Chapter 6

THE NORMAL DISTRIBUTION

6.1

(a) The function is non-negative and the area of the rectangle is 0.5 2 = 1 . It is a
probability density function.
(b) Since f ( x ) takes negative values over the interval from 1 to 2, it is not a
probability density function.
(c) The function is non-negative and the area of the triangle is

1
base height =
2

1
2 1 = 1 . It is a probability density function.
2

(d) The function is non-negative, but the area of the rectangle is 1 2 = 2 so it is not
a probability density function.
6.2

(a) P[0 < X < 0.5] = Area under f ( x ) between the points 0 and 0.5
= 0.5 0.5 = 0.25 .
(b) P[0.5 < X < 1] = (1 0.5) 0.5 = 0.25 .
(c) P[1.5 < X < 2] = (2 1.5) 0.5 = 0.25 .
(d) P[ X = 1] = 0 .

6.3

From the picture of f ( x ) we see that the interval 1.5 to 2 has a larger area under
f ( x ) than the interval 0 to 0.5. Consequently, P[1.5 < X < 2] is the larger of the
two probabilities.

181

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CHAPTER 6. THE NORMAL DISTRIBUTION

6.4

The points x = 0.5, 1, and 1.5 divide the area under f ( x ) into quarters. Therefore,
the median = 1 , first quartile = 0.5 , and the third quartile = 1.5 .

6.5

For an arbitrary point x in the interval 0 to 2, we find that

1
x x2
P[0 < X < x] = Area of the triangle over the base (0, x) = x =
2
2 4
The median is the value of x for which the cumulative probability x 2 / 4 = 0.5 so
x = 2 = 1.414 . Similarly, x = 1 = 1 is Q1 and x = 3 = 1.73 is Q3 .

6.6

For a point x in the interval 0 to 2, we have

P[0 < X < x ] = x (0.5) = x 2
If the probability x 2 = 0.15 then x = 0.3 and therefore the 15th percentile is 0.3.

6.7

(a) The median is the time such that there is an equal probability of being earlier or
of being later. Consequently, the median is later than 1:20 p.m.
(b) No. The mean could be larger or smaller than the median depending on the
distribution. The mean is often larger than the median when the distribution has
a long tail to the right.

6.8

(a) The median is larger than the mean so the distribution cannot be symmetric.
The distribution with a long tail to the left has mean (balance point of density)
to the left of the median and is descriptive of this situation.
(b) The median is less than the mean. The density with the long right hand tail is
compatible with the situation.

6.9

The standardized variable is Z =

. So,

(a) Z = ( X 15) / 4
(b) Z = ( X 61) / 9
(c) Z = ( X 161) / 25 = ( X 161) / 5
6.10 The standardized variable is Z =
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

. So,

Z = ( X 70.0) / 3.0
Z = ( X 64.2) / 2.6
Z = (68 70) / 3.0 = 0.667
Z = (68 64.2) / 2.6 = 1.46 The z scores in (c) and (d) are two standard
deviations away from each other.

183

6.11 (a) Z = ( X 7) / 2
(b) Z = ( X 250) / 6
(c) Z = ( X 444) / 81 = ( X 444) / 9
6.12 We use Appendix B Table 3 which gives the area under the standard normal curve
to the left of a z-value.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

P[ Z
P[ Z
P[ Z
P[ Z

< 1.16] = 0.8770

< 0.16] = 0.5636
< 1.71] = 0.0436
< 2.43] = 0.0075

6.13 We use Appendix B Table 3 which gives the area under the standard normal curve
to the left of a z-value.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

P[ Z
P[ Z
P[ Z
P[ Z

< 0.83] = 0.7967

< 1.03] = 0.8485
< 1.03] = 0.1515
< 1.35] = 0.0885

6.14 The area to the right of a z-value = 1 Area to the left of the z-value.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

P[ Z > 1.16] = 1 P[ Z 1.16] = 1 0.8770 = 0.123

P( Z > 0.64) = 1 P[ Z < 0.64] = 1 0.7389 = 0.2611
P( Z > 1.71) = 1 P[ Z < 1.71] = 1 0.0436 = 0.9564
z = 1.525 is the mid-point between z = 1.52 and z = 1.53 . From the normal
table, we find
P[ Z < 1.53] = 0.9370
P[ Z < 1.52] = 0.9357
difference = 0.0013
The mid-point between 0.9357 and 0.9370 is
1
0.9357 + (0.0013) = 0.9364
2
so P[ Z 1.525] = 0.9364 and P[ Z > 1.525] = 1 0.9364 = 0.0636 .

6.15 The area to the right of a z-value = 1 Area to the left of the z-value.
(a) P[ Z > 0.83] = 1 P[ Z < 0.83] = 1 0.7967 = 0.2033
(b) P[ Z > 2.83] = 1 P[ Z < 2.83] = 1 0.9977 = 0.0023
(c) P[ Z > 1.23] = 1 P[ Z < 1.23] = 1 0.1093 = 0.8907

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CHAPTER 6. THE NORMAL DISTRIBUTION

(d) z = 1.635 is the mid-point between z = 1.63 and z = 1.64 . From the normal
table, we find
P[ Z < 1.64] = 0.9495
P[ Z < 1.63] = 0.9484
difference = 0.0011
The mid-point between 0.9495 and 0.9484 is
1
0.9484 + (0.0011) = 0.9490 (rounded)
2
so P[ Z 1.635] = 0.9490 and P[ Z > 1.635] = 1 0.9490 = 0.0510 .
6.16 (a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

P[0.75 < Z < 0.75] = P[ Z < 0.75] P[Z < 0.75] = 0.7734 0.2266 = 0.5468
P[1.09 < Z < 1.09] = P[ Z < 1.09] P[Z < 1.09] = 0.8621 0.1379 = 0.7242.
P[0.32 < Z < 2.65] = P[Z < 2.65] P[ Z < 0.32] = 0.9960 0.6255 = 0.3705.
We find that
P[ Z < 0.74] = 0.2296
P[ Z < 0.75] = 0.2266
difference
= 0.0030
Therefore,
1
P[ Z < 0.745] = 0.2266 + (0.0030) = 0.2281 (rounded)
2

Also,
P[ Z < 1.25]

