1 d.p.)
Answer
µ = 129.7

(b) If 124 is the 9th decile in the distribution of X, determine the standard deviation for both
distributions, correct to 2 decimal places. What is the closest percentile for this value in the
distribution of Y?
Worked solution
Calculate the standard deviation of X : σ .
For Z : µ = 0 , σ = 1
area = 0.9 , left tail
From technology: z = 1.28155
X ~ N (120, σ 2 ) , therefore µ = 120 .

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
P ( X < 124 ) =
0.9 , therefore x = 124 .
x= µ + σ z
124= 120 + σ × 1.28155
124 − 120
σ=
1.28155
= 3.12122
Now calculate the standard deviation of Y : 2σ .
σ
2= 2 × 3.12122
= 4.41407
For Y :
µ = 129.7 , standard deviation = 4.41407
Using cumulative density function for normal distributions on technology:
lower bound: −10 000
upper bound: 124
P (Y < 124 ) =
0.098

So around 10% of values are below 124 .

This corresponds to the original statement that P ( X < 124 ) = P (Y > 124 ) , so it is only
necessary here as a check.
In summary:
standard deviation for X : σ = 3.12 ( 2 d.p.)

standard deviation for Y : 2σ = 4.41 ( 2 d.p.)

124 is closest to the 10th percentile for Y .

Answer
standard deviation for X : σ = 3.12 ; standard deviation for Y : 2σ = 4.41 ; 124 is the 10th
percentile for Y .

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland

Worked solutions
Chapter 9 Continuous random
variables and the normal distribution
Chapter review 9
TF Technology free question

TF 1 Determine the following values for the uniform continuous variable with probability density function
k 0 ≤ x ≤ 10
f ( x) =  .
0 otherwise

(a) k
Worked solution
The area of the rectangle of width 10 and height k must be 1 :
A= l × w
=
1 10 × k
1
k=
10
= 0.1
Answer
k = 0.1

(b) P ( X < 3)

Worked solution
3 1
P ( X < 3) = ∫0 10 dx
1
= 3×
10
= 0.3
Answer
P ( X < 3) =
0.3

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(c) P ( X < 5)

Worked solution
5 1
P ( X < 5) = ∫0 10 dx
1
= 5×
10
= 0.5
Answer
P ( X < 5) =
0.5

(d) P ( 2 < X < 9)

Worked solution
9 1
P ( 2 < X < 9) = ∫2 10 dx
9−2
=
10
7
=
10
= 0.7
Answer
P ( 2 < X < 9) =
0.7

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
2 Calculate the exact values of following probabilities for the continuous random variable with
probability density function:

 40 ( x − 20 )
 x ≥ 20
f ( x) =  x3
0
 otherwise

(a) P ( X < 25 )

Worked solution
25 40 ( x − 20 ) 25  40 800 
∫20 x3
= dx ∫ 20  2 − 3  dx
x x 
25
 40 400 
=− x + x 2 
20

40 400  40 400 
= − + 2 −− + 2 
25 25  20 20 
24
= − +1
25
1
=
25
1
P ( X < 25 ) =
25
Answer
1
25

(b) P ( X > 30 )

Worked solution
40 ( x − 20 )
∞ ∞  40 800 
∫30 x3 = dx ∫
30  2 − 3  dx
x x 
∞
 40 400 
=−  x + x 2 
30

 40 400 
= 0−− + 2 
 30 30 
4 4
= −
3 9
8
=
9

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
8
So P ( X > 30) =
9
Answer
8
9

3 Use technology to calculate the following probabilities, correct to 4 decimal places, for a particular
continuous random variable that has the following probability density function:

1 1
 24 x − 24 1 ≤ x ≤ 7

9 1
f ( x) =  − x 7 < x ≤ 9
8 8
0 otherwise



(a) P ( X < 5.5)

Worked solution
 1 1 
P ( X < 5.5 )
5.5
= ∫
1 
 24
x −  dx
24 
= 0.4219 ( 4 d.p.)
Answer
0.4219

(b) P ( X > 7.6 )

Worked solution
9 1 
P ( X > 7.6 ) =
9
∫ 

7.6 8
− x  dx
8 
= 0.1225
Answer
0.1225

(c) P ( X > 3.2 )

Worked solution
 1 1 
P ( 3.2 < X =
< 7)
7
∫
 x −  dx
 24
3.2 24 
= 0.64916

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland

9 1 
P ( 7 < X < 9=
)
9
∫  − x  dx

7 8 8 
= 0.25
P ( X > 3.2=
) P ( 3.2 < X < 7 ) + P ( 7 < X < 9 )
= 0.64916 + 0.25
= 0.8992 ( 4 d.p.)

1 − P ( X < 3.2 ) .
Alternatively, use P ( X > 3.2 ) =

Answer
0.8992

TF 4 Explain whether or not the following piece-wise function represents a probability density function.

