Midterm

UNDERSTANDING THE Z – SCORE

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

1. Relate a random variable distribution to a normal variable distribution;

2. Understand the concept of the z-score;
3. Convert a random variable to a standard normal variable and vice-versa; and
4. Solve problems involving random and normal variables.
5. Discuss the properties of a normal distribution and the standard normal
distribution.
6. Find the probabilities of a normally distributed variable by transforming it into a standard normal
distribution.

INTRODUCTION:
▪ Z - score is stated to be a measure of relative standing.
▪ These scores represent distances from the center measured in standard deviation units.
▪ There are six z-scores at the base line of the normal curve: three z scores to the left of the mean and
▪ Three z-scores to the right of the mean.
▪ If the z score is positive, the score is above the mean. If the score is 0, the score is the same as the mean.
If the score is negative, the score is below the mean.

STANDARD SCORE OR Z SCORES

The areas under the normal curve are given in terms of z-values or scores. Either the z score locates x within a
sample or within a population. The formula for calculating z is:

𝒙−𝝁 Z - score for population

𝒛=
𝝈

𝒙−𝒙̅ Z – score for sample

𝒛=
𝒔

Where:
x = given measurement
𝜇 = population mean
𝑥̅ = sample mean
𝜎 = population standard deviation
s = sample standard deviation

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For any population, the mean and the standard deviation are fixed. Thus, the z formula matches the z-values
one-to-one with the X values (raw scores). That is, for every X value there corresponds a z-value and for each z-
value there is exactly one X value.

The z values are matched with specific areas under the normal curve in a normal distribution table.
Therefore, to find the percentage associated with X, we must find its matched z-value using the z-formula.
The z-value leads to the area under the curve found in the normal curve table, which is a probability, and that
probability gives the desired percentage for X.

Example 1:

Given the mean, μ = 50 and the standard deviation, σ = 4 of a population of Reading scores. Find the z-value
that corresponds to a score x = 58.

STEPS SOLUTION

1. Use the formula for computing the z – score of population data. 𝑥−𝜇
𝑧=
𝜎

2. Check the given values. Since these are population values, the x = 58
𝜇 = 50
z – score locates x within a population
𝜎=4

3. Substitute the given values in the formula 58 − 50

𝑧= =𝟐
4
4. Compute the z - score Hence, the z – score that corresponds to
the raw score 58 is 2 in a population

Distribution.

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This conversion from raw score to z-score is shown graphically:

From the diagram, we see that a score X = 58 corresponds to z = 2. It is above the mean. So we can say that,
with respect to the mean, the score of 58 is above average.

Example 2:

Locate the z – score that corresponds to a PE score of 39 given that μ = 45 and σ = 6.

STEPS SOLUTION

1. Use the formula for computing the z – score of population data. 𝑥−𝜇
𝑧=
𝜎

2. Check the given values. Since these are population values, the x = 39
𝜇 = 45
z – score locates x within a population
𝜎=6

3. Substitute the given values in the formula 39 − 45

𝑧= = −𝟏
6
4. Compute the z – score Hence, the z – score that corresponds to t
he raw score 39 is -1 in a population
distribution

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This conversion from raw score to z-score is shown graphically:

With respect to the mean, the score 39 is below the population mean. We can also say that the score 39 is below
average.

Example 3:

Given a normal distribution with 𝜇 = 30 and 𝜎 = 6, Find the area of the normal curve to the RIGHT of x = 17.

Solution:

Convert the raw score to z – score

𝑥 − 𝜇 17 − 30
𝑧= = = −2.17
𝜎 6

Use the z – table to find the area to the right of

z = - 2.17

𝑃 (𝑧 > −2.17) = 0.4850 + .5000

𝑃 (𝑧 > −2.17) = 𝟎. 𝟗𝟖𝟓𝟎

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Example 4:

Given a normal distribution with 𝜇 = 30 and 𝜎 = 6, find the area of the normal curve to the LEFT of x = 22.