= 0.8944

P[ Z < 1.24] = 0.8925

difference

= 0.0019

so
P[ Z < 1.244] = 0.8925 + 0.4(0.0019) = 0.8933 (rounded)
Finally,
P[0.745 < Z < 1.244] = 0.8933 0.2281 = 0.6652
6.17 (a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

P[0.44 < Z < 0.44] = P[ Z < 0.44] P[ Z < 0.44] = 0.6700 0.3300 = 0.3400.
P[1.33 < Z < 1.33] = P[ Z < 1.33] P[ Z < 1.33] = 0.9082 0.0918 = 0.8164.
P[0.40 < Z < 2.03] = P[ Z < 2.03] P[Z < 0.40] = 0.9788 0.6554 = 0.3234.
We find that
P[ Z < 1.41] = 0.9207
P[ Z < 1.40] = 0.9192
difference = 0.0015
Therefore,
1
P[ Z < 1.405] = 0.9192 + (0.0015) = 0.9200 (rounded)
2

Also,

185

P[ Z < 2.31] = 0.9896

P[ Z < 2.30] = 0.9893
difference

= 0.0003

so
P[ Z < 2.306] = 0.9893 + 0.6 (0.0003) = 0.9895 (rounded)
Finally,
P[1.405 < Z < 2.306] = 0.9895 0.9200 = 0.0695
6.18 (a) P[ Z < 0.61] = 0.2709 so the z-value is 0.61 .
(b) We are to find the z-value for which the area to the left is 1 0.35 = 0.65 .
From the normal table, we find that
P[ Z < 0.39] = 0.6517
P[ Z < 0.38] = 0.6480
difference

= 0.0037

We need P[ Z < z ] = 0.65 . Since 0.65 0.6480 = 0.002 , and 0.39 0.38 = 0.01 ,
the required z-value is
0.002
Z = 0.38 + (0.01)
= 0.38 + 0.0054 = 0.3854 (rounded)
0.0037
(c) P[ Z < z ] = 0.5 + 0.38 = 0.88 . From the normal table,
P[ Z < 1.18] = 0.8810
P[ Z < 1.17] = 0.8790
difference

= 0.0020

We need P[ Z < z ] = 0.88 . Since 0.88 0.8790 = 0.0010 , and

1.18 1.17 = 0.01 , the required z-value is
0.0010
Z = 1.17 + (0.01)
= 1.17 + 0.005 = 1.175
0.0020
(d) Since P[ Z < 1] = 0.1587 , we require
P[ Z < z ] = 0.730 + 0.1587 = 0.8887
Scanning the normal table, we find P[ Z < 1.22] = 0.8887 so z = 1.22 (no
interpolation was needed).
(e) By the symmetry of the normal curve, we have
2 P[ Z < z ] = 1 P[ z < Z < z ] = 1 0.7416 = 0.2584
or

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CHAPTER 6. THE NORMAL DISTRIBUTION

1
P[ Z < z ] = (0.2584) = 0.1292
2
From the normal table, we find P[ Z < 1.13] = 0.1292 . Therefore, the required
z-value is z = 1.13 .

(f) Since P[ Z < 1.82] = 0.9656 , and it is given that P[ z < Z < 1.82] = 0.65 , we must
have
P[ Z < z ] = 0.9656 0.65 = 0.3156
The normal table shows P[ Z < 0.48] = 0.3156 , so that z = 0.48 .
6.19 (a) We are to find the z-value for which the area to the left is 0.20. From the
normal table, we find
P[ Z < 0.84] = 0.2005
P[ Z < 0.85] = 0.1977
= 0.0028
difference
Since 0.2005 0.20 = 0.0005 , the required z-value is
0.0005
Z = 0.84 (0.01)
= 0.842 (rounded)
0.0028
(b) We are to find the z-value for which the area to the left is 1 0.125 = 0.875 so
z = 1.15 .
(c) By the symmetry of the normal curve, we have
2 P[ Z < z ] = 1 P[ z < Z < z ] = 1 0.668 = 0.332
or
P[ Z < z ] = 0.166 , so that z = 0.97 .
(d) We are to find the z-value for which
0.888 = P[ z < Z < 2.0] = P[Z < 2.0] P[Z < z ] = 0.9772 P[ Z < z ]
or
P[ Z < z ] = 0.0892 .
We find that
P[ Z < 1.34] = 0.0901
P[ Z < 1.35] = 0.0885
difference

= 0.0016

The required z-value is

Z = 1.34 (0.01)

0.0009
= 1.34 0.006 = 1.346 (rounded)
0.0016

187

6.20 (a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)

P[ Z < 0.62] = 0.7324

P[ Z < 0.62] = 0.2676
P[ Z > 1.49] = 1 P[ Z < 1.49] = 1 0.9319 = 0.0681
P[ Z > 1.49] = 1 P[ Z < 1.49] = 0.9319
P[1.3 < Z < 2.61] = P[ Z < 2.61] P[ Z < 1.3] = 0.9955 0.0968 = 0.8987
P[0.08 < Z < 0.8] = 0.7881 0.5319 = 0.2562
P[1.62 < Z < 0.34] = 0.3669 0.0526 = 0.3143
P[| Z | < 1.65] = 1 2 P[ Z < 1.65] = 1 2(0.0495) = 1 0.099 = 0.901

6.21 (a) P[ Z < 0.93] = 0.1762 so the z-value is 0.93 .

(b) We are to find the z-value for which the area to the left is 1 0.10 = 0.90 . From
the normal table, we find that
P[ Z < 1.29] = 0.9015
P[ Z < 1.28] = 0.8997
difference = 0.0018
since 0.8997 is nearly 0.90 we could take z = 1.28 . More accurately, the
required z-value is
0.0003
Z = 1.28 + (0.01)
= 1.28 + 0.0017 = 1.2817 or 1.282 (rounded)
0.0018
(c) Since 2 P[ Z < z ] = 1 0.954 = 0.046 , we require that
1
P[ Z < z ] = (0.046) = 0.023 . From the normal table, we see that
2
P[ Z < 1.99] = 0.0233
P[ Z < 2.00] = 0.0228
difference
= 0.0005
so
1.99 (0.01)

0.0003
= 1.996
0.0005

is the required z-value.