 2 10
x + 4x − 0≤ x≤3
f ( x) =  3
 0 otherwise

Worked solution
10 10
For y = x 2 + 4 x − , x = 0 gives y = − .
3 3
Hence f ( x ) < 0 for some values of x in [ 0,3] .

Answer
f ( x ) does not represent a probability density function because f ( x ) is not ≥ 0 for all values
of the domain.

 2x
 0≤ x≤3
TF 5 If f ( x ) = 15 + k defines a probability density function, what is the value of k ?
 0 otherwise

Worked solution
If k > −15 , the line will be at or above the x -axis throughout the domain.
3 2x
The area under the graph must equal 1 , so solving the equation ∫0 15 + k
dx = 1 will allow you to
calculate k .
3
3 2x  x2 
∫0 15 + k dx = 15 + k 
0

9
=
15 + k

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
2x
3
Given that ∫0 15 + k
dx = 1 :

9
=1
15 + k
15 + k = 9
k = −6
Answer
k = −6

6 Honey is packed in jars with a labelled mass of 500 g . The actual amount X g of honey in each jar is
such that X ~ N ( 500, 25 ) .

(a) Determine the probability that a jar chosen at random contains less than 495 g . Give your
answer correct to 2 decimal places.
Worked solution
µ = 500 , σ = 5
Using technology to calculate P ( X < 495 ) :

The lower bound is 0 and the upper bound is 495 .

P ( X < 495 ) =
0.16
The probability that a jar chosen at random contains less than 495 g is 0.16 .
Answer
0.16

(b) Suppose jars containing less than 490 g cannot be sold. In a batch of 1000 , how many jars
would you expect to be rejected?
Worked solution
Using technology gives P ( X < 490 ) =
0.022 75 .
So in a batch of 1000 jars, you would expect 23 jars to be rejected.
Answer
23 jars

Copyright © Pearson Australia 2019 (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) ISBN 978 1 4886 2142 0 Page 6
 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland

TF 7 Describe the distribution shown in the graph in the form N µ , σ 2 . ( )

Worked solution
129 − 111 =
18
The mean is 111 + 9 =
120 or 129 − 9 =
120 .
Because the middle 68% of observations are within one standard deviation of the mean, it
follows that σ = 9 , and so σ 2 = 81 .

( )
Therefore, the distribution is N 120,92 or N (120,81) .

Answer
N (120,92 ) or N (120,81)

TF 8 The graph below shows two normal distributions drawn on the same set of axes. Graph 1 has a marker
on it.

Compared to graph 1 , graph 2 has which of the following?

A the same variation but a smaller mean

B the same variation but a larger mean

C the same mean but a smaller variation

D the same mean but a larger variation

Worked solution
The distributions have the same variance but different means.
Graph 2 has the larger mean.
The correct option is B.

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
Answer
B

TF 9 The graph shows two normal distributions drawn on the same set of axes. Graph 1 has a marker on it.

Compared to graph 1 , graph 2 has which of the following?

A the same variation but a smaller mean

B the same variation but a larger mean

C the same mean but a smaller variation

D the same mean but a larger variation

Worked solution
The distributions have the same mean but different variances.
Graph 2 has a larger variance.
The correct option is D.
Answer
D

10 For X ~ N ( 50,16 ) , calculate each probability, correct to 4 decimal places.

(a) P ( X > 48 )

Worked solution
µ = 50 and σ = 4
Using technology gives P ( X > 48) =
0.6915 ( 4 d.p.) .
The answer is reasonable, because the value is less than the mean, and the probability is given
by the right tail.
Answer
0.6915

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(b) P ( X < 60 )

Worked solution
µ = 50 and σ = 4
Using technology, gives P ( X < 60 ) =
0.9938 ( 4 d.p.) .
The answer is reasonable, because the value is more than the mean, and the probability is given
by the left tail.
Answer
0.9938

(c) P ( 43 < X < 61)

Worked solution
µ = 50 and σ = 4
Using technology gives P ( 43 < X < 61) =
0.9570 ( 4 d.p.) .
Answer
0.9570

TF 11 Calculate z for each x-value in the following distributions.

(a) X ~ N (12,16 )

(i) x =8

Worked solution
µ = 12 and σ = 4
For x = 8 :
x−µ
z=
σ
8 − 12
=
4
= −1
Answer
z = −1
(ii) x = 10

Worked solution
µ = 12 and σ = 4

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
For x = 10 :
x−µ
z=
σ
10 − 12
=
4
1
= −
2
= −0.5
Answer
z = −0.5
(iii) x = 15

Worked solution
µ = 12 and σ = 4
For x = 15 :
x−µ
z=
σ
15 − 12
=
4
3
=
4
= 0.75
Answer
z = 0.75
(iv) x = 20

Worked solution
µ = 12 and σ = 4
For x = 20 :
x−µ
z=
σ
20 − 12
=
4
=2
Answer
z=2

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(b) X ~ N ( 28,16 )

(i) x = 24

Worked solution
µ = 28 and σ = 4
For x = 24 :
x−µ
z=
σ
24 − 28
=
4
= −1
Answer
z = −1
(ii) x = 35

Worked solution
µ = 28 and σ = 4
For x = 35 :
x−µ
z=
σ
35 − 28
=
4
7
=
4
Answer
7
z=
4
(iii) x = 17

Worked solution
µ = 28 and σ = 4
For x = 17 :
x−µ
z=
σ
17 − 28
=
4
11
= −
4

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
Answer
11
z= −
4

TF 12 For a particular normal distribution, P ( X < a) =

0.322 and P ( X < b ) =
0.515 . Calculate the
following probabilities.

