Chapter 6: Problem 15
Find the \(z\) value described and sketch the area described. Find \(z\) such that \(6 \%\) of the standard normal curve lies to the left of \(z\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
The z-value is approximately \(-1.555\), with the shaded area to the left of this point representing 6\%.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Standard Normal Curve
A standard normal curve is a special normal distribution where the mean is 0 and the standard deviation is 1. We need to find the value of \(z\) such that the area to the left of \(z\) is 0.06, meaning only 6\% of the data falls below that point.
02
Using the Z-Table or Inverse Normal Function
To find the \(z\)-value corresponding to an area of 0.06, we can use a standard normal distribution table (z-table) or a calculator with an inverse normal function (often denoted as \(\text{invNorm}\)). Search for the area closest to 0.06 or input 0.06 into the inverse normal function.
03
Locate the Z-Value
Upon using the z-table or inverse normal calculation, we find that the closest area to 0.06 corresponds to a \(z\)-value of approximately \(-1.555\). This means 6\% of the data in a standard normal distribution lies to the left of \(z = -1.555\).
04
Sketching the Area on the Curve
To sketch the area, draw a standard normal curve with a mean at 0. Then, mark the \(z\)-value of \(-1.555\) on the horizontal axis, to the left of the mean. Shade the area to the left of \(z = -1.555\) to represent the 6\% of the total area under the curve.
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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 way of standardizing variables so that they can be compared and interpreted more easily. It's essentially a measure of how far away a particular data point is from the mean, in terms of standard deviations. For a standard normal distribution, the Z-score tells us how many standard deviations an element is from the mean, which is typically set at 0.
- A positive Z-score indicates the value is above the mean.
- A negative Z-score shows the value is below the mean.
- Z-scores help in identifying outliers or extreme values in data sets.
Inverse Normal Function Explained
The inverse normal function is a statistical function used to find the Z-score that corresponds to a given cumulative probability in a standard normal distribution. In other words, it's the opposite of finding probabilities for a Z-score, as you start with the probability and find the associated Z-score instead.
This function is available in statistical calculators and software, often labeled as "invNorm." You simply input the probability to find the Z-score.
This function is available in statistical calculators and software, often labeled as "invNorm." You simply input the probability to find the Z-score.
- It helps determine cut-off points in a data set.
- Useful in hypothesis testing and confidence intervals.
- Convenient for interpreting results without extensive manual calculations.
Using Z-Table for Standard Normal Distribution
The Z-table, also known as the standard normal table, is a mathematical table used to find the probability of a statistic falling below a given Z-score in a standard normal distribution. Each entry in the table corresponds to an area under the standard normal curve to the left of a particular Z-score.
Using the Z-table, you can easily find:
Using the Z-table, you can easily find:
- Cumulative probabilities associated with Z-scores.
- The Z-score for a specified cumulative probability.
- Critical values for hypothesis testing.
Visualizing the Normal Distribution Curve
The normal distribution curve is a symmetrical, bell-shaped graph that represents the distribution of many types of data. Most points cluster around the mean, and probabilities taper off symmetrically as they move away from the center.
- The peak of the curve represents the mean, median, and mode of the distribution.
- The spread is determined by the standard deviation, which indicates dispersion around the mean.
- Understanding this curve helps in grasping the concept of variability within datasets.