Chapter 22: Problem 28
Solve the given problems. With \(5.8 \%\) of the area under the normal curve between \(z_{1}\) and \(z_{2}\) to the left of \(z_{2}=2.0,\) find \(z_{1}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
\(z_1\) is approximately 1.39.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Problem
We need to find the value of \(z_{1}\) such that the cumulative area between \(z_{1}\) and \(z_{2}\) is equal to \(5.8\%\), with \(z_{2}\) given as \(2.0\).
02
Understanding the Normal Distribution
The total area under the normal distribution curve is 1.0. We're given the area between \(z_{1}\) and \(z_{2}\) as \(5.8\%\) or \(0.058\) in decimal form, and \(z_{2}\) has a cumulative probability of approximately \(0.9772\).
03
Calculate Cumulative Probability for \(z_1\)
To find \(z_{1}\), we subtract \(0.058\) (area between \(z_{1}\) and \(z_{2}\)) from the cumulative probability of \(z_{2}=2.0\), which is \(0.9772\). This gives us \(0.9772 - 0.058 = 0.9192\).
04
Find \(z_1\) Using a Z-table or Calculator
Using a Z-table or a calculator with statistical functions, we find the \(z\)-score that corresponds to a cumulative probability of \(0.9192\). This results in \(z_{1} \approx 1.39\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Z-score
The z-score is a numerical measurement that describes a value's relation to the mean of a group of values. It's expressed in terms of standard deviations from the mean. In a normal distribution, z-scores allow us to calculate the probability of a value occurring within a certain distribution and compare different data points from different normal distributions.
To find a z-score, use the formula:
\[ z = \frac{(X - \mu)}{\sigma} \]
where \(X\) is the value, \(\mu\) is the mean, and \(\sigma\) is the standard deviation. In the context of the problem, the z-scores help us identify where the specified probability area lies on the normal distribution curve.
- A positive z-score indicates the value is above the mean.
- A negative z-score indicates the value is below the mean.
- A z-score of zero indicates the value is exactly at the mean.
To find a z-score, use the formula:
\[ z = \frac{(X - \mu)}{\sigma} \]
where \(X\) is the value, \(\mu\) is the mean, and \(\sigma\) is the standard deviation. In the context of the problem, the z-scores help us identify where the specified probability area lies on the normal distribution curve.
Exploring Cumulative Probability
Cumulative probability refers to the probability that a random variable takes on a value less than or equal to a specified value. In the context of a normal distribution, it is the total area under the curve to the left of a given z-score. Understanding this concept is crucial when working with probabilities and normal distributions.
In this exercise, the cumulative probability of \(z_2 = 2.0\) is 0.9772, meaning 97.72% of the data is below this z-score. To find \(z_1\), we subtract the area between \(z_1\) and \(z_2\) (5.8% or 0.058) from 0.9772 to get 0.9192, which represents the cumulative probability of \(z_1\).
- Cumulative probability accumulates as you move from left to right along the x-axis of a normal distribution graph.
- At every point along the curve, the cumulative probability gives the total percentage of values falling below that point.
- When the cumulative probability is close to 1, the value is likely to occur in the upper tail of the distribution.
In this exercise, the cumulative probability of \(z_2 = 2.0\) is 0.9772, meaning 97.72% of the data is below this z-score. To find \(z_1\), we subtract the area between \(z_1\) and \(z_2\) (5.8% or 0.058) from 0.9772 to get 0.9192, which represents the cumulative probability of \(z_1\).
Discovering Area Under the Curve
The area under the curve (AUC) in a normal distribution represents the probability or the likelihood of a random variable falling within a particular range. Each point along the x-axis corresponds to a potential outcome, while the area beneath the curve between two points corresponds to the probability of outcomes falling within that range.
In our problem, the AUC between \(z_1\) and \(z_2\) is given as 0.058. It represents a 5.8% likelihood that a randomly picked value falls within this interval. Knowing the AUC assists in finding the endpoints (\(z_1\) and \(z_2\)) for this probability region.
- The total AUC for a standard normal distribution is always 1, representing 100% probability.
- The distribution is symmetrical around the mean, which is the highest point on the curve.
- By calculating areas under specific segments, we can determine probabilities for events occurring within those segments.
In our problem, the AUC between \(z_1\) and \(z_2\) is given as 0.058. It represents a 5.8% likelihood that a randomly picked value falls within this interval. Knowing the AUC assists in finding the endpoints (\(z_1\) and \(z_2\)) for this probability region.
Navigating the Z-table
A Z-table, also known as a standard normal table, is a mathematical table that shows the percentage of values (cumulative probabilities) to the left of a given z-score in a standard normal distribution. This tool is essential for finding probabilities and percentiles in statistics.
In this exercise, a Z-table was used to determine \(z_1\) by finding the z-score corresponding to the cumulative probability of 0.9192. This process allows precise calculation and interpretation of probabilities in the normal distribution.
- Z-tables typically list z-scores in the left column and along the top row, with cumulative probabilities filling the body of the table.
- Using the Z-table involves locating a specific z-score in the table to find its corresponding cumulative probability.
- Conversely, you can search for a probability in the Z-table to find its associated z-score, as done in the exercise to find \(z_1\).
In this exercise, a Z-table was used to determine \(z_1\) by finding the z-score corresponding to the cumulative probability of 0.9192. This process allows precise calculation and interpretation of probabilities in the normal distribution.