(a) P ( X > a)

Worked solution
1 P ( X < a)
P ( X > a ) =−
= 1 − 0.322
= 0.678
Answer
0.678

(b) P ( X > b)

Worked solution
P ( X > b ) =−
1 P ( X < b)
= 1 − 0.515
= 0.485
Answer
0.485

(c) P (a < X < b)

Worked solution
P ( a < X < b=
) P ( X < b) − P ( X < a)
= 0.515 − 0.322
= 0.193
Answer
0.193

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
13 For each of the following diagrams showing the standard normal probability distribution, determine
the value of z. Give your answers correct to 3 decimal places.

(a)

Worked solution
Use the inverse normal to calculate z such that P ( Z < z ) =
0.55 , where Z ~ N ( 0,1) .

z = 0.126 ( 3 d.p.)
Answer
z = 0.126

(b)

Worked solution
Use the inverse normal to calculate z such that P ( Z < z ) =
0.40 , where Z ~ N ( 0,1) .

z = −0.253 ( 3 d.p.)
Answer
z = −0.253

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(c)

Worked solution
Use the inverse normal to calculate z such that P ( Z < z ) =
0.25 , where Z ~ N ( 0,1) .

z = −0.674 ( 3 d.p.)
Answer
z = −0.674

14 For X ~ N ( 30,12 ) determine the following values, correct to 2 decimal places.

(a) the values between which you would expect to find the middle 60% of observations
Worked solution
Use the central area with µ = 30 and σ = 12 and P ( a < X < b ) =
0.6 .

Alternatively, use the left tail with P ( X < a ) =

0.2 and P ( X < b ) =
0.8 .

Using technology: a = 27.08 ( 2 d.p.) and b = 32.92 ( 2 d.p.) .

The values between which you would expect to find the middle 60% of observations are 27.08
and 32.92 .
Answer
27.08 and 32.92

(b) the 95th percentile

Worked solution
Let c be the value below which you would expect to find 95% of the observations.
Now use P ( X < c ) =
0.95 with left-tail area.

c = 35.70 ( 2 d.p.)
The value below which you would expect to find 95% of observations is 35.70 .
The 95th percentile is 35.70 .

Copyright © Pearson Australia 2019 (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) ISBN 978 1 4886 2142 0 Page 14
 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
Answer
35.70

15 For X ~ N (120, 40 ) calculate k , such that the following probability statements are correct. Give your
answers correct to 2 decimal places.

(a) P( X > k) =
0.15

Worked solution
X ~ N (120, 40 ) , so µ = 120 and σ = 40

Calculate k such that P ( X > k ) =

0.15 with right-tail area or P ( X < k ) =
0.85 with left-tail
area.
The inverse normal gives k = 126.55 ( 2 d.p.) .

Answer
k = 126.55

(b) P( X < k) =
0.25

Worked solution
Calculate k such that P ( X < k ) =
0.25 , where µ = 120 and σ = 40 .

The inverse normal with left-tail area gives k = 115.73 ( 2 d.p.) .

Answer
k = 115.73

16 Consider the marks X in an examination were such that X ~ N ( 85, 49 ) .

(a) The bottom 15% of students failed the examination. Determine the minimum integer mark
required to pass.
Worked solution
X ~ N ( 85, 49 ) , so µ = 85 and=
σ =
49 7

Use left-tail area for P ( X < k ) =

0.15 .
The inverse normal function gives k = 77.7 , so the minimum whole number pass mark was 78 .
Answer
78

Copyright © Pearson Australia 2019 (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) ISBN 978 1 4886 2142 0 Page 15
 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(b) Determine the percentage of students who obtained full marks, given that the test was out of
100 . Give your answer correct to 2 decimal places.
Worked solution
µ = 85 and σ = 7
lower bound: 100
upper bound: 10 000

Using technology gives P ( X > 100 ) =

0.016 062 , and so the percentage of students who scored
full marks is 1.61% .
Answer
1.61%

(c) Students with a score within 1.5 standard deviations above the mean received a credit.
Determine the end values of the range of whole number scores that this represents.
Worked solution
µ = 85 and σ = 7
upper limit: 85 + 1.5 × 7 =95.5
The range of whole number scores that receive credits is 85 to 95 .
Answer
85 to 95

17 The graph below represents X ~ N ( 40,13) . Determine the values for a and b , correct to 2 decimal
places.

Worked solution
X ~ N ( 40,13) , so µ = 40 , σ = 13

Use the central area with P ( a < X < b ) =

0.8 .

