2. 2
Random Variables
A numerical variable whose value depends
on the outcome of a chance experiment is
called a random variable. A random
variable associates a numerical value with
each outcome of a chance experiment.
3. 3
A random variable is discrete if its set of
possible values is a collection of isolated
points on the number line.
Discrete and Continuous Random Variables
A random variable is continuous if its
set of possible values includes an entire
interval on the number line.
We will use lowercase letters, such as x
and y, to represent random variables.
Possible values of a
discrete random variable
Possible values of a
continuous random variable
4. 4
Examples
1. Experiment: A fair die is rolled
Random Variable: The number on the up face
Type: Discrete
2. Experiment: A pair of fair dice are rolled
Random Variable: The sum of the up faces
Type: Discrete
Another random variable: The smaller of the
up faces
Type: Discrete
5. 5
Examples
3. Experiment: A coin is tossed until the 1st
head turns up
Random Variable: The number of the toss
that the 1st
head turns up
Type: Discrete
4. Experiment: Choose and inspect a number
of parts
Random Variable: The number of defective
parts
Type: Discrete
6. 6
5. Experiment: Inspect a precision ground
mirror (Hubbell?)
Random Variable: The number of defects
on the surface of the mirror
Type: Discrete
6. Experiment: Measure the resistance of a
'5' ohm resistor
Random Variable: The resistance (in
ohms)
Type: Continuous
Examples
7. 7
7. Experiment: Measure the voltage in a outlet
in your room
Random Variable: The voltage
Type: Continuous
8. Experiment: Observe the amount of time it
takes a bank teller to serve a customer
Random Variable: The time
Type: Continuous
Examples
8. 8
9. Experiment: Measure the time until the
next customer arrives at a customer
service window
Random Variable: The time
Type: Continuous
10. Experiment: Inspect a randomly chosen
circuit board from a production line
Random Variable:
1, if the circuit board is defective
0, if the circuit board is not defective
Type: Discrete
Examples
9. 9
Discrete Probability Distributions
The probability distribution of a discrete
random variable x gives the probability
associated with each possible x value.
Each probability is the limiting relative
frequency of occurrence of the
corresponding x value when the
experiment is repeatedly performed.
10. 10
Example
Suppose that 20% of the apples sent to a sorting
line are Grade A. If 3 of the apples sent to this
plant are chosen randomly, determine the
probability distribution of the number of Grade
A apples in a sample of 3 apples.
A
AC
.8
.2
A
AC
.8
.2
A
AC
.8
.2
A
AC
.8
.2
A
AC
.8
.2
A
AC
.8
.2
A
AC
.8
.2
(.2)(.2)(.2)=.008
(.2)(.2)(.8)=.032
(.2)(.8)(.2)=.032
(.2)(.8)(.8)=.128
(.8)(.2)(.2)=.032
(.8)(.2)(.8)=.128
(.8)(.8)(.2)=.128
(.8)(.8)(.8)=.512
3
X
2
2
1
2
1
1
0
Consider the
tree diagram
11. 11
The Results in Table Form
x p(x)
0 1(.8)
3
1 3(.8)
2
(.2)
1
2 3(.8)
1
(.2)
2
3 1(.2)
3
x p(x)
0 0.512
1 0.384
2 0.096
3 0.008
or
12. 12
Results in Graphical Form
(Probability Histogram)
Probabilty Histogram
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0 1 2 3
# of Grade A Apples
For a probability histogram, the area of a
bar is the probability of obtaining that value
associated with that bar.
13. 13
The probabilities pi must satisfy
1. 0 ≤ pi ≤ 1 for each i
2. p1 + p2 + ... + pk = 1
The probability P(X in A) of any event is
found by summing the pi for the
outcomes xi making up A.
