In this chapter, studerts will:

(a) understand the concepts ofcontinuous random variablc and nomal vrriable;

(b) understand that a nonnal distdbution is a probability modcl for continuous random
variable and that it arises in many practical situations;

(c) undersland the nature ofthe normal distdbution N(ll, d 2):

. E(X): tt and VruQ() : a'1
. the nomal curve is sl,Tnmetrical about /
. the location attd shape ofa normal curvc are detemin€d by the values of 1r and
respectively
. the.rea under the curve bctween.r = a and.x= 6 is the probability p(a < x < 6)
. thc total area under a nonnal curve is 1

(d) understand that a normal variable -y ,)

- N(11, a is rclated to the standard nomal
vanablc Z - N(0, l)hy Z:" P
-
(t

(c) solve problems concerning a variable;f, where,y

- N(a, ar), including:
. fildin8 the value of PQf < rr) or a related probability, given fhc values ofrl, 4, a
. finding the rclationship between.rl, /, a, given the value ofp(X < jrr) or a rclated
pr ohrhr lrtl

(f) use a graphic calculator to calculate probabilities;

(g) apply thc nonnal distribution ,I. - N(a, o,) to solvc statistical problems in real-world
situations;

(h) use thc fact fhat ifll has a nonnal distributior, thcn dX+ b has a nonnal distribution
withE(ax + b) = aE(^) 1 b and. Va(aX I b) : a2 V a(E,

(i) use the fact that if -Y and I have indqrcndent norDal distributions,
thcn aX + bY has a normal distribution with E(a{ I 64 : dE(_y) + ,E(u and
Va4aX I br): t!2V.rt(X) + bzVar(t);

(j) use the nomal distribution, with continuity correctio{, to approximate the
binomial
distribution whcre appropriate (r is sufficiently large to ensuri that np > S and nq > 5,
approximately);

(k) usc the normal distribution, with contilluity correcti{xr, to approximate drc poissoll
distribution wher.e appropriate (l > 10, approximately).

c27-l
SRIC Martmti6 DcDanndlt JC2 tD ChaDrd 2?: Norul Dskibution lsrrdar's 6nvl

#1 Backgro nd Kriowledge

1) Continuous Random Variables

Continuous random variables arise whenever we deal with quantities that are measured on a
@ntinuous scale. Exarnples of continuous random variables are height, weight, amount of
alcohol in a person's blood and the speed of a car. For example, heights of membem of a
population measuled will rot follow discrete values. The variable can take any value in the
interval (a, b).

2) Densitv Curves
When analysing data, one of the most common forms of graphical presentation of a frequency
distribution is the histogram. When we analyse continuous random variables using histograms,
we will reed to goup the observations on a horizontal scale into classes.

Consider a relative frequency histogram with such a scale chosen such that the area vrithin each
ba. is €qual to the proportion of observations within the range represented by the bar.
. Total area rq)r€sented by the bars ofthe histogram equals l.
. If we think of histoglams with narower ard trarrower classes, we can approximate the
histogram by a smooth curve such that the curve has total area of I underneath it.

O:12

o.1

0_@

1t!J2

0
15 16 t7

Such a curve is called a densify curye of the disaibution.

#2 The Nomal Disfiibution

The norriral distribution has a bell-shaped density cuwe with equation

f 1x1 ---J.-- e z'"

- o.l2r ,

f(*)

c21 2
 If a continuous random variablc lf is normally distributed with mean p and variance o2, we
write L .- N(/,o'?). The mean p and variance o2 are thc parameters ol the distribution.
o = J"urjance is the standard deviation ofthe distribution

lmportant ProDertics:

rrl
I
(1) The curve is bcll-shaped and is svmmetrical about the vertical linej:
U, the mcan,
(2) The curwc approaches the jr-axis asynptotically i.e. as 'r ) ico,
/(.r) ) 0. .
(3) ln a nomal dist.ibuti o\, the fiean, median and mode coinctdc.
(4) The rneau, p, is an ildicatior ofthe central tendency ofthe data. Diffcrent values
of p
iDdicate diffcront localion ofthe mean_
(s) The varialcc o2 is an indication ofthc rlispersion (spread) ofthe drta. 1.hc smaller
o2,
the smaller the dispersior and the narrower thc bell shape (i.c_ clata clustercd togcther).
No(e that the vanancc o2 should always have a positive va1ue,

differcnt vaianrcs differcftt means

(6) The actual shape and location of the bcll-shapcd cLrrwc depends on the values of p and