Alternatively, use left-tail areas with P ( X < a ) =

0.1 and P ( X < b ) =
0.9 .
Inverse normal on technology gives a = 35.38 and b = 44.62 , to 2 decimal places as required.
Answer
a = 35.38 , b = 44.62

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
TF 18 For the continuous variable with probability density function shown, determine the exact value of the
median.

 x2
 0 ≤ x ≤ 3 36
f ( x ) = 12
 0 otherwise

Worked solution
If the median is m then P ( X < m ) =
0.5 .

m x2
Solve ∫0 12
dx = 0.5 for m :

m
m x2  x3 
∫0 12
dx =  
 36  0
m3
=
36
So:
m3 1
=
36 2
m3 = 18
m = 3 18
The exact value of the median is 3 18 .
Answer
3
18

19 An arrow is fired at a target. The distance, X m , from the centre of the target that the arrow pierces
 3
π 1 + x2 0 ≤ x ≤ 3
follows the function f ( x ) =  ( ) .

 0 otherwise

(a) Explain why it is reasonable to say that this represents a probability density function.
Worked solution
3
Because f ( x ) ≥ 0 and technology gives dx = 1 , it is the case that f ( x ) is a
3
∫0
(
π 1 + x2 )
probability distribution.
Answer
It is reasonable because f ( x ) ≥ 0 for the values in the domain and the integral equals 1.

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(b) Use technology to calculate the following, correct to 4 decimal places.

(i) P ( X < 1)

Worked solution

P ( X < 1) =
∫ f ( x ) dx
1

0
1 3
=∫ dx
0 π (1 + x 2 )
= 0.75
Answer
P ( X < 1) =
0.75

(ii) P ( X > 1.25)

Worked solution

P ( X > 1.25) =
∫ f ( x ) dx
3

1.25
3 3
=∫ dx
( )
1.25 π 1 + x 2

= 0.1443 ( 4 d.p.)
Answer
P ( X > 1.25) =
0.1443

(iii) P ( 0.25 < X < 1.1)

Worked solution

P ( 0.25 < X < 1.1) =

∫ f ( x ) dx
1.1

0.25
1.1 3
=∫ dx
( )
0.25 π 1 + x 2

= 0.5615 ( 4 d.p.)
Answer
P ( 0.25 < X < 1.1) =
0.5615

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(c) Calculate the following parameters, correct to 4 decimal places.

(i) E(X )

Worked solution
∞
E ( X ) = ∫ x f ( x ) dx
−∞
3 3x
=∫ dx
0
(
π 1 + x2 )
= 0.6619 ( 4 d.p.)
Answer
E ( X ) = 0.6619
(ii) Var (X)

Worked solution

( )
( X ) E X 2 − ( E ( X ))
2
=
Var
3x 2
dx − ( 0.6619 )
3
∫
2
=
0
π 1+ x 2
( )
= 0.2159 ( 4 d.p.)
Answer
Var (X) = 0.2159

20 For a mathematics assignment, Xandra and Zack have decided to record the amount of time they
spend completing their daily homework. Xandra’s times are represented by the continuous random
variable X, in hours, with the probability density function:

 1 2
(
− x − 4 x 0 ≤ x ≤ 3
f ( x) =  9
)

 0 otherwise

Zack’s times are represented by the continuous random variable Z , in hours, with the probability
density function:
2 2

f ( z ) =  57
(z − 9 z + 20 0 ≤ z ≤ 3 )
 0 otherwise

Copyright © Pearson Australia 2019 (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) ISBN 978 1 4886 2142 0 Page 19
 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(a) Calculate the mean time each student spends completing homework on a given day and compare
the results.
Worked solution
∞ ∞
Use E ( X ) = ∫ x f ( x ) dx and E ( Z ) = ∫ z f ( z ) dz respectively.
−∞ −∞

Xandra:

E ( X ) = ∫ x f ( x ) dx
3

3 1 
= (
∫0  − 9 x x − 4 x  dx
2
)
3 1 
0
 9
(
=∫  − x3 − 4 x 2  dx

)
3
 4 x3 x 4 
=  − 
 27 36  0
7
=
4
= 1.75 hours
Zack:

E ( Z ) = ∫ z f ( z ) dz
3

 2 
( )
3
=
0  57

∫z z 2 − 9 z + 20  dz

3 2 
= ∫ 

0 57
(
z 3 − 9 z 2 + 20 z  dz

)
3
 1 
= 
114
(
z 4 − 12 z 3 + 40 z 2 
0
)
39
=
38
= 1.03 hours
1.75 − 1.03 =
0.72
0.72 h = 43 min ( nearest minute )
Xandra spends, on average, 1.75 hours completing homework while Zack spends, on average,
1.03 hours completing homework.
Xandra spends, on average, about 43 minutes more completing homework than Zack.
Answer
Xandra: 1.75 hours ; Zack: 1.03 hours ; Xandra spends, on average, 43 minutes more
completing homework than Zack.