(d) We require that
P[ Z < z ] = 0.50 + P[ Z < 0.6] = 0.50 + 0.2743 = 0.7743
Scanning the normal table, we find
P[ Z < 0.76] = 0.7764
P[ Z < 0.75] = 0.7734
difference = 0.0030
The probability 0.7743 is about a third of the way, so we could use 0.753. More
accurately, the z-value is
Z = 0.75 + (0.01)

0.0009
= 0.753
0.0030

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CHAPTER 6. THE NORMAL DISTRIBUTION

6.22 From the symmetry of the standard normal distribution about 0, the median, or
second quartile, is 0. From the normal table, we find
P[ Z < 0.67] = 0.2514
P[ Z < 0.68] = 0.2483
difference
= 0.0031
Since 0.25 is about halfway between these two probabilities, we could use 0.675 .
More accurately,
0.0014
Z = 0.67 (0.01)
= 0.675 (rounded)
0.0031
so the first quartile = 0.675 and the third quartile = 0.675 .
6.23 (a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

P[ Z < 0.33] = 0.6293

We find P[ Z < 0.44] = 0.3300 Therefore, the 33th percentile is 0.44 .
P[ Z < 0.70] = 0.7580
We find that
P[ Z < 0.53] = 0.7019
P[ Z < 0.52] = 0.6985
difference = 0.0034
Therefore, the 70th percentile is
Z = 0.52 + (0.01)

6.24 (a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

0.0015
= 0.524 (rounded)
0.0034

P[ Z < 0.46] = 0.6772

The 46th percentile is Z = -1.004.
P[ Z < 0.85] = 0.8023
We find that
P[ Z < 1.04] = 0.8508
P[ Z < 1.03] = 0.8485
difference = 0.0023
Interpolating, the 85th percentile is
0.0015
1.03 + (0.01)
= 1.037 (rounded)
0.0023

6.25 The standardized variable is Z =

X 50
.
9

(a) For x = 55 , we have z = (55 50) / 9 = 0.556 so

P[ X < 55] = P[ Z < 0.556] = 0.7106
(b) P[ X 67] = P[Z 1.889] = 0.9705

189

(c) P[ X > 66] = P[ Z > 1.778 = 1 P[ Z 1.778] = 1 0.9623 = 0.0377

(d) P[ X > 51] = P[ Z > 0.111] = 1 0.5438 = 0.4562
53 50
69 50
Z
(e) P[53 X 69] = P[
] = P[0.333 Z 2.111]
9
9
= P[ Z < 2.111] P[ Z < 0.333] = 0.9826 0.6300 = 0.3526
(f) P[61 < X < 64] = P[1.222 < Z < 1.556] = 0.9400 0.8890 = 0.051
6.26 The standardized variable is Z =

X 13.0
.
2.4

(a) For x = 10.4 , we have z = (10.4 13.0) / 2.4 = 1.083 so that

P[ X < 10.4 = P[Z < 1.083] = 0.1401
(b) For x = 17.8 , we have z = (17.8 13) / 2.4 = 2 so that
P[ X 17.8] = P[ Z 2] = 0.9772
(c) P[ X 17.8] = 1 P[ X 17.8] = 1 0.9772 = 0.0228
(d) For x = 16.72 , we have z = (16.72 13) / 2.4 = 1.55 so that
P[ X > 16.72 = P[ Z > 1.55] = 1 0.9394 = 0.0606
10.24 13
18.4 13
(e) P[10.24 X 18.4] = P[
Z
] = P[1.15 Z 2.25]
2.4
2.4
= P[ Z 2.25] P[ Z 1.15 = 0.9878 0.1251 = 0.8627
6.27 The standardized variable is Z =

X 50
.
9

(a) From the normal table we find P[ Z < 1.96] = 0.975 . Therefore,

b 50
= 1.96
9

so that b = 50 + 9(1.96) = 67.64 .

(b) Here, P[ X < b] = 1 0.025 = 0.975 . As calculated in part (a), we have
b = 67.64
(c) Since P[ Z < 0.51] = 0.305 , we must have
b 50
= 0.51 or b = 50 + 9(0.51) = 45.41 .
9
6.28 The standardized variable is Z =

X 13
.
2.4

(a) From the normal table we find P[ Z < 0.84] = 0.7995 . Therefore,
so b = 13 + 2.4(0.84) = 15.016 .

b 13
= 0.84
2.4

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CHAPTER 6. THE NORMAL DISTRIBUTION

(b) Here P[ X < b] = 1 0.002 = 0.998 . From the normal table we find that
b 13
P[ Z < 2.88] = 0.9990 . Therefore,
= 2.88 so b = 13 + 2.4(2.88) = 19.912 .
2.4
(c) Since P[ Z < 2.17] = 0.015 , we must have
b 13
= 2.17 or b = 13 + 2.4(2.17) = 7.792 .
2.4
6.29 Let X denote the score of a randomly selected student. We have = 500 and
X 500
.
= 100 so the standardized variable is Z =
100
650 500
(a) P[ X > 650] = P[Z >
] = P[ Z > 1.5] = 1 0.9332 = 0.0668
100
(b) P[ X < 250] = P[Z < 2.5] = 0.0062
325 500
(c) x = 325 gives z =
= 1.75
100
675 500
= 1.75
x = 675 gives z =
100
Thus, we have
P[325 < X < 675] = P[1.75 < Z < 1.75] = 0.9599 0.0401 = 0.9198.
6.30 (a) The proportion of students who score over 680 is the probability
680 500
P[ X > 680] = P[Z >
] = P[ Z > 1.80] = 1 0.9641 = 0.0359
100
(b) Because the center of the scores distribution is = 500 , 50% of the students
score over 500. The required limit is 500.
(c) We are to find the score b such that
P[ X > b] = 0.15 or P[ X < b] = 0.85
We find P[ Z < 1.04] = 0.8508 0.85 . Therefore,
b 500
= 1.04 or b = 500 + 100(1.04) = 604 .
Z=
100
6.31 The z-value for 32.5 inches is z = (32.5 34.5) / 1.4 = 1.429 and that for 36.5
inches is z = (36.5 34.5) /1.4 = 1.429 so
P[32.5 < X < 36.5] = P[1.429 < Z < 1.429] = 0.9235 0.0765 = 0.847
6.32 The z-value for 62.5 minutes is z = (62.5 64.3) / 1.15 = 1.57 and that for 67.7
minutes is z = (67.7 64.3) / 1.15 = 2.96 so
P[62.5 < X < 67.7] = P[1.57 < Z < 2.96] = 0.9985 0.0582 = 0.9403

