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Algebra 2 · Mathematics
Probability · The normal or Gaussian distribution

The Standard Normal Distribution N(0, 1)

Before you start, make sure you know: Linear equations (Math 8 (Pre-Algebra))

Mateo's score in an online racing game is exactly 1 standard deviation above the average. Is that good? What fraction of all players did he beat? Scores like this follow a bell-shaped curve, and once you can read one special bell curve, the standard normal curve, you can answer questions like this for almost any data.

The standard normal curve

In a continuous distribution, the probability of an interval is the area under the curve over that interval, and the total area is $1$. The most important continuous distribution is the normal distribution. Its standard version is the one every table and calculator is built around.

The standard normal bell curve centered at 0 with the area between z = -1 and z = 1 shaded, about 68 percent of the total area. -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 about 68% Total area = 1 About 68% of the area is between z = -1 and z = 1
Interval Approximate area
$-1 < Z < 1$ $68\%$
$-2 < Z < 2$ $95\%$
$-3 < Z < 3$ $99.7\%$
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Observe the following representation of the standard normal distribution. If we know that the area of the shaded region to the right of $z = 1,96$ is $0,025$, reason…

Observe the following representation of the standard normal distribution. If we know that the area of the shaded region to the right of $z = 1,96$ is $0,025$, reason what the cumulative probability up to that point will be, $P(Z \leq 1,96)$.

0 1,96 0,025 P(Z ≤ 1.96) = ?
Solve

Reading the z-table

A standard z-table lists $\Phi(z) = P(Z \le z)$: the area to the left of $z$. You find the row with $z$ to the tenths place and the column with the hundredths digit. Here is a small piece of a full table (use the complete table for your problems).

$z$ .00 .01 .02 .03 .04 .05 .06 .07 .08 .09
0.6 .7257 .7291 .7324 .7357 .7389 .7422 .7454 .7486 .7517 .7549
1.3 .9032 .9049 .9066 .9082 .9099 .9115 .9131 .9147 .9162 .9177
1.7 .9554 .9564 .9573 .9582 .9591 .9599 .9608 .9616 .9625 .9633
The standard normal curve with the area to the left of z = 1 shaded blue (the table value) and the right tail shaded orange (one minus the table value). 0 z Blue: area to the left = table value Orange: right tail = 1 - table value
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In a reflex training app, users' results have been standardized following a standard normal distribution $Z \sim N(0, 1)$. If a player obtains a standardized score of…

In a reflex training app, users' results have been standardized following a standard normal distribution $Z \sim N(0, 1)$. If a player obtains a standardized score of $z = 1,45$, calculate the probability that a randomly chosen user has a lower score than theirs; that is, calculate $P(Z < 1,45)$.

−3 −2 −1 1 2 3 0 1,45 Z P(Z < 1.45)
Solve
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The time it takes students to complete a logic challenge on TikTok follows a standard normal distribution once the data has been standardized. Calculate the probability…

The time it takes students to complete a logic challenge on TikTok follows a standard normal distribution once the data has been standardized. Calculate the probability that a student takes more time than the mean corresponding to a value of $Z = 0,82$. That is, find $P(Z > 0,82)$.

Solve
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Given a random variable $Z$ that follows a standard normal distribution $N(0,1)$, use the probability table to calculate the following areas under the curve: a)…

Given a random variable $Z$ that follows a standard normal distribution $N(0,1)$, use the probability table to calculate the following areas under the curve:

  1. a) $P(Z \leq 1,48)$
  2. b) $P(Z < 0,35)$
  3. c) $P(Z \geq 2,12)$
  4. d) $P(Z > 1,96)$

Graphically represent the area corresponding to part c) on a bell curve.

Z −3 −2 −1 1 3 0 2,12 P(Z ≥ 2.12)
Solve

Negative z-values and symmetry

Many tables list only $z \ge 0$. You do not need more: the bell curve is a mirror image, so the area to the left of $-z$ equals the area to the right of $z$.

The standard normal curve with the left tail below -z shaded blue and the right tail above z shaded orange; the two tails have equal area. -z 0 z P(Z < -z) = P(Z > z) = 1 - Φ(z)
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A study has been carried out on the monthly savings of young people in a city. After standardizing the variable, it is observed that it follows a $N(0, 1)$ distribution.…

A study has been carried out on the monthly savings of young people in a city. After standardizing the variable, it is observed that it follows a $N(0, 1)$ distribution. Using the symmetry properties of the normal distribution, calculate the probability that a young person has a savings level lower than a standardized value of $z = -1,26$.