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(b) Xandra has a school concert to attend and will try to complete her homework within 1.5 hours.
Calculate the probability that Xandra will complete her homework in the required time.
Worked solution
 1 2 
P ( X < 1.5 ) = ( )
1.5
∫0  − x − 4 x  dx
 9 
1.5
 1 3 2 2
=  − 27 x + 9 x 
0

1 2
=− ×1.53 + ×1.52
27 9
= 0.375
The probability that Xandra will complete her homework within 1.5 hours is 0.375 .
Answer
0.375

TF 21 Given thatX ~ N (10,9 ) , in what range would you expect to find the middle 95% of the
observations?

A 9.5 to 10.5 B 0 to 28 C 10 to 19 D 4 to 16
Worked solution
X ~ N (10,9 ) , so µ = 10 and σ = 3

( µ − 2σ , µ + 2σ )= (10 − 2 × 3,10 + 2 × 3)
=(10 − 6,10 + 6 )
= ( 4,16 )

95% of the observations should be in the range from 4 to 16 .

The correct option is D.
Answer
D

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
22 (a) In Australia, approximately 49% of the population has type-O blood. A random sample of
100 people in Australia were chosen for a survey. Give all probabilities correct to 4 decimal
places.
(i) Calculate the probability that between 39 and 59 (both inclusive) people of those surveyed
will have type-O blood, using a binomial distribution formula.

Worked solution
n = 100 , p = 0.49
Using technology with X ~ B (100, 0.49 ) :

0.9648 ( 4 d.p.)
P ( 39 ≤ X ≤ 59 ) =
Answer
0.9648
(ii) Calculate the probability that between 39 and 59 (both inclusive) people will have type-O
blood for this sample, using a normal approximation to the binomial distribution. Compare
this value to the value calculated in part (i).

Worked solution
n = 100 , p = 0.49 , 1 − p =
0.51
µ = np
= 100 × 0.49
= 49
σ 2 np (1 − p )
=
=100 × 0.49 × 0.51
= 24.99
Adjust ‘a half each side' to suit the continuous nature of the normal distribution:
P ( 39 ≤ X ≤ 59 ) , where X ~ B (100, 0.49 )
becomes
P ( 38.5 < X < 59.5 ) , where X ~ N ( 49, 24.99 ) .
Using technology:
P ( 38.5 < X < 59.5 ) =
0.9643 ( 4 d.p.) , where X ~ N ( 49, 24.99 ) ,

0.9648 , where X ~ B (100, 0.49 ) .

whereas P ( 39 ≤ X ≤ 59 ) =

0.9648 − 0.9643 =
0.0005 , hence the normal approximation gives a slightly lower result.
Answer
Normal distribution: 0.9643. This value is 0.0005 lower than the binomial distribution estimate.

Copyright © Pearson Australia 2019 (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) ISBN 978 1 4886 2142 0 Page 22
 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(b) In Japan, an average of 37% of the population have type-O blood. A random sample of
100 people in Japan were chosen for a survey. Give all probabilities correct to 4 decimal places.
(i) Calculate the probability that between 39 and 59 people of those surveyed in Japan will
have type-O blood, using a binomial distribution formula.

Worked solution
n = 100 , p = 0.37
Using technology with X ~ B (100, 0.37 ) : P ( 39 ≤ X ≤ 59 ) =
0.3750 ( 4 d.p.)
Answer
0.3750
(ii) Calculate the probability that between 39 and 59 people of those surveyed in Japan will
have type-O blood, using a normal approximation to the binomial distribution. Compare
this value to the value calculated in part (i).

Worked solution
n = 100 , p = 0.37 , 1 − p =
0.63
µ = np
= 100 × 0.37
= 37
σ 2 np (1 − p )
=
=100 × 0.37 × 0.63
= 23.31
Adjust ‘a half each side' to suit the continuous nature of the normal distribution:
P ( 39 ≤ X ≤ 59 ) , where X ~ B (100, 0.37 )

becomes P ( 38.5 < X < 59.5 ) , where X ~ N ( 37, 23.31) .

Using technology:
P ( 38.5 < X < 59.5 ) =
0.3780 ( 4 d.p.) , where X ~ N ( 37, 23.31) ,

whereas P ( 39 ≤ X ≤ 59 ) =
0.3750 , where X ~ B (100, 0.37 ) .
0.3780 − 0.3750 =
0.0030 , hence the normal approximation gives a slightly higher result.
Answer
Normal distribution: 0.3780. This value is 0.0030 higher than the binomial distribution value.

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
23 Consider the probability distributions A ~ N ( 230,38.44 ) and B ~ N (16.5, 7.84 ) . Give answers
correct to 1 decimal place.

