MATH 143: Introduction to Probability and Statistics
Worksheet for Mon., Sept. 20: Normal Distributions
Practice using the standard normal table to find the following. In each case sketch the area that
you are looking for under the standard normal curve drawn. (It is always a good idea to draw
such a sketch, partly to remind yourself that probabilities correspond to areas, partly because the
sketch can help you to figure out how to use the table correctly, and partly because it allows you
to check visually whether your answer seems reasonable.)
1. The proportion of Z-values less than 0.68—that is, P(Z < 0.68). How about P(Z 0.68)?
Ans: Both are 0.7517.
2. P(Z > 0.68) Ans: 0.2483
3. P(Z < 1.38) Ans: 0.0838
MATH 143 Worksheet : Normal Distributions
4. P( 1.38 < Z < 0.68) Ans: P(Z < 0.68) P(Z < 1.38) = 0.7517 0.0838 = 0.6679
5. P( 3.81 < Z < 1.38) [The limitations of your table force you to make an estimate here.]
Ans: about 0.0838 again
6. Find the value k such that P(Z < k) = 0.8997. Ans: k = 1.28
7. Find Q1 and Q3 (the first and 3rd quartiles) for the standard normal distribution.
Ans: Q1 ⌘ 0.67, Q3 ⌘ 0.67
2
MATH 143 Worksheet : Normal Distributions
The Empirical Rule. Let us continue to use Z to denote a variable with a standard normal
distribution. Use the table of standard normal probabilities to find:
8. P( 1 < Z < 1) Ans: P(Z < 1) P(Z < 1) = 0.8413 0.1587 = 0.6827
9. P( 2 < Z < 2) Ans: P(Z < 2) P(Z < 3) = 0.9772 0.0228 = 0.9544
10. P( 3 < Z < 3) Ans: P(Z < 3) P(Z < 3) = 0.9987 0.0013 = 0.9974
Critical Values. Now use the table of standard normal probabilities (in “reverse”) to find as
accurately as possible the values of z⇤ satisfying:
11. P(Z > z⇤ ) = 0.10 Ans: z⇤ = 1.28
12. P(Z > z⇤ ) = 0.05 Ans: z⇤ = 1.645
13. P(Z > z⇤ ) = 0.01 Ans: z⇤ = 2.326
14. P(Z > z⇤ ) = 0.001 Ans: z⇤ = 3.09
Package Weights. Suppose that the wrapper of a candy bar lists its weight as 8 ounces. The actual
weights of individual candy bars naturally vary to some extent, however. Suppose that these
actual weights vary according to a normal distribution with mean µ = 8.3 ounces and standard
deviation = 0.125 ounces.
15. What proportion of the candy bars weigh less than the advertized 8 ounces?
z = 8.125
8.3
= 2.4, and P(Z < 2.4) = 0.0082 (Answer)
16. What proportion of the candy bars weigh more than 8.5 ounces?
z = 8.5.1258.3 = 1.6, and P(Z > 1.6) = 0.0548 (Answer)
17. What is the weight such that only 1 candy bar in 1000 weighs less than that amount?
8.3
We want P(Z < z⇤ ) = 0.001 ) z⇤ = 3.09. We now solve 3.09 = x.125 to get x = 7.91
(Answer)
18. If the manufacturer wants to adjust the production process so that only 1 candy bar in 1000
weighs less than the advertised weight, what should the mean of the actual weights be
(assuming that the standard deviation of the weights remains 0.125 ounces)?
8 µ
This time we solve 3.09 = .125 to get µ = 8.39 (Answer)
19. If the manufacturer wants to adjust the production process so that the mean remains at 8.3
ounces but only 1 candy bar in 1000 weighs less than the advertised weight, how small does
the standard deviation of the weights need to be?
This time we solve 3.09 = 8 8.3 to get = 0.097 (Answer)