Z Symmetry 0 −1,26 1,26 P(Z < −1.26) P(Z > 1.26) P(Z < −1.26) = P(Z > 1.26)
Solve
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In an entrance exam for a vocational training program, the scores fit a standard normal distribution. Knowing that the curve is symmetrical with respect to the y-axis,…

In an entrance exam for a vocational training program, the scores fit a standard normal distribution. Knowing that the curve is symmetrical with respect to the y-axis, determine the probability that a candidate obtains a standardized score greater than $-0,54$.

Solve
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Making use of the symmetry properties of the standard normal distribution $N(0,1)$, determine the following probabilities for negative values of the variable: a)…

Making use of the symmetry properties of the standard normal distribution $N(0,1)$, determine the following probabilities for negative values of the variable:

  1. a) $P(Z \leq -0,74)$
  2. b) $P(Z < -1,25)$
  3. c) $P(Z \geq -0,58)$
  4. d) $P(Z > -2,03)$
Solve

Area between two z-values

To find the area between $a$ and $b$, take everything to the left of $b$ and remove everything to the left of $a$.

The standard normal curve with the area between z = a and z = b shaded, equal to the area left of b minus the area left of a. 0 a b Area between = Φ(b) - Φ(a)
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Calculate the probability that a random variable $Z \sim N(0, 1)$ takes values within the interval $[0,45, \, 1,88]$. Remember that to calculate the area between two…

Calculate the probability that a random variable $Z \sim N(0, 1)$ takes values within the interval $[0,45, \, 1,88]$. Remember that to calculate the area between two positive values $a$ and $b$, you must subtract their cumulative probabilities: $P(a < Z < b) = P(Z < b) - P(Z < a)$.

Z μ=0 0 0,45 1,88 Area
Solve
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In the quality control of some electronic components, it is accepted that the measurement error follows a $N(0, 1)$ distribution. Find the probability that the…

In the quality control of some electronic components, it is accepted that the measurement error follows a $N(0, 1)$ distribution. Find the probability that the standardized error lies in the symmetrical interval $[-1,5, \, 1,5]$.

Solve
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Calculate the probability that the random variable $Z \sim N(0,1)$ takes values within the following intervals: a) $P(0,45 \leq Z \leq 1,82)$ b) $P(-1,05 < Z < 2,15)$ c)…

Calculate the probability that the random variable $Z \sim N(0,1)$ takes values within the following intervals:

  1. a) $P(0,45 \leq Z \leq 1,82)$
  2. b) $P(-1,05 < Z < 2,15)$
  3. c) $P(-2,30 \leq Z \leq -0,90)$

Explain by means of a drawing why in case c) the result must be equal to the probability of the corresponding positive interval.

Solve

Symmetric intervals, two tails, and independence

Intervals of the form $-k < Z < k$ appear constantly. Symmetry gives a shortcut, and it explains why.

The standard normal curve with the central area between -k and k shaded blue and the two equal tails shaded orange. -k 0 k 2Φ(k) - 1 1 - Φ(k) 1 - Φ(k) Middle area and two equal tails

When two events $A$ and $B$ are independent, $P(A \text{ and } B) = P(A)\cdot P(B)$. This lets you combine normal probabilities for different people.

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Calculate in a reasoned way, using the properties of the standard normal distribution $Z \sim N(0, 1)$, the value of the following probabilities without directly using…

Calculate in a reasoned way, using the properties of the standard normal distribution $Z \sim N(0, 1)$, the value of the following probabilities without directly using the table for negative values (only use the table for positive values):

  1. a) $P(|Z| \ge 1,25)$
  2. b) $P(-0,5 \le Z \le 0,5)$
  3. c) $P(Z \le -1,96 \cup Z \ge 1,96)$
Solve
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Prove algebraically that for any variable $Z \sim N(0, 1)$ and any real value $k > 0$, it holds that $P(-k \le Z \le k) = 2 \cdot \Phi(k) - 1$. Subsequently, use this…

Prove algebraically that for any variable $Z \sim N(0, 1)$ and any real value $k > 0$, it holds that $P(-k \le Z \le k) = 2 \cdot \Phi(k) - 1$.