Probability Distributions
14. 14
Example
The number of items a given salesman sells
per customer is a random variable. The
table below is for a specific salesman
(Wilbur) in a clothing store in the mall. The
probability distribution of X is given below:
x 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
p(x) 0.20 0.35 0.15 0.12 0.10 0.05 0.03
Note: 0 ≤ p(x) ≤ 1 for each x
Σp(x) = 1 (the sum is over all values of x)
15. 15
Example - continued
The probability that he sells at least three
items to a randomly selected customer is
P(X ≥ 3) = 0.12 + 0.10 + 0.05 + 0.03 = 0.30
The probability that he sells at most three
items to a randomly selected customer is
P(X ≤ 3) = 0.20 + 0.35 +0.15 + 0.12 = 0.82
The probability that he sells between
(inclusive) 2 and 4 items to a randomly
selected customer is
P(2 ≤ X ≤ 4) = 0.15 + 0.12 + 0.10 = 0.37
x 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
p(x) 0.20 0.35 0.15 0.12 0.10 0.05 0.03
16. 16
Probability Histogram
A probability histogram has its vertical scale
adjusted in a manner that makes the area
associated with each bar equal to the
probability of the event that the random
variable takes on the value describing the bar.
Probability Histogram
0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
0.3
0.35
0.4
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
x
17. 17
Continuous Probability Distributions
If one looks at the distribution of the actual
amount of water (in ounces) in “one gallon”
bottles of spring water they might see
something such as
Amount measured
to nearest ten
thousands of an
ounce.
Amount measured
to nearest
hundredths of an
ounce.
Limiting curve as
the accuracy
increases
18. 18
Probability Distribution for a
Continuous Random Variable
A probability distribution for a continuous
random variable x is specified by a
mathematical function denoted by f(x) which is
called the density function. The graph of a
density function is a smooth curve (the density
curve).
The following requirements must be met:
1. f(x) ≥ 0
2. The total area under the density curve is
equal to 1.
The probability that x falls in any particular
interval is the area under the density curve that
lies above the interval.
19. 19
Some Illustrations
a
P(x < a)
a
P(x < a)
Notice that for a continuous random variable x,
P(x = a) = 0 for any specific value a because the
“area above a point” under the curve is a line
segment and hence has o area.
Specifically this means P(x < a) = P(x ≤ a).
20. 20
ba
a ba b
Some Illustrations
P(a < x < b) P(a < x < b)
Note:
P(a < x < b) = P(a ≤ x < b)
= P(a < x ≤ b)
= P(a ≤ x ≤ b)
P(a < x < b)
22. 22
Example
.25 2 x 6
f(x)
0 otherwise
< <
=
Define a continuous random variable x by
x = the weight of the crumbs in ounces left on
the floor of a restaurant during a one hour
period.
Suppose that x has a probability distribution
with density function
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
.25
The graph looks like
23. 23
Example
Find the probability that during a given 1 hour
period between 3 and 4.5 ounces of crumbs
are left on the restaurant floor.
The probability is represented by the shaded area in
the graph. Since that shaded area is a rectangle,
area = (base)(height)=(1.5)(.25) = .375
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
.25
24. 24
Method of Probability Calculation
The probability that a continuous random
variable x lies between a lower limit a and an
upper limit b is
P(a < x < b) = (cumulative area to the left of b) –
(cumulative area to the left of a)
= P(x < b) – P(x < a)
= -
a b ab
25. 25
Mean & Standard Deviation
The mean value of a random variable x,
denoted by µx, describes where the
probability distribution of x is centered.
The standard deviation of a random
variable x, denoted by σx, describes
variability in the probability distribution.
1. When σx is small, observed values of x
will tend to be close to the mean value
and
2. when σx is large, there will be more
variability in observed values.
28. 28
Mean of a Discrete Random
Variable
The mean value of a discrete random
variable x, denoted by µx, is computed by
first multiplying each possible x value by the
probability of observing that value and then
adding the resulting quantities.
Symbolically,
all possible
values of x
X x p(x)µ = ⋅∑
29. 29
Example
A professor regularly gives multiple choice
quizzes with 5 questions. Over time, he has
found the distribution of the number of wrong
answers on his quizzes is as follows
x P(x)
0 0.25
1 0.35
2 0.20
3 0.15
4 0.04
5 0.01
30. 30
Example
Multiply each x value by its probability and
add the results to get µx.