Solution:
Convert the raw score to z – score
𝑥 − 𝜇 22 − 30
𝑧= = = −1.33
𝜎 6

Use the z – table to find the area to the left of

z = - 1.33

𝑃 (𝑧 < −1.33) = 0.5000 − 0.4082

𝑃 (𝑧 < −1.33) = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟗𝟏𝟖

Example 5:
Given a normal distribution with 𝜇 = 30 and 𝜎 = 6.
Find the area of the normal curve BETWEEN x = 32 and x = 41.

Solution:

Convert the raw score to z – score:

𝑥 − 𝜇 32 − 30
𝑧1 = = = 0.33
𝜎 6
𝑥 − 𝜇 41 − 30
𝑧2 = = = 1.83
𝜎 6

Use the z – table to find the area BETWEEN

z = 0.33 and z = 1.83

𝑃 (0.33 < 𝑧 < 1.83) = 0.4664 − 0.1293

𝑃 (0.33 < 𝑧 < 1.83) = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟑𝟕𝟏

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IMPORTANCE OF THE Z-SCORES

Raw scores may be composed of large values, but large values cannot be accommodated at the base line of the
normal curve. So, they have to be transformed into scores for convenience without sacrificing meanings
associated with the raw scores.

The probability distribution does not follow the standard normal distribution, but does follow a general normal
distribution. When this is the case, compute the z – score first to convert it into a standard normal distribution.
Then use the z-table.

APPLICATIONS OF THE Z – SCORE

Example 1:
A study was done to find the average waiting time to get service in a local bank. The mean waiting time
was 9.2 minutes, and the standard deviation was 2.6 minutes. If a person enters the bank, find the probability
that the person has to wait between 6.6 minutes and 11.8 minutes.

Solution:

x−μ
z=
σ
6.6 − 9.2
𝑧1 = = −1
2.6
11.8 − 9.2
𝑧2 = =1
2.6

The required area is:

P = 0.341 + 0.341
P = 0.682 or 68.2%

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Example 2:
Find the corresponding z value for a value of 17 if the mean of a variable is 10 and the standard deviation is 4.

Solution:

𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 − 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝑥 − 𝑥̅ 17 − 10
𝑧= = = = 𝟏. 𝟕𝟓
𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑑𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝜎 4

Hence the z value of 1.75 corresponds to a value of 17 for an approximately normal distribution which has a
mean of 10 and a standard deviation of 4.

Note: The z values are negative for values of variables that are below the mean.

Example 3:

In a study it was found that people keep their television for an average of 4.8 years. The standard deviation is 1
year, and the variable is normally distributed. If a television is selected at random, find the probability that it is
between 5 and 6 years old.

Solution:
x−μ
z=
σ
5 − 4.8
𝑧1 = = 0.20
1
6 − 4.8
𝑧2 = = 1.20
1
Find the two areas corresponding to 0.2 and 1.2.

For z = 0.2, the area is 0.0793.

For z = 1.2, the area is 0.3849. Subtract the areas: 0.3849 – 0.0793 = 0.3056 or 30.56%.

Hence, the probability that a randomly selected television set is between 5 and 6 years old is 30.56%

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Example 4:

The SAT Math exam is scaled to have the average of 500 points, and the standard deviation of 100 points. What
is the cutoff score for top 10% of the SAT takers?

Solution:

In this example we begin with a known area, find the z-value, and then find x from the formula x = µ +σ z.
The 90th percentile corresponds to the 90% area under the normal curve to the left of x.
Thus, we also require a z-value that leaves 0.9 area to the left and hence, the Table Area of 0.4.
From Table Area, P(0 < Z < 1.28) = 0.3997.
Hence, x = 500 + 100(1.28) = 628.
Therefore, the cut – off for the top 10% is 628 points.

Example 5:
An exam which is approximately normally distributed has a mean of 200 and a standard deviation of 20. If a
person who took the exam is selected at random, find the probability that the person scored above 216.