191

6.33 The z-value for 4 ounces is (4 5) /1.2 = 0.833 , so that

P[ X < 4] = P[Z < 0.833] = 0.2024
6.34 (a) The z-value for .71 inch is z = (0.71 0.5) / 0.1 = 2.1 . Consequently,
P[ X > 0.71] = P[ Z > 2.1] = 1 P[Z < 2.1] = 1 0.9821 = 0.0179 .
(b) The z-value for 0.6 inch is z = (0.6 0.5) / 0.1 = 1.0 . Consequently,
P[ X > 0.6] = P[ Z > 1.0] = 1 P[ Z < 1.0] = 1 0.8413 = 0.1587 .
By independence, the probability that two in a row will have diameters greater
than 0.6 is the product 0.1587 0.1587 = 0.025 .
(c) By Part (a), the probability that a hailstone will have diameter greater than 0.71
is 0.0179. Many hailstones fall during a storm so, by the long run relative
frequency interpretation of probability, the proportion will be about 0.0179.
6.35 (a) The z-value for 70 inches is z = (70 64.2) / 2.6 = 2.231 . Consequently, by
interpolating in the table, we find that
P[ X > 70] = P[Z > 2.231] = 1 P[ Z < 2.231] = 1 0.9871 = 0.0129 .
(b) The z-value for 60 inches is z = (60 64.2) / 2.6 = 1.615 . Consequently (again
using interpolation in the table),
P[ X 60] = P[ Z 1.615] = 0.0531 .
6.36 (a) Denote the weight of one package by X which is a random variable having a
normal distribution with mean 9.1 and standard deviation .1 ounce. We want to
9 9.1
find P[ X < 9] . Since Z =
is standard normal, we have
0.1
9 9.1
P[ X < 9] = P[ Z <
] = P[ Z < 1.0] = 0.1587
0.1
(b) We first determine that the z-value 1.96 satisfies P[ Z 1.96] = 0.9750 so
P[ Z > 1.96] = 0.025 . Consequently, 1.96 = w 9.1 , so that w = 9.1 + (0.1)1.96 = 9.3
0.1

ounces.
6.37 The arrival time X is distributed as N (17, 3) .
22 17
(a) (i) P[ X > 22] = P[ Z >
] = P[ Z > 1.67] = 1 0.9525 = .0475
3
13 17
(ii) The z-values corresponding to x = 13 and x = 21 are z =
= 1.33
3
21 17
= 1.33 , respectively. Thus, we have
and z =
3
P[13 < X < 21] = P[1.33 < Z < 1.33] = 0.9082 0.0918 = 0.8164

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CHAPTER 6. THE NORMAL DISTRIBUTION

15.5 17
18.5 17
= 0.5 , z =
= 0.5 , we have
3
3
P[15.5 < X < 18.5] = P[0.5 < Z < 0.5] = 0.6915 0.3085 = 0.3830

(iii) Since z =

(b) The probability density curve of a normal distribution peaks at the mean.
Therefore, the 1-minute interval that has the highest probability is one that is
centered at = 17 and has length 1, that is, the interval 16.5 to 17.5.
6.38 Let X be the strength of the tube. The standardized variable is Z =

X 32
.
4

25 32
] = P[Z < 1.75] = 0.0401
4
38 32
] = P[ Z < 1.5 = 0.9332
(b) P[ X < 38] = P[ Z <
4

(a) P[ X < 25] = P[Z <

6.39 (a) We use the binomial table (Appendix B Table 2) for n = 25 and p = 0.6 .
(i) P[ X = 17] = P[ X 17] P[ X 16] = 0.846 0.726 = 0.120
(ii) P[11 X 18] = P[ X 18] P[ X 10] = 0.926 0.034 = 0.892
(iii) P[11 < X < 18] = P[ X 17] P[ X 11] = 0.846 0.078 = 0.768
(b) With n = 25 and p = 0.6 , we calculate
np = 15 and

npq = 25 0.6 0.4 = 2.45 .

We consider X to be normally distributed with mean = 15 and sd = 2.45 , so

X 15
N (0,1)
Z=
2.45
(i)

Using the continuity correction, we calculate the normal probability

assigned to the interval 16.5 to 17.5.
16.5 15
17.5 15
P[16.5 < X < 17.5] = P[
<Z<
]
2.45
2.45
= P[0.612 < Z < 1.020]
= 0.8461 0.7297 = 0.1164.

(ii)

With continuity correction, the relevant interval is 10.5 to 18.5.

10.5 15
18.5 15
P[10.5 < X < 18.5] = P[
<Z<
]
2.45
2.45
= P[1.837 < Z < 1.429]
= 0.9235 0.0331 = 0.8904.

193

(iii) Here the end points 11 and 18 are not included. The continuity correction
leads to the interval 11.5 to 17.5.
P[11.5 < X < 17.5] = P[1.429 < Z < 1.020]
= 0.8461 0.0765 = 0.7696.
6.40 (a) We use the binomial table (Appendix B Table 2) for n = 25 and p = 0.4 .
(i) P[ X = 11] = P[ X 11] P[ X 10] = 0.732 0.586 = 0.146
(ii) P[6 X 12] = P[ X 12] P[ X 5] = 0.846 0.029 = 0.817
(iii) P[6 < X < 12] = P[ X 11] P[ X 6] = 0.732 0.074 = 0.658
(b) With n = 25 and p = 0.4 , we calculate
np = 10 and

npq = 25 0.6 0.4 = 2.45 .

We consider X to be normally distributed with mean = 10 and sd = 2.45 so

X 10
Z=
N (0,1)
2.45
(i)

Using the continuity correction, we calculate the normal probability

assigned to the interval 10.5 to 11.5.
10.5 10
11.5 10
P[10.5 < X < 11.5] = P[
<Z <
]
2.45
2.45
= P[0.204 < Z < 0.612]
= 0.7297 0.5808 = 0.1489.