(a) Determine the equivalent value from the distribution of A when b = 12.9 .
Worked solution
B ~ N (16.5, 7.84 ) , µ = 16.5
= ,σ =
7.84 2.8

b = 12.9 , where z = b − µ
σ
12.9 − 16.5
z=
2.8
9
= −
7
A ~ N ( 230,38.44 ) , µ = 230
= ,σ =
38.44 6.2
a= µ + zσ
 9
a= 230 +  −  6.2
 7
= 222.0 (1 d.p.)
9
b = 12.9 is equivalent to a = 222.0 , because both are standard deviations below the mean.
7
Answer
a = 222.0

(b) Determine the equivalent value from the distribution of B when a = 235.4 .
Worked solution
A ~ N ( 230,38.44 ) , µ = 230
= ,σ =
38.44 6.2

a−µ
a = 235.4 , where z =
σ
235.4 − 230
z=
6.2
27
=
31
B ~ N (16.5, 7.84 ) , µ = 16.5
= ,σ =
7.84 2.8
b= µ + zσ

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
 27 
=
b 16.5 +   2.8
 31 
= 18.9 (1 d.p.)
27
a = 235.4 is equivalent to b = 18.9 , because both are standard deviations above the mean.
31
Answer
b = 18.9

24 The diagram represents X ~ N ( µ , σ 2 ) . Which expression is approximately equivalent to a?

A µ − 1.645σ 2 B µ + 1.645σ

C µ − 2σ D µ − 1.645σ

Worked solution
Using technology with Z ~ N ( 0,1) :

P(Z > z) =
0.95 with right-tail area or P ( Z < z ) =
0.05 with left-tail area gives z = −1.645 .

x−µ
z=
σ
a−µ
−1.645 =
σ
a= µ − 1.645σ
The correct option is D.
Answer
D

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
25 When fishing, fish of less than a given length have to be thrown back into the water. Red snappers
have a minimum allowed length of 30 cm, and barramundi have a minimum allowed length of 55 cm.
Let the variable R represent the lengths of red snappers caught, in centimetres, and let the variable B
represent the lengths of barramundi caught, in centimetres. Observations of red snapper that have been
caught show that R is normally distributed with mean 36 cm and a variance of 9 cm. Observations of
barramundi that have been caught show that B is normally distributed with a variance of 16 cm.

(a) Calculate the mean length of barramundi caught if 2.5% of the barramundi caught are less than
54 cm long. Give your answer correct to the nearest whole number.
Worked solution
Using technology with Z ~ N ( 0,1) :

P(Z < z) =
0.025 with left-tail area gives z = −1.96

,σ
b = 54 = =
16 4
b= µ + zσ
54 = µ − 1.96 × 4
µ= 54 + 7.84
= 61.84
The mean length of barramundi is about 62 cm .
Answer
62 cm

(b) Sketch the two probability density functions for the random variables R and B on the same set
of axes.
Worked solution
For R ~ N ( 36,9 ) , the region ( µ − 3σ , µ + 3σ ) is ( 36 − 3 ( 3) ,36 + 3 ( 3) ) → ( 27, 45 ) .

For B ~ N ( 62,16 ) , the region ( µ − 3σ , µ + 3σ ) is ( 62 − 3 ( 4 ) , 62 + 3 ( 4 ) ) → ( 50, 74 ) .

Answer

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(c) Calculate the z-scores for the minimum allowed lengths for both variables R and B, and interpret
this in terms of which of the two kinds of fish is more likely to be too small to keep.
Worked solution
variable R : µ = 36 and σ = 3
30 − 36
zR =
3
6
= −
3
= −2
variable B : µ = 62 and σ = 4
55 − 62
zB =
4
7
= −
4
= −1.75
Because −2 < −1.75 , the proportion of red snapper that must be thrown back is smaller than the
proportion of barramundi that must be thrown back.
Answer
z R = −2 , z B = −1.75 The proportion of red snapper that must be thrown back is smaller than the
proportion of barramundi that must be thrown back.

(d) Calculate the following probabilities, correct to 2 significant figures.

(i) A red snapper that is caught will be longer than 47 cm .

Worked solution
Using technology: R ~ N ( 36,32 )

lower bound: 47
upper bound: 10 000

P ( R > 47 ) =
0.00012 ( 2 [Link].)
Red snapper are longer than 47 cm only 0.000 12 of the time.
Answer
0.000 12

Copyright © Pearson Australia 2019 (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) ISBN 978 1 4886 2142 0 Page 27
 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(ii) A barramundi that is caught will be less than 58 cm long.

Worked solution
Using technology: B ~ N ( 62, 42 )

lower bound: −10 000

upper bound: 58
0.16 ( 2 sig. fig.)
P ( B < 58) =
Barramundi are less than 58 cm 0.16 of the time.
Answer
0.16

26 The time H, in minutes, it takes Helena to complete one type of exercise at the local gym follows the
probability density function:

 3
−ah + 5 0 ≤ h ≤ 2

f ( h )  a
2
= 2 < h ≤ 5 , where a is a real constant.
5

0 otherwise

(a) Calculate the value of a and substitute this value into f ( h ) .