{7) P(a<X<b\: arca under thc density curwc betwecn _r: aalld r:6. However_ note
that we will use the graphic calculato. to evaluafe this probability.

P(ct <X<b)

{:27 3
(8) Total area under a nomal density cuwe is l.

(e)

The 68 95-99.7 Rule

In any nomal distribution:
. 68% ofthc observations lalls approximately within I standard deviation ofp , i.e.
between p
oandp+o,
. 95yo ofthe observations falls approximately withi 2 standard deviations ofp , i.e.
bctwccn p
2('andp+2o.
. 99.77o ofthe observations lalls approximatcly within 3 stardard deviations ofp ,
i-e. bet$'ccn p 3{Jandp+3ci.

#3 S tan d a d N o ftn dl D istrib utio n

The distribution N(0,1) is known as the Standard Normal Distribution- The random variable,
denoted by Z for this distribulion is known as the standard normal variable.

z - N(0, 1) The mean is 0 and the variance is l-

. Thc conversion of a random variable { -N(lt,o') into Z-ff(0,1) is known as
standardisirrg-

It' X - N(t,or ), then is sucir thal

c27 4
#4 Finling prcbabilities using the Graphic Calculator

EExample 1: If )l-N(100,25), find

(a) P(95 < x < 105) (Ans: )

Method l: using normalcdf(

ffi'"3TFHr,
2r noFrats l.rdl: (
stepr:press
llna] f"-"1 3t inuNorn(
4r t'Pdf(
5: Lcdf(
6: X2Fdf(
?.LXzcdf(

Stell 2 : Press ]rorr"'al.trdf (95' 145

, lEtR, s)
.6A26e94S89

Note: The mrmbers 95, 105, 100 and 5 represent thc lower limit, uppcr limit, rnean and
strndard dcviation rcspectively. The last entry is the standard deviation, not the var.ianqe!

Mcthod 2: usins ShadeNornrt

It is inportant to use a suitablc window setting to view the whole graph. Note that a suitable
{,,in: value of I 4o and a suitablcX@* - value of I + 4o tdIHoouJ
Xri in=86

Alier Step i as in Method 1, use the right arrow key to highlight..DR W,'-
Step 2: Press select "shadeNomr(,, 0r sTR tllifit!.
[lto l[!!radeNorn(
Z:5htsde t.(
4: shadeF(

Step 3: Press ShedeHorn{95,185

, 1EB,5)r

ftr+{:.692€Sg
l+(,.,:9S ljp=105

(b) P(X < 95) (Ans: )

nort Icdf( -E99,9
5, 180,
'E 5 )
. 1586552596
I

(c) P(X > I03) (Ans: normE I cdf ( 183

! E9
) 9, 1AB,5)
. ?7425f,8646
t
c2t-5
(d) Using your answer to (b) and (c) above, deduce the value of P(95 < X < 103) . Check your
a swcr using GC.
P(95<X<103) - normalcdf(95' 183
, 166,5)
=l-P(x>103)_P(x<95) .5670916759
:I x
0.159 0.274 - 0.567
(e) Find P(J(>103 or -Y<95)
.l0l _L
P{X or X.(l5} I 0.507 Note two different methods
0.214' o.tss J here. Why are thcy equal?
:0.431
&l!9: If the values of p arul o arc not specified, the default values ofo and I rospectively
will be used by the calculator.

