-aux04 Species of insect is normally distributed

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the lifespan of a species of insect that is normally distributed, with a focus on calculating probabilities and interpreting results related to this distribution. Participants explore questions regarding standardization, probability calculations, and graphical representations of the normal distribution.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states the mean lifespan is 57 hours and the standard deviation is 4.4 hours, and attempts to standardize values for probability calculations.
  • Another participant provides rational number representations for standardized values, suggesting $a=-\frac{5}{11}$ and $b=\frac{15}{22}$.
  • Probabilities for lifespan exceeding 55 hours and between 55 and 60 hours are calculated, with one participant estimating approximately 67% for the former and around 43% for the latter.
  • A later post introduces a new question regarding the time $t$ at which 90% of the insects die, questioning how this relates to the previously calculated probabilities.
  • There is uncertainty expressed about the interpretation of the 90% figure and its relation to the previously discussed probabilities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the calculations performed regarding the probabilities, but there is uncertainty about the interpretation of the 90% mortality rate and how it fits into the existing calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the implications of the 90% mortality question, and there are dependencies on the definitions of the probabilities discussed.

karush
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just seeing how I did on this one:confused:

The lifespan of a particular species of insect is normally distributed with a mean of $57$ hours and a standard deviation of $4.4$ hours.

this is the normal distribution with $\mu = 57$ and $\sigma = 4.4$

View attachment 1026
tried to standardize this by $\frac{55-75}{4.4}=-0.45$ and $\frac{60-57}{4.4}=0.68$

with $\mu = 0$ and $\sigma = 1$ and $P(-0.45 < x < 0.68)$
which hopefully looks like the given graph on the right belowhttps://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/1027View attachment 1028

(a) What are the values of $a$ and $b$
from the standard $\frac{x-\mu}{\sigma} a=-0.45$ and $b=0.68$

(b) Find the probability that the lifespan of an insect of this species is more than $55$ hours

$P(55 < X)$ from $z$ score $0.45$ then $0.1736 + .5 = .6736$ or $\approx 67\%$

View attachment 1029

(b) Find the probability that the lifespan of an insect of this species is between $55$ and $60$ hours

$0.2517+0.1736=0.4253$ or $\approx 43\%$
 
Last edited:
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Re: species of insect is normally distributed

Using rational numbers instead of decimal approximations:

a) $$a=-\frac{5}{11},\,b=\frac{15}{22}$$

Using numeric integration for comparison:

b) $$P(55<X)\approx0.675282$$

c) $$P(55<X<60)\approx0.427605$$

I would say you did them correctly.
 
Re: species of insect is normally distributed

well that is encouraging. there still is one more question on this but I will post it tomorrow. :)
 
90% of the insects die after t hours.

(i) Represent this information on a standard normal curve diagram indicating clearly the area representing $90\%$.

(ii) Find the value of $t$.does this mean $P(X < t)$, also should $60 < t$ I don't see where this $90\%$ is supposed to be since P(55 < X < 60) was [FONT=MathJax_Main]0.427605
 

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