Stats: finding probability in normal distribution

AI Thread Summary
To find Z0 such that P(z > z0) = 0.1234, the correct approach involves understanding that Z represents the standard normal random variable, not the mean. The closest value in the Z-table for P(Z < z0) is 0.8766, which corresponds to Z0 approximately equal to 1.155. The initial confusion arose from interpreting the probability range incorrectly, leading to a miscalculation of Z0. The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly identifying the cumulative probability when using Z-tables. Accurate interpretation of the standard normal distribution is crucial for solving probability problems effectively.
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Homework Statement



Find Z0 such that P(z > z0) = 0.1234

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



Z is the mean which is 0. So if Z0 is less than the mean it should be a negative number. Looking at the table 0.1234 does not show up but the closest is 0.1217 which is 0.31.
So Z0 is -0.31?
 
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It depends on if you're saying from -\infty \leq z \leq z0 or 0 \leq z \leq z0. The value you found is for the latter (+0.31). It sounds like intuitively you are thinking of the former case, but used the table for the latter case.

Here if you needed another table-- http://www.math.unb.ca/~knight/utility/NormTble.htm
 
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Z is not the mean, it is the standard normal random variable. You want to find P(Z > z0). So you want to find P(Z<z0) such that it equals to 1-P(Z>z0). 1-0.1234=0.8766, which corresponds to about z0=1.155 from the table David posted
 
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