(ii)

With continuity correction, the relevant interval is 5.5 to 12.5.

5.5 10
12.5 10
P[5.5 < X < 12.5] = P[
<Z <
]
2.45
2.45
= P[1.837 < Z < 1.020]
= 0.8461 0.0331 = 0.8130.
(iii) Here the end points 6 and 12 are not included. The continuity correction
leads to the interval 6.5 to 11.5.
6.5 10
11.5 10
P[6.5 < X < 11.5] = P[
<Z<
]
2.45
2.45
= P[1.429 < Z < 0.612]
= 0.7297 0.0766 = 0.6531.

6.41 To use the normal approximation, we calculate

mean = np = 300 0.17 = 51
sd = npq = 300 0.17 0.83 = 6.51

194

CHAPTER 6. THE NORMAL DISTRIBUTION

so Z =

X 51
is approximately N (0, 1) .
6.51

(a) We calculate the normal probability of the interval 59.5 to 60.5.

59.5 51
60.5 51
P[ X = 60] P[
<Z<
]
6.51
6.51
= P[1.308 < Z < 1.459]
= P[Z < 1.459] P[ Z < 1308]
= 0.9277 0.9162 = 0.0115
(b) Using the continuity correction,
45.5 51
]
6.51
= P[ Z < 0.8449] = 0.1984

P[ X 45] P[ Z <

47.5 51
69.5 51
<Z<
]
6.51
6.51
= P[0.5376 < Z < 2.842]

(c) P[48 X 69] P[

= 0.9977 0.7040 = 0.2937

6.42 To use the normal approximation, we calculate

mean = np = 200 0.66 = 132
sd = npq = 200 0.66 0.34 = 6.699

so Z =

X 132
is approximately N (0, 1) .
6.699

(a) We calculate the normal probability of the interval 129.5 to 130.5.

129.5 132
130.5 132
P[ X = 130] P[
<Z<
]
6.699
6.699
= P[0.373 < Z < 0.224] = 0.5886 0.3546 = 0.2340
(b) Using the continuity correction,
150.5 132
P[ X 150] P[ Z <
] = P[ Z < 2.762] = 0.9971
6.699
136.5 132
152.5 132
(c) P[137 X 152] P[
<Z<
]
6.699
6.699
= P[0.672 < Z < 3.060]
= 0.9989 0.7492 = 0.2497

195

6.43 (a) Normal approximation is appropriate because n is large and p is not too close to
0 or 1.
(b) Not appropriate because p is too small, np = 3 .
(c) Not appropriate because p is too close to 1, n(1 p ) = 2.4 .
(d) Normal approximation is appropriate because n is large and p is not too close to
0 or 1.
6.44 (a) Normal approximation is appropriate because n is large and p is not too close to
0 or 1.
(b) Not appropriate because n is not large.
(c) Normal approximation is appropriate because np = 6 > 5 and n(1 p) = 294 > 5 .
(d) Not appropriate because p is too close to 1, n(1 p ) = 4.5 .
(e) Appropriate because n is large and np = 71 and n(1 p) = 39 .
6.45 The standardized scale is z =

x np
np (1 p )

n = 5, p = 0.4 :

. We have the following:

z = ( x 2 ) 1.095

n = 12,

p = 0.4 :

z = ( x 4.8) 1.697

n = 25,

p = 0.4 :

z = ( x 10 ) 2.449.

The probability histograms of binomial distribution for p = 0.4, n = 5, 12, and 25,
and the corresponding z-scores are given below.

196

CHAPTER 6. THE NORMAL DISTRIBUTION

197

6.46 Since 35.6 is the median, the probability is p = 0.5 that a randomly selected
resident is under 35.6 years of age.
Let X = the number of residents under 35.6 years old out of a random sample of
200 residents. Then X has the binomial distribution with n = 200 and p = 0.5 . To
use the normal approximation, we calculate
np = 200 0.5 = 100,
npq = 200 0.5 0.5 = 7.071 .
Using continuity correction,
109.5 100
P[ X 110] P[ Z >
] = P[ Z > 1.344] = 1 0.9105 = 0.0895 .
7.071
6.47 Let X = number of unemployed persons in a random sample of 300. Then, the
distribution of X is binomial with n = 300 and p = 0.079 , and a normal
approximation is appropriate. Here
np = 300 0.079 = 23.7
npq = 300 0.079 0.921 = 4.672
Z=

X 23.7
4.672

17.5 23.7
] = P[ Z < 1.327] = 0.0923
4.672
30.5 23.7
(b) P[ X > 30] P[Z >
] = P[ Z > 1.455] = 1 0.9272 = 0.0728 .
4.672

(a) P[ X < 18] P[ Z <

6.48 We do not know the population proportion so we answer using the sample
proportion 48 50 = 0.96 . No, the normal distribution does not give a good
approximation. The sample size n = 50 seems large, but p is too close to 1 so
n (1 p ) = 50 (1 0.96 ) = 2 is small.
6.49 We assume that participants in charity work are independent of one another. The
binomial distribution applies. Since n = 64 and p = 0.25 , the distribution of
X = number who participate in charity work, is approximately normal with mean
= 64 0.25 = 16.0 and sd = 64 0.25 0.75 = 3.464 .
Using continuity correction, we approximate
19.5 16.0
P[ x 20] = P[ Z
] = 1 P[ Z < 1.01] = 1 0.8438 = 0.1562
3.464

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CHAPTER 6. THE NORMAL DISTRIBUTION

6.50 Let Y be next weeks expenditure so

1560 1450
p = P[Y > 1560] = P[ Z >
] = P[ Z > 0.5] = 1 0.6915 = 0.3085 .
220
Let X be the number of weeks, out of n = 52 , where, the expenses exceed 1560
dollars. Then X has the binomial distribution with n = 52 and p = 0.3085 . To use
the normal approximation, we calculate

= np = 52 0.3085 = 16.042 and = npq = 52 0.3085 0.6915 = 3.331

Using continuity correction,
19.5 16.042
]
3.331
= P[ Z > 1.038] = 1.0 0.8504 = 0.1496.

