Is the Normal Distribution a Good Approximation for Binomial Probabilities?

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The discussion centers on the approximation of binomial probabilities using the normal distribution. The standard deviation was calculated as SD = sqrt((0.15)(0.85)/75) = 0.0412, but confusion arose regarding the application of normal distribution for probability calculations. It was suggested that the mean should be 0.15 and the standard deviation adjusted to 0.0462 for inverse norm problems. A rule of thumb indicates that the normal distribution approximates the binomial distribution well when both np and n(1-p) are greater than 5. In this case, with np=15 and n(1-p)=60, the normal approximation can be applied effectively.
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Homework Statement
According to a survey, only 20% of customers who visited the website on a major retail store made a purchase. Random samples of 75 are selected. 90% of the samples will have less than what percentage of customers who will make a purchase after visiting the website? (Round 2 decimal places)
Relevant Equations
SD = sqrt (p(1-p)/n)
1. I first started by finding the Standard Deviation and got it to be SD = sqrt((.15)(.85)/75) = .0412

2. I then thought it was was a probability they wanted me to find and deal with a normal distribution.
I found the normalcdf (-1000000000,.9,.15..0412) and I got 1. I assumed that was wrong and then stopped.
 
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Now that I think about it more, I think this is an inverse norm problem. I think I need to say the mean is .15 the SD = .0462 and then the invNorm of it being less than 90% would be 25.92%
 
The standard deviation of a general PDF is not a good way to determine probabilities. A "rule of thumb" is that the normal distribution is a good approximation of a binomial if both pn and qn=(1-p)n are greater than 5 (there is more to it than that which you might want to check). In your case, pn=.2*75=15 and (1-p)*75=60. Approximate it with ##N##(np, np(1-p)). I can't figure out what you used.
 
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