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6.1 Continuous Random Variables and 6.2 The Standard Normal Distribution
the Uniform Probability Distribution LO 6.3 Explain the characteristics of the normal distribution.
LO 6.1 Describe a continuous random variable.
The Normal Distribution
• Remember that random variables may be •
Symmetric
classified as
Bell-shaped
Discrete
Closely approximates the probability distribution of a
• The random variable assumes a countable wide range of random variables, such as the
number of distinct values.
• Heights and weights of newborn babies
Continuous • Scores on SAT
• The random variable is characterized by • Cumulative debt of college graduates
(infinitely) uncountable values within any
Serves as the cornerstone of statistical inference.
interval.
LO 6.1 BUSINESS STATISTICS | Jaggia, Kelly
6-3
LO 6.3 BUSINESS STATISTICS | Jaggia, Kelly
6-4
6.2 The Standard Normal Distribution 6.2 The Standard Normal Distribution
• Characteristics of the Normal Distribution • Characteristics of the Normal Distribution
Symmetric about its mean The normal distribution is completely described
• Mean = Median = Mode by two parameters: and σ2.
Asymptotic—that is, the • is the population mean which describes the
tails get closer and central location of the distribution.
closer to the • σ is the population variance which describes
horizontal axis, P(X < ) = 0.5 P(X > ) = 0.5
the dispersion of the distribution.
but never touch it.
x
6.2 The Standard Normal Distribution 6.2 The Standard Normal Distribution
• Example: Suppose the ages of employees in Industries A, LO 6.4 Use the standard normal table (z table).
B, and C are normally distributed. • The Standard Normal (Z) Distribution.
Here are the relevant parameters:
A special case of the normal distribution:
• Mean () is equal to zero (E(Z) = 0).
• Standard deviation (σ) is equal to one
Let’s compare industries using the Normal curves. (SD(Z) = 1).
6.2 The Standard Normal Distribution 6.2 The Standard Normal Distribution
• Standard Normal Table (Z Table). • Standard Normal Table (Z Table).
Gives the cumulative probabilities P(Z < z) for positive
and negative values of z.
Table for positive z values. Table for negative z values.
Since the random variable Z is symmetric about its
mean of 0,
P(Z < 0) = P(Z > 0) = 0.5.
To obtain the P(Z < z), read down the z column first,
then across the top.
6.2 The Standard Normal Distribution 6.2 The Standard Normal Distribution
• Finding the Probability for a Given z Value. • Finding the Probability for a Given z Value.
Transform normally distributed random variables into
Remember that the z table provides cumulative
standard normal random variables and use the z
probabilities P(Z < z) for a given z.
table to compute the relevant probabilities.
The z table provides cumulative probabilities Since z is negative, we can look up this
P(Z < z) for a given z. probability from the left-hand page of the z table.
Portion of right-hand page of z table.
If z = 1.52, then look up Portion of left-hand page of Z Table.
If z = -1.96, then look up
6.2 The Standard Normal Distribution 6.2 The Standard Normal Distribution
• Example: Finding Probabilities for a • Example: Alternately, use Excel to look up
Standard Normal Random Variable Z. probabilities for standard normal variables.
Find P(-1.52 < Z < 1.96) = Find P(-1.52 < Z < 1.96) = P(Z < 1.96) − P(Z < -1.52 )
Round NORM.S.INV’s
P(Z < 1.96) − P(Z < -1.52 ) = output to 4 decimal places in
P(Z < 1.96) = 0.9750 your HW BEFORE
doing other
calculations!
P(Z < −1.52 ) = 0.0643 0.9750 − 0.0643 = 0.9107
Note the “1”s are for
cumulative! A “0” would
be nonsensical for a
continuous distribution.
6.2 The Standard Normal Distribution 6.2 The Standard Normal Distribution
• Example: Finding a z value for a given • Example: Alternately, use Excel to find a z
probability. value for a given probability.
For a standard normal variable Z, find the z For a standard normal variable Z, find the z
values that satisfy P(Z < z) = 0.6808. values that satisfy P(Z < z) = 0.6808.
Go to the standard normal table and find 0.6808
in the body of the table.
Find the corresponding
z value from the
Round NORM.S.INV’s output
row/column of z. to 2 decimal places in your
z = 0.47. HW BEFORE doing other
calculations!
6.2 The Standard Normal Distribution 6.2 The Standard Normal Distribution
• Revisiting the Empirical Rule. • Example: The Empirical Rule
An investment strategy has an expected return of
4% and a standard deviation of 6%. Assume that
investment returns are normally distributed.
What is the probability of earning a return greater
than 10%?
• A return of 10% is one standard deviation
above the mean, or 10 = + 1 = 4 + 6.
• Since about 68% of observations fall within
one standard deviation of the mean, 32%
(100% − 68%) are outside the range.
Introductory Case: Demand for Salmon Introductory Case: Demand for Salmon
• Akiko Hamaguchi, manager of a small sushi • Based on this information, Akiko would like to:
restaurant, Little Ginza, in Phoenix, Arizona, has to • Calculate the proportion of days that demand for
estimate the daily amount of salmon needed. salmon at Little Ginza was above her earlier
• Akiko has estimated the daily consumption of purchase of 20 pounds.
salmon to be normally distributed with a mean of
Calculate the proportion of days that demand for
12 pounds and a standard deviation of 3.2 pounds.
• Buying 20 lbs of salmon every day has resulted in salmon at Little Ginza was below 15 pounds.
too much wastage. Determine the amount of salmon that should be
• Therefore, Akiko will buy salmon that meets the bought daily so that it meets demand on 90% of
daily demand of customers on 90% of the days. the days.
End of Chapter 6