Subsequently, use this formula to find the probability that $Z$ is at a distance from the mean greater than $1,645$ standard deviations.

Solve
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A study has been carried out on the reaction time of teenagers to a visual stimulus. After standardizing the data to a $N(0, 1)$, it is observed that $15,87\%$ of the…

A study has been carried out on the reaction time of teenagers to a visual stimulus. After standardizing the data to a $N(0, 1)$, it is observed that $15,87\%$ of the subjects have a very slow reaction time (high values of $Z$).

If we choose two teenagers at random, what is the probability that both have a value of $Z$ between $-1$ and $1$? Assume that the reactions of both are independent.

Solve

Working backward: from probability to z

Sometimes you know the probability and need the z-value. Now you search inside the table for the area, then read the row and column to build $z$.

The standard normal curve with the area p to the left of an unknown value k shaded; the task is to find k. area = p 0 k = ? Know the area, find the z-value
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Given a standard normal distribution $Z \sim N(0, 1)$, use the table in reverse to find the value of the constant $k$ such that the probability of obtaining a value less…

Given a standard normal distribution $Z \sim N(0, 1)$, use the table in reverse to find the value of the constant $k$ such that the probability of obtaining a value less than it is exactly $0,9750$. That is, look for $k$ in: $P(Z < k) = 0,9750$.

Solve
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In the standard normal distribution $N(0,1)$, it is common to have to take the "reverse path": knowing the probability and looking for the value of the abscissa. Find…

In the standard normal distribution $N(0,1)$, it is common to have to take the "reverse path": knowing the probability and looking for the value of the abscissa. Find the value of the constant $k$ in each of the following cases:

  1. a) $P(Z \leq k) = 0,8749$
  2. b) $P(Z < k) = 0,9913$
  3. c) $P(Z \leq k) = 0,0516$
  4. d) $P(Z < k) = 0,3336$
Solve
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Find the value of the abscissa $k$ in a distribution $N(0,1)$ knowing that: a) The area to the right of $k$ is $0,1515$. b) The area to the right of $k$ is $0,9418$. c)…

Find the value of the abscissa $k$ in a distribution $N(0,1)$ knowing that:

  1. a) The area to the right of $k$ is $0,1515$.
  2. b) The area to the right of $k$ is $0,9418$.
  3. c) $P(Z > k) = 0,0228$
0 k N(0,1) Area = 0.1515
Solve

Percentiles and z-scores

A percentile tells you the percentage of the data that falls below a value. For $Z \sim N(0, 1)$, the $p$th percentile is the value $z_p$ with $P(Z < z_p) = \dfrac{p}{100}$. So $\Phi(z)$ is the percent of the population below $z$, and going backward gives you the $z$ for a given percentile.

The standard normal curve with the area left of z = 0.62 shaded, showing about 73 percent of values below that score. -2 -1 0 0.62 2 z = 0.62: about 73% of values are below
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Two students from different high schools want to compare their results on an English exam. As it is not the same exam, they use the standardized score $Z$ (which follows…

Two students from different high schools want to compare their results on an English exam. As it is not the same exam, they use the standardized score $Z$ (which follows a $N(0,1)$) to know who is in a better position with respect to their group.

  • Student A has a standardized score of $z_A = 1,2$.

  • Student B has a standardized score of $z_B = 0,8$.

Calculate the percentage of students below each of them in their respective school and interpret who has achieved a more outstanding result.

Solve
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In the world of esports, the skill of players of a famous video game is measured with a standardized score that follows a $N(0, 1)$. The developer company has decided to…

In the world of esports, the skill of players of a famous video game is measured with a standardized score that follows a $N(0, 1)$. The developer company has decided to award an exclusive skin only to players who exceed the 99th percentile. On the other hand, players who are below the value $-2,33$ enter a "basic training" program.

What is the probability that a randomly chosen player does not receive the skin but also does not have to enter the training program?

μ = 0 z = −2.33 z = 2.33 (P₉₉) N(0, 1) Required probability Training Exclusive skin
Solve

Critical values: the middle area

A common question is: what symmetric interval $-k$ to $k$ captures a given probability $C$? The leftover probability $1 - C$ is split evenly between the two tails, which is why this value is often written $z_{\alpha/2}$ with $\alpha = 1 - C$. These values are called critical values and appear in confidence intervals.