Useful facts:
tf f - N(p,o'?), and d and b arc real constants,

l. P(X = a)= 0, since probability is measured by area under the curvrl, and the line lr
has no thickness. Therefore, P(X >.r)= P(x > a), P(x < D)= P(,Y < b) and
P(a < X <b)=t'(a <. X <b) etc.

2. P(,Y > ,1)= 1- P(r. <

").
3, t(d<x<r)=P(.r<b) P(n<,l).

4. P(X< a)=P()r>a) (synmetry of{he curve) if lr=0

Example 2 (Do it yoursel0: Given that P(Z < u) = $ , yalqs 6 < 0.5, express in terms of D, the
probability
(i) P(z > a):
(it) P(Z >
a);
(ilt)P(z < -a) .
Will your answers be different > 0-5 ? if,
Solution
Note: d is negative
(i) P(.2 >a):l <ar=
P(Z Note: llrc lecturc. will demonst.ate
(il) P(Z > a\ =P(/ a a1= (by syrmetry) the concepts involvcd with
(ril)P(Z < -a) =l P(Z> a)- diagrams of thc bcll-shaped curvcs.

lYes / Nol

c27 -6
 Example 3: Given that PQZI<a)=b, where a and 6 are constants and 0<6<1, express
P(Z < a) in tenns of6.

Solution

P(Z > a) = (by sl,nmetr,

P(Z<a)=l-P(Z>a)

1+h
2

r #5 Finding the vatae of x., given p(X < x,) yo, X - N(p,crr)
Method: using invNorm (probability given,ll, o)

Example 4: Ifd, N(67,2.5,), find the 80th porcentile ofx

Solution
Let thl} 80rh percentile be /r.
P(X<(7)=0.8
a: invNonn( ):69.1
Therefore, a = 69.1 (to3 s.f.)

stepl:Press
@trRsl
inL'HqrFr(F- 8,6?,2
Step 2: Prcss
69. 1e4s53Be

all6 Finding the relationship between xt, p, o given the vatue o7 p(X < x,) ol a related
probability

Exampte 5 (Do it yourseto: If.f-N(p, o2)and p(X<10) = 0.3, find a relationship between
p and, o.

Solution
v,,
Crven P(X t0)-01.pt"_/. )_0.1
o

C27 'I
Thus P(Z < ) = 0.3 with Z-N(0, 1)

Using GC following steps illustratal in Example 4,

i nuHonnn ( 6. f, )
-.5244485191

Example 6: If-Y- N(n. 5), find the least integer valuc m such that P(X > 8) > 0.02.

Solution

Method 1
Given P(X > 8) > 0.02,
l P(x<8)>0.02
P(X<8)<0_98 ,,__ ____ (l)
P(z<?)<0.9{i wirh z-N(0, r)

inuNorrr(8.98
Using cC, P(Z < )=0.98
2.953748911
Therelbre ::t m > 3.4077

Lcast integer value ofm :4

Method 2
Using GC, P(X> 8) :0.01267 (< 0.02) whcn m = 3
P(X> 8) :0.03682 (> 0.02) when lz = 4.

Least integer valuc ofrr = 4.

-l
'
Steo Ii Press flJ E
t-'" t

Pr+tl Flrte Plotf

\V r Er-l.fFr'l-3 1cdf {B,
Step 2: Press
99, X, f (5) )
\Va=I

stcp 3: Prcss tabte YI

@ FRApH lacccss 0
I
1.7E -'r
8.7E -q
_n4J5S
01:67
!Is -+1682
_089S6
5 .13555
4=4

c21 A
 Example 7: The marks in a Mathenatics exan are lbund to bc approximately nonnally
distributcd with mean 70 and standard devialion 20
(.) lfa candidatc is selectcd at random, fiod the probabilityhe scores mor|] than marks.
(b) If two candidates are selected at random, find the probability that both of60them score
between 45 and 65 ilclusive.
(c) If tbree candidates are sclected at random, find the probability that one ot them scores
more than 60 marks and the othcr two lcls than 60.
(d) lf l57o ofthe candidates are gmdcd as,4, calculate the lcast mark for,4.
Solution
I-€t X be the random variablc "marks ofa randornly X-' N( ,
chosen canclidate... )
(a) Required probability : _._ ; l;
l._nornialcdf{60,
: E99
0.691 ,74,28)
. .6914624673
(b) P(45<L<65) = 0.29564
norr,rElcdf (45,65,
Required probability = 78,28J
= 0.0874 .29564t8867

(c) Required probability

:ifii"t:-''r'Y"
(d) Let rr be thc least mark for grade,4.

