Solving Normal Curve Questions using z-scores

  • Thread starter Thread starter Aftermarth
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Curve Normal
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving normal curve questions using z-scores, specifically when the mean (\(\mu\)) and standard deviation (\(\sigma\)) are unknown. Given that 20% of people scored less than 45 and 15% scored greater than 87, the z-scores were calculated using the inverse normal function. The resulting simultaneous equations were solved to determine that the mean is 63.8 and the standard deviation is 22.4, confirming the calculations as correct.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of normal distribution and z-scores
  • Familiarity with inverse normal functions
  • Ability to solve simultaneous equations
  • Basic knowledge of statistical concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of normal distribution in-depth
  • Learn how to use statistical software for calculating z-scores
  • Explore advanced techniques for solving simultaneous equations
  • Research applications of z-scores in real-world data analysis
USEFUL FOR

Students, statisticians, and data analysts who are working with normal distributions and need to understand the application of z-scores in statistical problems.

Aftermarth
Messages
74
Reaction score
0
ok. mean ([tex]\mu\[/tex]) and standard deviation ([tex]\sigma\[/tex]) are unknown.
20% of people scored less than 45
and the top 15% scored greater than 87

thus:
P(x [tex]\leq\[/tex] 45) = .2
P(x > 87) = 0.15, which needs to be converted to P(x [tex]\leq\[/tex] 87 ) = 0.85

now using z scores ( z - [tex]\mu\[/tex]) / [tex]\sigma\[/tex]
for part one:
(45 - [tex]\mu\[/tex]) / [tex]\sigma\[/tex] = inverse normal (0.2)
= -0.8416...
rearranging to make 45 the subject:
-0.8416[tex]\sigma\[/tex] + [tex]\mu\[/tex] = 45

and for part 2:
(87 - [tex]\mu\[/tex]) / [tex]\sigma\[/tex] = inverse normal (0.85)
= 1.03643...
rearranging to make 87 the subject:
1.03643[tex]\sigma\[/tex] + [tex]\mu\[/tex] = 87

this leaves to simulataneous equations:
-0.8416[tex]\sigma\[/tex] + [tex]\mu\[/tex] = 45
1.03643[tex]\sigma\[/tex] + [tex]\mu\[/tex] = 87

which can be solved to give:
[tex]\mu\[/tex] = 63.8
[tex]\sigma\[/tex] = 22.4

am i correct?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K