The standard normal curve with the middle 80 percent shaded blue between -k and k and each 10 percent tail shaded orange. -k 0 k 0.80 0.10 0.10 Middle 80%, tails of 10% each
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In advanced statistical studies, symmetrical intervals with respect to the origin that enclose a given probability are often sought. Find the positive value of $k$ such…

In advanced statistical studies, symmetrical intervals with respect to the origin that enclose a given probability are often sought. Find the positive value of $k$ such that:

  1. a) $P(-k \leq Z \leq k) = 0,90$
  2. b) $P(-k < Z < k) = 0,95$
  3. c) $P(-k \leq Z \leq k) = 0,99$

Note: These values of $k$ are known as critical values and are fundamental for calculating confidence intervals.

Solve
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A streaming platform classifies its users according to their "loyalty index", which follows a distribution $N(0, 1)$. The system considers "VIP Users" to be those who…

A streaming platform classifies its users according to their "loyalty index", which follows a distribution $N(0, 1)$. The system considers "VIP Users" to be those who are in the central interval that concentrates $68,26\%$ of the population. However, for an aggressive marketing campaign, they want to redefine this group.

Find the symmetrical values $-z_{\alpha/2}$ and $z_{\alpha/2}$ that enclose a probability of $0,98$. Explain what percentage of users would be left out of this new group at each end.

Solve
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Find a positive value $m$ such that the area enclosed under the standard normal curve $N(0, 1)$ between $-m$ and $m$ is three times the total area of the two outer tails…

Find a positive value $m$ such that the area enclosed under the standard normal curve $N(0, 1)$ between $-m$ and $m$ is three times the total area of the two outer tails (the sum of the areas to the left of $-m$ and to the right of $m$).

A/2 3A A/2 -m 0 m N(0,1)
Solve

Setting up equations with $\Phi$

Harder problems describe a relationship between two areas. The trick is to let $p = \Phi(k)$ be the unknown. Then every area can be written with $p$ and the complement rule, and you solve a linear equation. Finally you go backward in the table to find $k$.

The standard normal curve split at a positive value k into a blue left area of 0.75 and an orange right tail of 0.25. p = 0.75 1 - p = 0.25 0 k Left area p, right tail 1 - p
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Given a variable $Z \sim N(0,1)$, calculate the value of $a$ knowing that the probability of the variable being greater than $a$ is seven times greater than the…

Given a variable $Z \sim N(0,1)$, calculate the value of $a$ knowing that the probability of the variable being greater than $a$ is seven times greater than the probability of it being less than $a$, where $a$ is a negative value.

Use the relationship $P(Z < a) + P(Z > a) = 1$ and the standard normal tables to help you.

Z 0 Z ~ N(0,1) a P(Z < a) = p P(Z > a) = 7p P(Z<a) + P(Z>a) = 1 p + 7p = 1 p = 1/8 = 0.125
Solve
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In a standard normal distribution $N(0, 1)$, it is known that there is a positive value $k$ such that the probability that the variable $Z$ is greater than $k$ is…

In a standard normal distribution $N(0, 1)$, it is known that there is a positive value $k$ such that the probability that the variable $Z$ is greater than $k$ is exactly a quarter of the probability that $Z$ is less than $k$. Using the symmetry properties of the bell curve and the distribution tables, calculate the value of this parameter $k$ to two decimal places.

STANDARD NORMAL DISTRIBUTION Z ~ N(0, 1) P(Z > k) = ¼ P(Z < k) Fundamental property: Total area under the curve = 1 Look up in Table N(0,1) Z 0.03 0.04 ... ? Z 0 Z = k (?) Z = -k Area 1 P(Z < k) Area 2 P(Z > k) Symmetry: P(Z < -k) = P(Z > k)
Solve
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Given a random variable $Z \sim N(0, 1)$, calculate the value of the abscissa $a$ knowing that the following probability relationship holds:…

Given a random variable $Z \sim N(0, 1)$, calculate the value of the abscissa $a$ knowing that the following probability relationship holds:

$P(Z < a) = 3 \cdot P(a < Z < 1,5)$

Note: You will need to set up an equation using the distribution function $\Phi(z)$ and solve by looking it up in the table.

Solve

Summary

Back to the start: Mateo's score is $z = 1$, and $\Phi(1) = 0.8413$. He beat about $84\%$ of all players.

See all the exercises in this section