Solution:
Given:

μ = 200

σ = 20

x = 216

x−μ
z=
σ
x−μ
z=
σ
216 − 200
z= = 0.80
20
𝑃 (𝑧 > 0.80) = 0.5000 − 0.2881

𝑃 (𝑧 > 0.80) = 𝟎. 𝟐𝟏𝟏𝟗

The probability that the person scored above 216 in an exam is 0.2119 or 21.19%.

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Example 6:
The IQ's of 600 applicants to a certain college are approximately normally distributed with µ= 115 and
σ = 12. If the college requires an IQ of at least 95, how many of them will be rejected? Note that IQ's are
rounded to the nearest integer.

Solution:
x−μ
z=
σ
95 − 115
z= = −1.67
12
The probability that the applicants will be
rejected is:

𝑃 (𝑧 < −1.67) = 0.5000 − 0.4525

𝑃 (𝑧 < −1.67) = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟓𝟕𝟓 (Rejected)

5.75% of the 600 applicants or 35 applicants

will be rejected to a certain college.

Example 7:
A company pays its employees an average wage of $15.90 an hour with a standard deviation of $1.50. If the
wages were approximately normally distributed and paid to the nearest cent,
a. What percentage of workers receive wages between $13.75 and $16.22 an hour?
b. What is the cutoff value for highest paid 5% of the employees?
Note: 5% = 0.05

Solution: a)
x−μ
z=
σ
13.75 − 15.90
z1 = = −1.43
1.50
16.22 − 15.90
z2 = = 0.21
1.50

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Determine the area between z1 = −1.43 and z2 = 0.21

P(−1.43 < z < 0.21) = 0.4236 + 0.0832

P(−1.43 < z < 0.21) = 𝟎. 𝟓𝟎𝟔𝟖

50.68% of the workers receive wages between $13.75 and $16.22 an hour.

b)
Look for the corresponding z – score of the z – value

0.5000 – 0.0500 = 0.4500

The z – value of 0.4500 is located between 1.64 and 1.65, hence the corresponding z – score is the average of
1.64 and 1.65
1.64 + 1.65
z= = 1.645
2
Substitute z = 1.645 into the formula to determine the cut – off value (x) for the highest paid:
x−μ
z=
σ
x − 15.90
1.645 =
1.50
𝑥 = 𝟏𝟖. 𝟑𝟔𝟕𝟓

Example 8:

The number of morning customers of USL coffee shop follows a normal distribution with a mean of 45 and a
standard deviation of 5. Determine the probability that the number of customer’s tomorrow will be less than 40.

Solution:

x = 40
𝜇 = 45
𝜎=5

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 STEPS SOLUTION

Convert the raw score to a z – score. 𝑥 − 𝜇 40 − 45

𝑧= = = −1
𝜎 5

Use the z – table to find the probability 𝑧 = −1

𝑃 (𝑧 < −1) = 0.5000 − 0.3413
𝑃 (𝑧 < −1) = 0.1587
Interpretation There is about a 15.87% chance that there will be fewer than 40

customers tomorrow.

Example 9:

A group of psychology students conducted a study to determine the stress levels that the students have whie
taking the exams. The stress level was found to be normally distributed with a mean of 8.2 and a standard
deviation of 1.34. what is the probability that in the next exam, the students will have a stress level between 9
and 10?

Solution:

𝑥1 = 9
𝑥2 = 10
𝜇 = 8.2
𝜎 = 1.34

STEPS SOLUTION

Convert the raw score to a z – score. 𝑥 − 𝜇 9 − 8.2

𝑧1 = = = 0.60
𝜎 1.34

𝑥 − 𝜇 10 − 8.2
𝑧2 = = = 1.34
𝜎 1.34

Use the z – table to find the probability 𝑃(0.60 < 𝑧 < 1.34) = 0.4099 − 0.2257
𝑃(0.60 < 𝑧 < 1.34) = 𝟎. 𝟏𝟖𝟒𝟐

Interpretation There is about a 18.42% chance that the students stress level will be
between 9 and 10.

