In a normal distribution 31 per cent of the items are under 45 and 8 p...
Understanding the ProblemIn a normal distribution, we know that the mean (μ) and standard deviation (σ) can be determined using the provided percentiles. We have:
- 31% of items are under 45
- 8% of items are over 64
Step 1: Identify Z-scoresUsing standard normal distribution tables:
- For 31% below 45, the Z-score is approximately -0.50.
- For 92% (100% - 8%) below 64, the Z-score is approximately 1.41.
Step 2: Set Up EquationsUsing the Z-score formula:
- Z = (X - μ) / σ
We can set up two equations based on the Z-scores:
- For 45: -0.50 = (45 - μ) / σ
- For 64: 1.41 = (64 - μ) / σ
Step 3: Solve the EquationsFrom the first equation, we can express μ in terms of σ:
Substituting this into the second equation:
- 1.41 = (64 - (45 + 0.50σ)) / σ
This simplifies to:
- 1.41σ = 19 - 0.50σ
- 1.91σ = 19
- σ ≈ 9.95
Step 4: Calculate Mean (μ)Now plug σ back into the equation for μ:
- μ = 45 + 0.50 * 9.95 ≈ 49.48
Final Results- Mean (μ) ≈ 49.48
- Standard Deviation (σ) ≈ 9.95
These calculations give the mean and standard deviation of the normal distribution based on the provided percentiles.