Worked solution

f ( h ) is a probability density function, hence ∫ f ( h ) dh = 1 .

5

2 3 5 2 
∫0 

−ah +  dh + ∫  a  dh =
5 
2 5

1
2
 ah 2 3   2 
5

− + h  +  ah  = 1
 2 5 0  5 2
6 4
−2a + + 2a − a = 1
5 5
4 6
− a= 1−
5 5
4 1
− a= −
5 5
1
a=
4

Copyright © Pearson Australia 2019 (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) ISBN 978 1 4886 2142 0 Page 28
 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
Substituting a into f ( h ) :

 1 3
− 4 h + 5 0 ≤ h ≤ 2

f ( h ) 
1
= 2<h≤5
10

 0 otherwise
Answer
 1 3
− 4 h + 5 0 ≤ h ≤ 2

1  1
= , f (h) 
a= 2<h≤5
4 10

 0 otherwise

(b) The time A , in minutes, it takes Ami to complete the same exercise as Helena is normally
distributed with mean 2.5 and variance 0.36 .
(i) Determine the probability that both Helena and Ami will finish the exercise in between
2 and 5 minutes . Give your answer correct to 2 decimal places.

Worked solution
1
For Helena, calculate the area of the rectangle for which l = 3 and w = , because for this
10
1
entire time period of 3 seconds, f ( h ) = .
10
P ( 2 < H < 5) =
lw
1
= 3×
10
= 0.3
For Ami, use technology for A ~ N ( 2.5, 0.62 ) :

P ( 2 < A < 5) =
0.7977 ( 4 d.p.)

For both girls to finish between 2 and 5 minutes, use P ( A ∩ B =

) P ( A) × P ( B ) :
P ( 2 < H < 5 ) × P ( 2 < A < 5 ) = 0.3 × 0.7977
= 0.24 ( 2 d.p.)

The probability that both Helena and Ami will take between 2 and 5 minutes to finish the
exercise is 0.24 .
Answer
0.24

Copyright © Pearson Australia 2019 (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) ISBN 978 1 4886 2142 0 Page 29
 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(ii) Calculate Helena’s mean time to finish the exercise, correct to 2 decimal places.

Worked solution
∞
Calculate E ( H ) = ∫ h f ( h ) dh .
−∞

 1  5 h
E ( H )=
2
∫
0
h  − h + 0.6  dh + ∫
 4  2 10
dh

2 1  5 h
=∫  − h 2 + 0.6h  dh + ∫ dh
0
 4  2 10

5
 h2 
2
 1 3 2
= −
 12 h + 0.3h +
  20 
 0  2
2 5 1
=− + 1.2 + −
3 4 5
= 1.58 ( 2 d.p.)
Helena’s mean time is 1.58 minutes .
Answer
1.58 minutes
(iii) Determine Helena’s median time, correct to 2 decimal places. Explain the meaning of this
result.

Worked solution
Half of the exercises are finished in less time than the median.

∫ f ( h ) dh = 0.5 .
m
If the median value is m , use
0

m
m  1 3  1 2 3 
∫0  − h +  dh =
 4 5  − h + h
 8 5 0
1 3
=− m2 + m
8 5
1 3
So − m 2 + m =
0.5
8 5
Simplifying gives m 2 − 4.8m + 4 =0.
Using the quadratic formula gives:
4.8 ± 7.04
m=
2
m ≈ 1.07 or 3.73
Reject 3.73 because it is outside the domain 0 < h < 2 .
Helena’s median time is 1.07 minutes.

Copyright © Pearson Australia 2019 (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) ISBN 978 1 4886 2142 0 Page 30
 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
Answer
1.07 minutes; Helena completes half of the exercises in less than 1.07 minutes and the other half
of the exercises takes between 1.07 minutes and 5 minutes.
(iv) Determine the probability that Ami will complete the exercise in less than Helena’s
median time. Give your answer correct to 4 decimal places.

Worked solution
Determine P ( A < 1.07 ) with A ~ N ( 2.5, 0.62 ) .

µ = 2.5 , σ = 0.6
lower bound = 0
upper bound = 1.07

and the normal continuous distribution function gives a value of 0.0086 ( 4 d.p.) .
The probability that Ami will complete the exercise sessions within Helena’s median time of
1.07 minutes is 0.0086 .
Answer
0.0086

27 The mass, X g , of a packet of potato chips is such that X ~ N (150, 40 ) . Packets with mass less than
143 g are rejected as too small. Packets with a mass of more than 162 g are rejected as too large.

(a) Determine the probability of rejection, correct to 4 decimal places.

Worked solution
X ~ N (150, 40 ) , so µ = 150 and σ = 40 .

Using technology gives P ( X < 143) =

0.13419 ( 5 d.p.) .

0.02889 ( 5 d.p.) .
Using technology, it is found that P ( X > 162 ) =

The proportion of packets that are rejected as too small is 0.13419 .