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Example 10:

A brisk walk at 4 miles per hour burns an average of 300 calories per hour. If the standard deviation of the
distribution is 8 calories, find the probability that a person who walks one hour at the rate of 4 miles per hour
will burn the following calories. Assume the variable to be normally distributed.

a) More than 280 calories

b) Less than 294 calories
c) Between 278 and 318 calories

Solution:

To solve this problem, transform first the values of the variable into z values using 𝜇 = 300 and 𝜎 = 8. Then
determine each probability.

a) x = 280 calories:

280 − 300
𝑧= = −2.5
8
Therefore , 𝑃(𝑧 > −2.5) = 0.4938 + 0.5000 = 𝟎. 𝟗𝟗𝟑𝟖

b) x = 294 calories

294 − 300
𝑧= = −0.75
8
Therefore , 𝑃(𝑧 < −0.75) = 0.5000 − 0.2734 = 𝟎. 𝟐𝟐𝟔𝟔

c) x = 278 calories

278 − 300
𝑧= = −2.75
8
x = 318

318 − 300
𝑧= = 2.25
8

Therefore , 𝑃(−2.75 < 𝑧 < 2.25) = 0.4970 + 0.4878 = 𝟎. 𝟗𝟖𝟒𝟖

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Example 11:

For a medical study, a researcher wishes to select people in the middle of 40% of the population based on blood
pressure. If the mean systolic blood pressure is 120 and the standard deviation is 8, find the upper and lower
reading that would qualify people to participate in the study.

Solution: assuming that blood pressures are normally

distributed, the cut off points are shown below.

There are two values needed, one above the mean and
one below the mean. First find the value to the right of
the mean. The closest value for an area of 0.20 is 0.525

Substituting in the formula,

For z = 0.525 For z = - 0.525

𝑥 − 𝜇 𝑥 − 𝜇
𝑧= 𝑧=
𝜎 𝜎
𝑥 − 120 𝑥 − 120
0.525 = −0.525 =
8 8
4.2 = 𝑥 − 120 −4.2 = 𝑥 − 120

𝑥 = 𝟏𝟐𝟒. 𝟐 𝑥 = 𝟏𝟏𝟓. 𝟖

Therefore, the middle 40% will have blood pressure readings of 𝟏𝟏𝟓. 𝟖 < 𝒙 < 𝟏𝟐𝟒. 𝟐

DATA 1013 – ENGINEERING DATA ANALYSIS | 13

REFERENCES:

Printed References

Books:

1. Guzman, P. (2016). Statistics and probability. Quezon City : C & E Publishing.

2. Mercado, J. P. (2016). Next century mathematics (statistics and probability). Manila: Phoenix
Publishing House
3. Belecina, R. R. (2016). Statistics and probability. Manila: Rex Book Store
4. Lim,Y. [Link]. (2016). Statistics and probability. Manila: Sibs Publishing House .
5. Parreño, E. B. (2014). Basic statistics (A Worktext).Quezon City: C and E Publishing, Inc.
6. Narag, E. C. (2010). Basic statistics with calculator and computer application. Manila: Rex Bookstore,
Inc.
7. Asaad, A.S. (2008). Statistics make simple for researchers. Manila: Rex book Store, Inc.
8. Altares, P. et al. (2003) Elementary statistics: a modern approach. Manila : Rex Book Store.
9. Del Rosario, A. (2004). Business statistics. Manila : Del Ros Publishing House.
10. De Veaux, R. (2004). introduction to statistics. Boston : Pearson.

Electronic Sources

Internet sites:

1. [Link]. Retrieved: August 8, 2020 from .[Link]

2. Hypothesis Testing. Retrieved: August 8, 2020 from [Link]
3. BasicStatistics. Retrieved: August 8, 2020 from.
[Link]

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