P[ X 20] P[Z >

6.51 Let Y be next weeks expenditure so

1500 1450
p = P[Y > 1500] = P[ Z >
] = P[ Z > 0.2272] = 1 0.5899 = 0.4101
220
Let X be the number of weeks, out of n = 52 , where, the expenses exceed 1500
dollars. Then X has the binomial distribution with n = 52 and p = 0.4101 . To use
the normal approximation, we calculate

= np = 52 0.2477 = 12.880 and = npq = 52 0.2477 0.7523 = 3.113.

Using continuity correction,
17.5 12.880
24.5 12.880
Z
]
3.113
3.113
= P[1.484 < Z < 3.733] = 1 0.9310 = 0.069.

P[18 X 24] P[

6.52 Let X = the number of students who live in apartments out of a random sample of
200 students. Then, X has the binomial distribution with n = 200 and p = 0.3 . To
use the normal approximation, we calculate
np = 200 0.3 = 60,

npq = 200 0.3 0.7 = 6.481 .

Using continuity correction,

54.5 60
70.5 60
P[55 X 70] P[
Z
]
6.481
6.481
= P[0.849 < Z < 1.620] = 0.9474 0.1979 = 0.7495.

199

6.53 We assume the residents make their decision to move independently of one another.
The binomial distribution applies. Since n = 100 and p = 0.33 , the distribution of
X = number who move, is approximately normal with mean = 100 0.33 = 33 and
sd = 100 0.33 0.67 = 4.702
Using continuity correction, we approximate
38.5 33
P[ X 39] P[ Z >
] = 1 P[Z < 1.170] = 1 0.8790 = 0.1210
4.702
6.54 A binomial model is reasonable for X = number of infested trees out of 300.
(a) Since n = 300 and p = 0.2 , the distribution of X is approximately normal with
mean = 300 0.2 = 60, and sd = 300 0.2 0.8 = 6.928
48.5 60
71.5 60
P[49 X 71] P[
<Z<
]
6.928
6.928
= P[1.660 < Z < 1.660] = 0.9515 0.0485 = 0.9030
(b) The observed count x = 72 is at the distance of 72 60 = 12 from the mean.
We reason that the probability of getting this or a more extreme observation is
P X 60 12 P Z > 1.732

(using calculations in part (a))

= 2 P [ Z < 1.732] = 2 0.0416 = 0.0832

The probability is 0.083, and this is small but not so small. The event of
observing 72 or a more extreme result is not so rare as to contradict the
hypothesis that that population proportion is 0.2.
6.55 The probability density curve is a rectangle with height = 1.
(a) The point x = 0.5 divides the distribution into halves so median = 0.5.
(b) The points x = 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 divide the distribution into quarters.
Therefore, first quartile = 0.25, second quartile = 0.5, and third quartile = 0.75.
6.56 The probability of an interval is the area of the rectangle whose base is that interval.
(a) P[ X > 0.7] = area of the rectangle with base 0.7 to 1 and height 1
= (1 0.7) 1 = 0.3
(b) P[0.5 X 0.7] = (0.7 0.5) 1 = 0.2
(c) The same probability 0.2 as in part (b) because the distribution is continuous
and the endpoints have zero probability.
6.57 We could make a histogram using the first 100 heights and then another based on
the first 500 heights. The histogram at the front of the chapter is based on 1,456
observations, a large number. From these original data of heights, one can
construct a histogram with considerably smaller class intervals than given in the

200

CHAPTER 6. THE NORMAL DISTRIBUTION

chapter. If this process is repeated with an even much larger sample, the jumps
between consecutive rectangles will then dampen out, and the top of the histogram
will approximate the shape of a smooth curve. The density curve would be nonnegative and the area under the curve is one.
6.58 (a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

P[ Z < 1.26] = 0.8962

P[ Z > 1.245] = 1 P[ Z < 1.245] = 1 0.8934 = 0.1066
P[0.61 < Z < 1.92] = P[ Z < 1.92] P[Z < 0.61] = 0.9762 0.7291 = 0.2471
P[1.47 < Z < 1.055] = P[ Z < 1.055] P[ Z < 1.47] = 0.8543 0.0708 = 0.7835

6.59 (a) Scanning the probabilities given in the normal table, we find that
P[ Z < 1.38] = 0.0838. Therefore, z = 1.38.
(b) In the table we look for probabilities close to .047, and find
P[ Z < 1.68] = 0.0465 and P[ Z < 1.67] = 0.0475
Interpolation gives P[ Z < 1.675] = 0.047 , so that z = 1.675.
(c) Area to the left of z is 1 0.2611 = 0.7389. From the table we get
P[ Z < 0.64] = 0.7389 , so that z = 0.64.
(d) Area to the left of z is 1 0.12 = 0.88. The table gives
P[ Z < 1.17] = 0.8790 and P[ Z < 1.18] = 0.8810 .
Since 0.88 is halfway between these results, we interpolate z = 1.175.
6.60 The 20th percentile is the point z such that the area to its left is 0.2 or
P[ Z < z ] = 0.2. Scanning the normal table, we find that
P[ Z < 0.84] = 0.2005 0.2 , so the 20th percentile = 0.84 . (Using interpolation,
we obtain 0.84 (0.01) 285 = 0.842.)
Similarly, we find that
P[ Z < 0.253] = 0.40 , so the 40th percentile = 0.253
By the symmetry of the standard normal distribution around zero, the 60th
percentile is 0.253 and the 80th percentile is 0.84.
6.61 (a) P[ Z > 0.62] = 1 P[ Z < 0.62] = 1 0.7324 = 0.2676
(b) P[1.40 < Z < 1.40] = P[ Z < 1.40] P[ Z < 1.40] = 0.9192 0.0808 = 0.8384
(c) P Z > 3 = P [ Z > 3] + P [ Z < 3]
= 2 P [ Z < 3]
(by symmetry)
= 2 0.0013 = 0.0026
(d) P Z < 2 = P [ 2 < Z < 2] = P [ Z < 2] P [ Z < 2] = 0.9772 0.0228 = 0.9544
Alternatively, we can calculate

