Chapter 12: Problem 15
Assume that a quantitative character is normally distributed with mean \(\mu\) and standard deviation \(\sigma .\) Determine what fraction of the population falls into the given interval. $$ [\mu, \infty) $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
50% of the population falls into the interval \([\mu, \infty)\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Problem
We are asked to find the fraction of a population with a quantitative character that falls within the interval \([abla, \infty)\) when this character is normally distributed with mean \(\mu\) and standard deviation \(\sigma\).
02
Identify Relevant Information
Given a normal distribution with mean \(\mu\) and standard deviation \(\sigma\), the interval \([\mu, \infty)\) covers all values greater than or equal to the mean.
03
Apply Normal Distribution Properties
A standard normal distribution can be used to calculate the probability of a value being above the mean. The properties of a symmetric normal distribution around its mean tell us that exactly half of the values lie above the mean \(\mu\). Thus, the cumulative distribution function (CDF) \(P(X<\mu)\) is 0.5 for a normal distribution.
04
Calculate the Probability of the Interval
The probability of a value being greater than or equal to \(\mu\) is the complement of it being less than \(\mu\). Therefore, use the symmetry property to determine this: \[ P(X \geq \mu) = 1 - P(X < \mu) = 1 - 0.5 = 0.5 \].
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Quantitative Character
A quantitative character refers to a measurable trait that can vary in degree or amount, such as height, weight, or temperature. These characters typically follow a continuous distribution, meaning their possible values spread over a range instead of just being distinct categories.
This makes them ideal candidates for analysis using the normal distribution, especially when influenced by many small, random factors.
The normal distribution provides a convenient model for these traits since it captures the variability and central tendency seen in large populations. Some characteristics of quantitative traits include:
This makes them ideal candidates for analysis using the normal distribution, especially when influenced by many small, random factors.
The normal distribution provides a convenient model for these traits since it captures the variability and central tendency seen in large populations. Some characteristics of quantitative traits include:
- They have expressiveness that can be numerically measured.
- Variability is often influenced by multiple genetic and environmental factors.
- They usually follow a bell-shaped distribution pattern in a population.
Mean
The mean, often referred to as the average, is a fundamental concept in statistics and is particularly important when discussing normal distributions. It is the sum of all values divided by the count of values.
This central value represents a typical example or the expected value of a dataset.
In the context of a normal distribution, the mean is the point around which the data is symmetrically distributed. Key aspects of the mean in a normal distribution:
This central value represents a typical example or the expected value of a dataset.
In the context of a normal distribution, the mean is the point around which the data is symmetrically distributed. Key aspects of the mean in a normal distribution:
- The mean acts as the balance point of the distribution.
- In a perfectly symmetrical distribution, the mean is equal to the median and mode.
- It helps to describe the center of the data, providing a quick snapshot of where majority values cluster.
Standard Deviation
Standard deviation is a measure of the amount of variation or dispersion in a set of values. When dealing with normally distributed data, standard deviation is crucial in understanding how spread out the data is from the mean.
A small standard deviation implies that data points are close to the mean, whereas a large standard deviation indicates more spread out data points. Considerations of standard deviation:
A small standard deviation implies that data points are close to the mean, whereas a large standard deviation indicates more spread out data points. Considerations of standard deviation:
- It's calculated as the square root of the variance, which is the average of the squared differences from the mean.
- In a normal distribution, approximately 68% of data falls within one standard deviation of the mean, while about 95% falls within two.
- This measure helps to contextualize how "normal" or "extreme" a given data point is in relation to the rest.
Probability
Probability in the context of a normal distribution describes the likelihood of a random variable falling within a particular range of values.
In the given scenario where the interval \( [\mu, \infty) \) is considered, probability helps quantify how many of those values are above the mean.Essentials of probability in normal distribution:
In the given scenario where the interval \( [\mu, \infty) \) is considered, probability helps quantify how many of those values are above the mean.Essentials of probability in normal distribution:
- It's usually expressed as a value between 0 and 1, with 1 indicating certainty.
- The total area under the normal distribution curve is 1, representing complete certainty.
- Because the distribution is symmetric around the mean, 50% of data values naturally fall above the mean.