Chapter 12: Problem 11
In Exercises 9-16, find the percentage of data items in a normal distribution that lie between \(z=1\) and \(z=3\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
The percentage of data items in a normal distribution that lies between \(z = 1\) and \(z = 3\) is 15.74%.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Z-Scores
The z-scores \(z = 1\) and \(z = 3\) represent standard deviations from the mean in a normal distribution. A z-score of 1 implies a value that is one standard deviation above the mean, while a z-score of 3 represents a value three standard deviations above the mean.
02
Use of the Z-Table
The next step is to use a standard normal distribution table, often referred to as the Z-table. This table shows the area to the left of any given z-score. When a z-score is known, this table can be used to find the proportion of the data set that is to the left of that z-score.
03
Calculation of the percentages
From the standard normal distribution table, look for the z value of 1 and find the corresponding probability. This probability is 0.8413. Now, look for the z value of 3 which has the corresponding probability of 0.9987. To find our required percentage, subtract the probability at \(z = 1\) from the probability at \(z = 3\). \(0.9987 - 0.8413 = 0.1574\). Interpreting this value as a percentage gives 15.74%. So, the percentage of the data items falling between z-scores 1 and 3 is 15.74 percent.
04
Interpret the Result
The result of this computation is interpreted as the percentage of all data in the normal distribution that falls between 1 standard deviation and 3 standard deviations above the mean, which is 15.74 percent.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Z-Scores
A z-score tells us how many standard deviations away a particular value is from the mean in a normal distribution. This measure helps us determine the position of a specific data point within the distribution. If the z-score is positive, it indicates that the data point is above the mean. Conversely, a negative z-score signifies that it is below the mean.
For example:
For example:
- A z-score of 1 means the data point is one standard deviation above the mean.
- A z-score of 3 signifies the data point is three standard deviations above the mean.
The Role of Standard Deviations
Standard deviation is a statistical metric that reflects the amount of variation or dispersion in a set of data values. In a normal distribution, the mean represents the central value, while the standard deviation measures the extent of deviation from this mean.
Here's what you need to know:
Here's what you need to know:
- A smaller standard deviation indicates that the data points are close to the mean.
- A larger standard deviation shows that the data points are spread out over a wider range of values.
Using the Z-Table for Calculations
The Z-table, or standard normal distribution table, is a tool used to find the area under the curve to the left of a specific z-score in a standard normal distribution. This area represents the probability or proportion of data points that lie below that z-score.
Here's how you can use the Z-table:
Here's how you can use the Z-table:
- To find the probability for a particular z-score, locate the z-score on the table.
- Read the corresponding probability, which tells you how much of the data lies to the left of that z-score.
Probability in Statistics
Probability in statistics refers to the likelihood or chance of a particular outcome occurring within a defined set of parameters. It's a foundational concept in understanding how data behaves in various distributions, such as the normal distribution.
Key points about probability include:
Key points about probability include:
- It ranges from 0 to 1, where 0 indicates impossibility and 1 indicates certainty.
- In a normal distribution, probabilities help us determine the percentage of data within certain intervals.