Method I
r(x ,n) u.rs ) r{ I 4,)

= m. using iflvNornl(0_95, 70, 20)

.. least rnark is 90.7

EOUflTIOH 5OLUER
P(r <z) = ecn: B=noFrqE I 'ldf {
-E99, H,78, ?B)-0.
=nonnalcdf( - E99. m, 70, 20) - 0.85 :0 851

loFr'r€lcdf ( -E9-.-=O
Using GC, frorn Equation Solver, H=98. 728669456..-
.'. least mark is 90 7 bound={ -1egg, 1...
. I eft-rt=B

c21-9
Example 8: Six hundred rounds are fired from a gun at a horizontal target 50 m long which
cxtends liom 950 m to 1000 m in range from thc gun. The trajectories of thc rounds all lie in the
vertical plane through the gun and target- It is found that 27 rounds fall short of the target and
69 rounds fall beyond it. Assuming the range of rounds is normally distributed, find the mean
and standard deviation of the range. Estimate the number of rounds falling within 5m o f the
centre ofth(r target.

TTrajectoW

950 -50m
Let X be the random variable "range of a randomly choscn round fired from the gun-"
lr"'N(l ,o ).

Given that 27 rounds fall shofi of thc target, P (,Y < 950) =

p( z .eso P \=
\o) inuNorn(6.845
using cc, 950-lt = t.6g5qo I
9s0-11= 1.695400 ---' -.----(1)

Given that 69 rounds lall beyond thc targcl, I,(X > 1000):

P(r < looo) =

P( 7 .rooo p) inuHor-m(8.885)
I . -4ErErJJclo|Jrl
\o) I
using GC,'ooo-' =,.zooru
o
1000-p = 1.20036o -..*-----------(2)
Solving (l) and (2) gives d: 17.3 m imd p=979nl

Ceotre oftarget is at 975 m from the gun.

Fo. the rounds to lall within 5 m of the centre of the farget, 970 < X < 980

using cc, P(970 < t <980)=9.2214)

ncl^r.rE I c.df {976, 98
B,979, 17 - 3)
Therefore, estimated number of rounds -2?,1=j62437

c2'1 10
 #7 Sum & Diffarence

For any random variable X and real constants a and ,,

e(ax t)= aa(x)+6 and Var(a.r + 6)= a' var(x)
+

Thus if -r( ..- N(4,o'?), rhen ax +6 - N(a p +b, a'o,)

For zury two indcpendent mndom variables )l .{d y. and for an\ rcal consta0ts a md b.
E(aX! bl) =. aE(E t 6E(I,); Va.(a.yl DI) - a? VarQf) +6r Var(t')

IfXand f are two independent normal random variables such that

X- N(p1, o12) and I-N(p2,o22), then

(i) X+Y-N(pr t p,,o,' +o,' )

(ii) X-.'Y-N(7ll 1t,,o,' +o,'1
(iii) aX +6Y - N(a4, +o,' + hl o,'z 1
bp,, a'1

(iv) aX tlY - N(a7r, b4., d'o,' + b. cr,' 7

For example: -]f - N(-1,4), f - N(10, 5),,f aod I/arc indepcndent

(D Lry-N( )

(iD x-y-N( , )

(iiD zr I y- N( 3
) -N(28,6t)

{r\ ) 1,
45 -lt
- t,
,-..(';';)