The proportion of packets that are rejected as too large is 0.02889 .
0.1631 ( 4 d.p.)
0.13419 + 0.02889 =
The probability that a packet will be rejected is 0.1631 .
Answer
0.1631

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(b) In a batch of 500 packets, what is the probability of fewer than 66 packets being rejected? Give
your answer correct to 3 decimal places.
Worked solution
A single packet will be rejected with probability 0.1631 .
Let M ~ B ( 500, 0.1631) .

Using technology gives P ( M < 66 ) =

0.024 ( 3 d.p.) .
The probability that fewer than 66 packets will be rejected is 0.024 .
Answer
0.024

(c) Between which masses would you expect to find the middle 90% of production? Give your
answer correct to 1 decimal place.
Worked solution
X ~ N (150, 40 ) , µ = 150 , σ = 40
Using technology:
Use the central area with P ( a < X < b ) =
0.9 .

Alternatively, use P ( X < a ) =

0.05 with left-tail area and P ( X < b ) =
0.95 with right-tail area.

a = 139.597 and b = 160.403

You would expect the middle 90% of packets to have masses between 139.6 g and 160.4 g .
Answer
139.6 g and 160.4 g

28 The local council is trying to decide what to do about the collection of recyclable materials. Each
household has a bin that is collected on a fortnightly basis. Each truck that returns to the council depot
will contain an amount X of materials that are not recyclable, where X is measured in units of 100 kg.
It is known that the random variable X has the following probability density function:

kx ( 4 − x ) 0 ≤ x ≤ 4
 2

f ( x) = 

0 otherwise

(a) Calculate the value of k , as a fraction.

Worked solution

(
kx ( 4 − x )= kx 16 − 8 x + x 2
2
)
= 16kx − 8kx 2 + kx 3

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
4
 8kx 3 kx 4 
∫( )
4
16kx − 8kx + kx dx = 8kx 2 −
2 3
+ 
0
 3 4 0
 8k ( 4 ) k ( 4 ) 
3 4

=  8k ( 4 ) − −0
2
+
 3 4 
 
512k
=128k − + 64k
3
 512 
= k 128 − + 64 
 3 
 64 
=k 
 3 
This is the total probability, hence:
 64 
k   =1
 3 
3
∴k =
64
Answer
3
k=
64

(b) Determine the mean and standard deviation of X , in kilograms.

Worked solution
4
For the mean, calculate µ = ∫ xf ( x)dx .
0

=
For the standard deviation, calculate σ 2 E ( X 2 ) − µ 2 , then take the square root.
Using technology:
4 3
∫ x×
µ=
0 64
x(4 − x) 2 dx

3 4 2
64 ∫0
= x (4 − x) 2 dx

= 1.6

E ( X 2 ) =∫ x 2 ×
4 3
x(4 − x) 2 dx
0 64
3 4 3
64 ∫0
= x (4 − x) 2 dx

= 3.2
σ=
2
3.2 − 1.62
= 0.64

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 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland

σ = 0.64
= 0.8
1.6 is a reasonable value for the mean, as it lies within the interval [ 0, 4] .
0.8 is reasonable for the standard deviation, because 5 × 0.8 =
4 and the range is 4 − 0 =4.
Hence, the mean is 160 kg and the standard deviation is 80 kg .
Answer
mean: 160 kg ; standard deviation: 80 kg

(c) Determine the probability that a truck chosen at random contains at least 3 units of non-
recyclable material. Write your answer as a fraction.
Worked solution
4 3
P( X=
> 3) ∫3 64
x(4 − x) 2 dx

Expand and integrate, then calculate the integral.

4
3  2 8 x3 x 4 
3 4
64 ∫3
(
16 x − 8 x + x =
2 3
dx
64 
)
8 x −
3
+ 
4 3
3  8 × 43 4 4  3  8 × 33 34 
=  8 × 4 2
− +  − 8 × 32
− + 
64  3 4  64  3 4
 27 27 243 
= ( 6 − 8 + 3) −  − + 
 8 8 256 
243
= 1−
256
13
=
256
The probability that a truck chosen at random contains at least 3 units of non-recyclable material
13
is .
256
Answer
13
256

Copyright © Pearson Australia 2019 (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) ISBN 978 1 4886 2142 0 Page 34
 Mathematical Methods 12 Queensland
(d) The council has two choices as to how to proceed with the collection of recyclable material. The
first is to continue to sell truckloads of unsorted material. If a truck contains less than 3 units of
non-recyclable material, they will be able to sell the materials for $500, but if it contains more
than that, they will only receive $300. Determine the mean value of a truck full of unsorted
material to the nearest cent.
Worked solution
Expected value: $500 × P( X < 3) + $300 × P( X > 3)
243 13 15675
500 × + 300 × =
256 256 32
= $489.84
The mean value of a truck full of unsorted material is $489.84 .
Answer
$489.84

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