201

P Z > 2 = 2 P [ Z < 2]
(as in part (b))
= 2 0.0228 = 0.0456
Hence, P Z < 2 = 1 0.0456 = 0.9544.
6.62 Denoting x = raw score and z = standardized score, we have the relation
x mean x 115
z=
=
, so that x = 115 + 22 z .
sd
22
108 115
(a) For x = 108 we have z =
= 0.318
22
(b) For z = 0.8, we find x = 115 + 22(0.8) = 97.4
(c) The raw scores x = 105 and x = 128 correspond to the standardized scores
105 115
128 115
z=
= 0.455, z =
= 0.5909,
22
22
respectively, so the required interval is -0.455 to 1.045.
(d) Observe that
z = 1.5 gives x = 115 + 22(1.5) = 82
z = 1.5 gives x = 115 + 22(1.5) = 148
Thus, the required interval is 82 to 148.
6.63 The standard normal variable is Z =

X 280
.
58

337 280
] = P[ Z < 0.983] = 0.8372
58
P[ X < 240] = P[Z < 0.690] = 0.2451
P[ X > 230] = P[ Z > 0.862] = 1 0.1944 = 0.8056
P[ X > 90] = P[Z > 3.276] = 1 P[ Z 3.276] = 1 0.005 = 0.995
P[235 < Z < 335] = P[0.776 < Z < 0.948] = 0.8284 0.2188 = 0.6096
P[305 < X < 405] = P[0.431 < Z < 2.155] = 0.9844 0.6669 = 0.3175

(a) P[ X < 337] < P[

(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)

X 100
.
5
(a) From the normal table, P[ Z < 0.44] = 0.6700.
b 100
Since P[ X < b] = P[ Z <
], we must have
5
b 100
Z=
= 0.44 or b = 100 + 5(0.44) = 102.2.
5
b 100
(b) Since P[ Z > 2.29] = 0.011, Z =
= 2.29 or b = 100 + 5(2.29) = 111.45.
5
(c) We first find z such that P Z < z = 0.966.

6.64 The standardized variable is Z =

202

CHAPTER 6. THE NORMAL DISTRIBUTION

This requires P[ Z < z ] = 0.966 + 0.017 = 0.983 so z = 2.102. Since

b b

P X 100 < b = P Z < , = 2.12 or b = 5(2.12) = 10.6.

5 5

X 499
.
120
600 497
(a) P[ X > 600] = P[Z >
] = P[ Z > 0.842] = 1 0.8046 = 0.1954
120
(b) We first find the 90th percentile of the standard normal distribution and then
convert it to the x scale. Indeed, observe that
P[ Z < 1.28] = 0.8997 0.90
The standardized score z = 1.28 corresponds to
x = 497 + 120(1.28) = 651
(c) P[ X < 400] = P[Z < 0.808] = 0.2095 .

6.65 The standardized variable is Z =

6.66 Denote X = lifting capacity. It has N (65,8) distribution. Ability to lift an 80 pound
load requires that X > 80 .
80 65
P[ X > 80] = P[ Z >
] = P[ Z > 1.875] = 1 0.9696 = 0.0304 .
8
So, only about 3% of these workers can lift the load.
6.67 The strength X is distributed as N (100,8) . The bonding will fail if X < 90 . Its
probability is
90 100
P[ X < 90] = P[ Z <
] = P[ Z < 1.25] = 0.1056 .
8
So, about 11% will fail.
X 70
so the distribution scores corresponding to
8
x = 58, 66, 74, and 82 are given by
58 70
66 70
74 70
82 70
= 1.5,
= 0.5,
= 0.5, and
= 1.5 .
8
8
8
8
Thus, we have:

6.68 The standardized variable is Z =

P( F ) = P[ X < 58] = P[ Z < 1.5] = 0.0668

P( D) = P[58 X < 66] = P[1.5 Z < 0.5] = 0.3085 0.0668 = 0.2417
P(C ) = P[66 X < 74] = P[0.5 Z < 0.5] = 0.6915 0.3085 = 0.3830
P( B) = P[74 X < 82] = P[0.5 Z < 1.5] = 0.2417 (same as P( D) by symmetry)
P( A) = P[ X 82] = P[ Z 1.5] = 0.0668

203

6.69 X = number of days of trouble-free operation is normally distributed with = 750

X 750
and = 100 , so the standardized variable is Z =
.
100
(a) Taking 365 days in a year, 2 years have 730 days.
730 750
P[ X > 730] = P[ Z >
] = P[ Z > 0.2]
.
100
= 1 P[ Z < 0.2] = 1 0.4207 = 0.5713
(b) Denoting d = number of days of warranty, we require that P[ X < d ] = 0.1 .
From the standard normal table, we find P[ Z < 1.28] = 0.10 so
d 750
= 1.28 or d = 750 + 100(1.28) = 622
100
The warranty period can be set to 602 (or about 600) days.
6.70 (a) Denote the volume in one bottle by X which is a random variable having a
normal distribution with mean 101.5 and standard deviation 1.6 ml. We want to
X 101.5
find P[ X < 100] . Since Z =
is standard normal, we have
1.6
100 101.5
P[ X < 100] = P[ Z <
] = P[Z < 0.9375] = 0.1743
1.6
(b) We first determine that the z-value 1.645 satisfies P[ Z 1.645] = 0.9500 so
P[ Z > 1.645] = 0.05 . Consequently, v = 101.5 + (1.6) 1.645 = 104.13 milliliters.
6.71 (a) Denote the volume in one bottle by X which is a random variable having a
normal distribution with mean 302 and standard deviation 2 ml. We want to
X 302
find P[ X < 299] . Since Z =
is standard normal, we have
2
299 302
P[ X < 299] = P[Z <
] = P[Z < 1.5] = 0.0668
2
(b) We first determine that the z-value 1.645 satisfies P[ Z 1.645] = 0.9500 so
P[ Z > 1.645] = 0.05 . Consequently, v = 302 + ( 2) 1.645 = 305.3 ounces.
5
5
( 32) and b = .
9
9
Since X has the mean = 102 and sd = = 4, the mean and sd of Y are:
5
5
mean = a + b = ( 32 ) + (102 ) = 38.89
C
9
9
5
sd = b = ( 4 ) = 2.222
C
9

6.72 (a) We have the relation Y = a + bX with a =

204

CHAPTER 6. THE NORMAL DISTRIBUTION

(b)

6.73 (a)

(b)

Hence, Y has the normal distribution N(38.89, 2.222).