We can cxtend the above resulls as follows:

lf r
Xt,X1,-..Ja,, a.c indepcndent normal mndom variables such that x, - N(rro,r),
x, - N(pbo)1),....., -y,, - N(7r",o,,r) thcn
. Xt + X,+...-.+ x,, .'N(1, + lt.+...... t,,,.o,, + oj +..._....o1;)

. alxt +qXz+.....+ a,,X^ - N(a,p, + a,p, +...,...u,,p,,, aic,i t aloj +....-ajoj)

For example: L- N(2, 5), I'- N(0,9), n/-N( I, 16) -{ I and l/ are independc'nt

(i)X+ f + t /,'N( , N(r, 30)

)-
tiit zt y+ 1 w-n(
2l J-"{'l ")
c27 tI
-E-rzrcr'se (Do it yoursel0: IfX- N(60, 16) and y - N(70, 9), ,fand y are independent, lind

(i) P(.{ + r < 140), (iDP(120 < X tY <135), (iii)P(r X>'1),(i',/)P(2<y-x <12).

Solution
r+Y-N( ) r-x-N( )

Using GC,
(D P(X +Y <t4o)=
(ii) P(120<X+r<135):
(iiD P(Y X >'7)=
(i") P{2 <Y X <t2)=

Nsla:
Difference between the distributioo of 2X and X, 'r- X, :

Xt+ X 1 - N(2p, o' + ct'I : N12p, 2o'1

BfiT
2X - N(2p.21o1) =N(2tt,4o))

Example 9: l.afld yare independent random variables which are both normally distributcd, the
respectivc pammeters being
Mean Variance
,r 100 25
Y 120 20

(a) Calculate (i) P(,r + y > 235), (ii) P(y > r, (iii) P(Ja > ] y).
1
(b) Find the probability that the total sum ofthrce indcpendent obsoiwations ofJa exc€eds 330.

Solution
(a) (i) x+ r- N( )
Using GC, I,(X + L > 235) =

(it r x-N( )
Using GC, P(Y > X) =

1
(iii) X :Y Nr ) Nt 10. Jb.,)51

l
t lsrng Ca, P(X f)=
4
(b) .r, + x, + ra" - N( ) - N(300, 7s)
Using GC, P(Xt + X7 + X, > 330):

c21 t2
 Examplc l0: The cxamination marks of the boys arc normally distributed about a mean of 55
with slandard deviation I I and the marks of the girls arc normally distributed about a rnean of
58 with standard deviation 8- Ifone boy and one girl are chosen at random fiom the complete
list ofcandidatcs and assuming their marks are independcnt, calculate the probability tha{
(a) both ofthem have inarks over 75.
(b) the girl's marks is at least 20 more tlun fhe boy,s marks.
(c) the differcnce betwced their marks is more than 3_

Solution
Let B be the raldorn variable "marks ofa randomly chosen boy', and
C be tlrc rrndum ranabl< nrlrks ofa landnmly ehrrscn girl '

,-N( , ) and G-N( )

(a) Using GC' P(B > 75 and G > 75)

=: :..11:y".,r,
(b)c B-N( )
Using GC, p(G > B +20\=

(c) P(c Bl> 3) =

=P(c B>3)+P(c-r< 3)
:0.5+0.32956
= 0.830

lhc mass oftea ir Hiptor tcabags has a nonnal distribulion

l."Tpl"11:
standard dcviation 0.12 g. I hc
with mcan 4.t g and
mass of tca iu Lloldtch teabags has a normal disribLrlion wirl)
mran 5.2 g rnd sr:rndcr J dcviation 0. l5 g.
(a) Find thc probability that fivc randomly chosen Hipton teabags contain a total of
more thao
20-8 g of tea-
(b) Fird the probability that the total mass of tea in livc randorniy chosen
Hipton teabags is
more than the total mass oftea in lirur randomly choscn Boldtch ieabags.
(c) Find the probability that the mass of tea in two randomly chosen BJldth tcabags is morc
lhan rwo td a llclftimes lhc mass ol a rdtrdotnl) chosen Hiprorr tcabcg.

Solulton
I-et flbe the random variable,.mass ofa randomly chosen Hipton teabag,,and
let B be thc random v;Lriable'.nass ofa randornlychosen Boliteh teabai,,.

H - N(4.1,0.122) and t-lV(5.2.0.152)

(a) t,etHl, I1), flt, H r /1, be thc tnasscs ol fivc rantlrrrly choscn Hiplor ieabags.
I,€t X = Ht + H) 1 II. + II4+ II5
r.'N( ) - N( 20.5, 0.072)
Using cC, P(.f > 20.8) =

c2'7 tf
(b) Let 4, 4, 4, 4 be the masscs of four randomly chosen Boldteh teabags.
LetY=Bt+Br+Bt+Ba
y- N( ) - N(20.8, 0.09)

x,r - N( ) - N(-0.3, 0.162)

Usirg GC, P(X > Y) =

(c)4 +4 -2.511 - N( ) - N().15, 0.135)

P(4+ B, > 2.sH\ =

Example 12; The nass of a randomly choscn pewter omameot manufactured by a conrpany
follows a nonnal distribution with mean of 5 kg ard standard deviation 0.2 kg. The company
intends to manufacturc another set ofpewter omaments such that nass ofeach is double that ol
the mass ofan original omament manufactured, Each ofthis ncw set of omaments is packe'd in a
box ofmass 0.1 kg. Write down the dist.ibution for the combincd mass ofeach ncw omament
and its box. Ilence lind the probability that thc combined mass is less than 10_2 kg_

Solution
Let )a be the randott vaiable " mass ofa randomly chosen pewter ornamolt from the odginal
set manul-acturcd by the company'. ). -N(5,0.2r)

Let )' bc thc random variable " cornbincd mass ofa tandoinly chosen pewter omamcnt liom thc
new sot rnanufactured by the company alrd its box"- Y :2X +O.l
E(2X +0.1) = Var(2X+0.1) =
r- N00.r,0.16)

llsirg GC, P(r < 10.2) =

Example 13: Melons are sold at a pricc of $1.50 per kilogram. The lnasses of melons iuc
nomlally dist.ibuted with a mean of 0.8 kg and a standard deviation of0.l kg. I'urnpkins arc
sold at a pnce of $0.50 per kilograrn. The masses of pumpkins are nonnally distributed wilh a
mean of 1.2 kg zurd a standard deviation of 0.2 kg. Find thc probability that thc total price of5
randomly chosel mclons and 3 randornly chosen pumpkins exceeds $8.

Solution
Let -fbe the randorn variable "mass of a randomly choscn melon" and let be thc random I
variable "mass ofa randomly chosen pumpkin". J -N(0.8,0.11 and f.'N(1.2,0.21

Let M be the random variable "total mass of5 randomly chosen n'telotls"_
M:Xt+X2+X3+X4) X5
M- N( ) -- N(4, o.os)

Let P be the randor vanable "total nass of 3 randomly chosen pumpkins,'-

P:\1Yz+Yt
P-N( )-N(3.6,0.12)

c)'t , 11
 Let total price of 5 rzurdomly chosen melons aod 3 randomly chosen pumpkins be I dollars.
T=
r-N( ) "' N1z-r, o. r+zsy
Using CC, l,(T> 8) :

#8 IJse of the Nor^al Distribution to Approximdte the Birromhl Dirtribation

Under certain circumstances, thc nomal distribution can be used to approximate the binomial
distribution.

Given that X - B(tt, p), we have E(,\') - zp and Vareg = wh cte q = 1 p.

'pq,
lfn is largc (a > 50), such that rp > 5 and n4 > 5,
rhen q c can afrf\roxinlJlc X by X. Ntnp, npq).