Y 38.89
The standardized variable is Z =
. Hence, we have
2.222
35 38.89
42 38.89
P[35 Y 42] = P[
Z
]
2.222
2.222
= P[1.75 < Z < 1.40] = 0.9192 0.0401 = 0.8791.
We use Appendix Table 2 to find the exact binomial probabilities.
(i) When n = 25, p = 0.4, P[ X 7] = 0.154
(ii) When n = 20, p = 0.7,
P[11 X 16] = P[ X 16] P[ X 10] = 0.893 0.048 = 0.845
(iii) When n = 16, p = 0.5,
P[ X 9] = 1 P[ X 8] = 1 0.598 = 0.402 .
We take X to be approximately normally distributed with mean = np and
sd = npq , and use the continuity correction. Also, we round the normal
probabilities to three decimals.
(i) np = 10, npq = 25 0.4 0.6 = 2.45
7.5 10
P[ X 7] = P[Z <
] = P[ Z < 0.1622] = 0.4357
2.45
(ii) np = 14 , npq = 2.05
10.5 14
16.5 14
P[11 X 16] P[
<Z <
]
2.05
2.05
= P[1.707 < Z < 1.220] = 0.8891 0.0440 = 0.8451
(iii) np = 8,

npq = 2

8.5 8
] = P[ Z > 0.25] = 1 P[ Z < 0.25]
.
2
= 1 0.5987 = 0.4013

P[ X 9] = P[ Z >

6.74 Let X = number of late payments out of 20,000 tax bills. It has binomial
distribution with n = 20, 000 and p = 0.07. For a normal approximation, we
calculate
np = 20, 000 0.07 = 1400 , npq = 20, 000 0.07 0.93 = 36.08.
The continuity correction is not important because the sd is fairly large.
1350 1400
(a) P[ X < 1350] P[ Z <
] = P[Z < 1.386] = 0.0829
36.08
1480 1400
P[ X 1480] P[ Z >
] = P[ Z > 2.217] = 1 P[ Z < 2.217]
(b)
36.08
= 1 0.9867 = 0.0133

205

6.75 Assuming n = 400 is a small fraction of the population, a binomial model is

appropriate for X = number of viewers of program A out of 400.
(a) The distribution of X is approximately normal with mean = np = 400 0.3 = 120
and sd = npq = 9.165.
P[ X < 103] P[ Z <

102.5 120
] = P[Z < 1.91] = 0.0281
9.165

(b) Under the hypothesis that p = 0.3 , the calculations in part (a) show that the
occurrence of fewer than 103 viewers in a sample of 400 is unlikely (probability
0.0281). Such an observation should strongly support suspicion that p < 0.3.
6.76 (a) n is large and p not too close to 0 or 1 so the normal approximation is
appropriate.
(b) n is not large and p is very small so the normal approximation is not
appropriate.
(c) Although n is large, p being too close to 1, the normal approximation is not
appropriate.
6.77 Out of 400 ticket holders, let X = no. of persons who show up. The distribution of
X is binomial with n = 400 and p = 1 0.10 = 0.90. It is approximately normal with
mean = np = 360 and sd = npq = 6.
(a) One or more reservation holders will not be accommodated if more than 370
passengers show up.
370.5 360
P[ X > 370] P[ Z >
] = P[ Z > 1.75] = 1 0.9599 = 0.0401
6
349.5 360
(b) P[ X < 350] P[ Z <
] = P[ Z < 1.75] = 0.0401.
6
6.78 Let X = number of card users out of 147 customers. It has a binomial distribution
with n = 147 and p = 0.43. For a normal approximation, we calculate
np = 147 0.43 = 63.2 , npq = 147 0.43 0.57 = 6.002
60.5 63.2
(a) P[ X > 60] = P[Z >
] = P[Z > 0.4499] = 0.6736
6.002
59.5 63.2
70.5 63.2
(b) P[60 X 70] = P[
Z
]
6.002
6.002
= P[0.616 Z 1.216] = 0.8882 0.2689 = 0.6191

206

CHAPTER 6. THE NORMAL DISTRIBUTION

6.79 Let X be the number of new words in the poem. We approximate the probability
that a new word will not be on the list by 14, 376 884, 647 = 0.01625. Then, we
treat X as having a binomial distribution with n = 429 and p = 0.01625.
(a) Expected number of new words = number of words probability
= 429 0.01625 = 6.97
(b) The standard deviation of X is 429 0.01625 0.98375 = 2.619. Using the
continuity correction, we approximate the binomial probability
11.5 6.97
P[ X 12] P[ Z
] = P[ Z 1.73] = 1 0.9582 = 0.0418
2.619
(c) Using continuity correction, we approximate the binomial probability
2.5 6.97
P[ X 2] P[ z
] = P[ Z 1.707] = 0.0439
2.619
2.5 6.97
11.5 6.97
Z
]
2.619
2.619
11.5 6.97
2.5 6.97
= P[Z
] P[Z
]
2.619
2.619
= P[Z 1.73] P[Z 1.707]
= 0.9582 0.0439 = 0.9143

(d) P[2 < X < 12] P[

The observed number 9 is close to the expected number 6.97. The difference
9 6.97 = 2.03 is not large according to our probability calculation which
shows that 4 words from 6.97 is not unusual.
6.80 The large values of volume are too large for the normal distribution to hold. They
should be pulled down with a transformation.

207

6.81 The normal scores plot for volume displays a curved pattern. The data are probably
not normal.

6.82 The normal-scores plot in the figure below is nearly straight.

6.83 (a) The normal scores plot for the original data set is as follows:
Probability Plot of Lightning Strikes
Normal
200

Mean
StDev
N
AD
P-Value

Lightning Strikes

150

100

50

0
-2

-1

0
Score

83.34
38.37
50
1.158
<0.005

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CHAPTER 6. THE NORMAL DISTRIBUTION

(b) The normal scores plot for the fourth-root of the values in the original data set
is as follows:
Probability Plot of fourth roots
Normal
4.0

Mean
StDev
N
AD
P-Value

fourth roots

3.5

2.963
0.3442
50
0.490
0.212

3.0

2.5

2.0
-2

-1

0
Score

(c) The data in both plots are very close to the line, indicating that a normal
approximation in both cases is reasonable.