Consider thc following va.iations in values ofz andp:

nq
IO o_2 ? {i
l0 0.5 5 5
l0 0_8 8 2
?o 0.8 l(r 4
30 0.8 24 6
60 08 4{t 12
60 0.95 57 l

(in ti rl tti4, Co rrc diotr

when -{- B(n, p) is approxinutcd by a .onnar variarrle whicrr is a continuous random variabre,
we assulrle P(at a single poht): I,( I:, ):0. llence, we havo to pctforln continuity
colrealr"r as foll()ws:

(i) P(-r=.r) "-' ,p(' l.r.'*

2)
1l
-- {a+--. _. X

' t ' t't

-:.i+ r,1X <,+ 1;
(ii) P(.r< -r) and --r- n6.,,!l
pOa<r)

<-.--* _o <____o
X
X

2 'rl
c27 - 15
(iiD P(L> r) ''' , r1Xt, r - L1 P(X> r) !5 PQ(> r+ 1;

lr I
r -., t
2 2
z2

(iv) P(x1 <.Y<ri) jj+ P(r1 !.x.o*l) P(x1< -Ii< rr) --:5 P1"r1l<lstr-1;
0-*---*---o
HH
--T_--_-f_l-.. I *, ,, *1 .t, t,*I
')

Example 14: It is known that in a sack of mixed grass seeds, 35o% are ryegrass. llse a suttable
approximation to find thc probability that in a sample of400 seeds, there are
(a) lcss than 120 ryegrass secds,
(b) bctween 120 and 150 rycgrass seeds (inclusive),
(r) morc thrn lo0 ryegrass sccd\.

Solution
Let X bc the random variablc " number ofryegrass sceds in a samplc of400 seeds"-
x- 8(400, 0.35)

Since z is large and np = :140(> 5), nq = =260(> 5) , npq:91,

X- N(140, 9l ) approximately.
U"ing CC,
(a) P(X < 120) jj)P(,Y< )=0.0158

(b) P(120<X<150) rj+P( <X <. ):0.849

(c) P(X > 160)--1+P()r > ):0.0158

Example 15: The probability that the random variable X has a value less than 1.9 is given to be
0.95. tJsing a sairaDlc apprcximation. find the probability that 77 or morc of 80 observations of
,Y arc lcss than I.9.

Solution
I
I-ct be the random variable "numbcr ofobservations ofx, out of80, that are less than L9".
r- B(80,0.95)

c27 - L6
 Since a is la-rgc, np : 76 (> 5), but q=80x0.05=4(<5),wecnnnotapproximatetoanormal
distribution.

Let y'be the random variable "number ofobservations of_tra, out ofg0, that are a1 least 1.9,,.
v'-B( )
ForI',aislarge andap= (< 5), thus y,-po( ) approximarely,
Using GC, required probability: p(y >'7'/)-p(y'< ) :

#9 Use ofthe Nornal Distribation to Apploximate the poissoft Distribution

Ifx- Po(7,), then E(]')- ?., Var(X) : i".

Ifl, is large (1" > 10), then X- N(i" , )") approximately.

Note'. We need to perform contiluity correction when usirtg the normal dpproximdlion to
apprc'rimdte d Poiss on distribldion.

Example 16: StLppose,Y- Po(25), use a suitable approxinration b find l,(22 < _f < 26).

Solution
Since ,t = 25 (> 10), X-N( , ) approximarelv.

Using GC, P(22<X <26)- li)P( < X < )=

Example l7: A radioactive disintegntion gives counts that foll.w a poisson distnbutior with
mean count per second o125. Find tlre probability that in I second the count
is bctween 2l and
27 inclusrvc.
(a) using the Poissol distribution.
(b) using the nonnal approxinution to the poisson dist.ibution_

S:rl!Jt!!
(a) Letf be the raodom variablc ..counts ofthe radioactive disirltegration pljr second,,.
,r.' Po(25)

Using GC, P(23<X <.27\=p(X < ) p(_r< ) =0.70019 0.31753

{b).f - N(25, 25) approximately

Using GC, P(23<X <211 :.|yp1. <X< ):

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