x P(x) x•P(x)
0 0.25 0.00
1 0.35 0.35
2 0.20 0.40
3 0.15 0.45
4 0.04 0.16
5 0.01 0.05
1.41
µx = 1.41
31. 31
Variance and Standard Deviation
of a Discrete Random Variable
The Variance of a Discrete Random Variable x,
denoted by is computed by fist subtracting the
mean from each possible x value to obtain the
deviations, then squaring each deviation and
multiplying the result by the probability of the
corresponding x value, and then finally adding
these quantities. Symbolically,
2
xσ
2
x Xσ = σ
The Variance of a Discrete Random Variable x,
denoted by is computed by fist subtracting the
mean from each possible x value to obtain the
deviations, then squaring each deviation and
multiplying the result by the probability of the
corresponding x value, and then finally adding
these quantities. Symbolically,
2
xσ
2
x Xσ = σ
The standard deviation of x, denoted by σx, is
the square root of the variance.
all possible
values of x
2 2
X
(x ) p(x)σ = − µ ⋅∑
The standard deviation of x, denoted by σx, is
the square root of the variance.
all possible
values of x
2 2
X
(x ) p(x)σ = − µ ⋅∑
33. 33
The Mean & Variance of a
Linear Function
If x is a random variable with mean µx
and variance and a and b are
numerical constants, the random variable
y defined by y = a + bx is called a linear
function of the random variable x.
2
X
σ
The mean of y = a + bx is µy = µa + bx = a + bµx
The variance of y is 2 2 2 2
y a bx X
b+
σ = σ = σThe variance of y is 2 2 2 2
y a bx X
b+
σ = σ = σ
From which it follows that the standard deviation
of y is y a bx x
b+
σ = σ = σ
From which it follows that the standard deviation
of y is y a bx x
b+
σ = σ = σ
34. 34
Example
Suppose x is the number of sales staff
needed on a given day. If the cost of doing
business on a day involves fixed costs of
$255 and the cost per sales person per day
is $110, find the mean cost (the mean of x or
µx) of doing business on a given day where
the distribution of x is given below.
x p(x)
1 0.3
2 0.4
3 0.2
4 0.1
35. 35
Example continued
x p(x) xp(x)
1 0.3 0.3
2 0.4 0.8
3 0.2 0.6
4 0.1 0.4
2.1
x
2.1µ =
We need to find the mean of y = 255 + 110x
xy 255 110x 255 110
255 110(2.1) $486
+
µµ µ= = +
= + =
36. 36
Example continued
2
x
x
0.89
0.89 0.9434
σ =
σ = =
x p(x) (x-µ)2
p(x)
1 0.3 0.3630
2 0.4 0.0040
3 0.2 0.1620
4 0.1 0.3610
0.8900
X255 110
2 2 2 2
x
(110) (110) (0.89) 10769+ µ
σ = σ = =
We need to find the variance and standard
deviation of y = 255 + 110x
X255 110 x
110 110(0.9434) 103.77+ µ
σ = σ = =
37. 37
Means and Variances for Linear
Combinations
If x1, x2, …
, xn are random variables and a1,
a2, …
, an are numerical constants, the
random variable y defined as
y = a1x1 + a2x2 + …
+ anxn
is a linear combination of the xi’s.
38. 38
1. µy = a1µ1 + a2µ2 + …
+ anµn
(This is true for any random variables with no conditions.)
Means and Variances for Linear
Combinations
If x1, x2, …
, xn are random variables with means
µ1, µ2, …
, µn and variances
respectively,
and y = a1x1 + a2x2 + …
+ anxn then
2 2 2
1 2 n
, , ,σ σ σL
2. If x1, x2, …
, xn are independent random
variables then
and
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
y 1 1 2 2 n n
a a aσ = σ + σ + + σL
2 2 2 2 2 2
y 1 1 2 2 n n
a a aσ = σ + σ + + σL
39. 39
Example
A distributor of fruit baskets is going to put 4
apples, 6 oranges and 2 bunches of grapes in
his small gift basket. The weights, in ounces, of
these items are the random variables x1, x2 and
x3 respectively with means and standard
deviations as given in the following table.
Find the mean, variance and standard deviation of the
random variable y = weight of fruit in a small gift
basket.
Apples Oranges Grapes
Mean
µ
8 10 7
Standard deviation
σ
0.9 1.1 2
40. 40
Example continued
1 2 3 1 2 3
a 4, a 6, a 2, 8, 10, 7= = = µ = µ = µ =
1 2 3
0.9, 1.1, 2σ = σ = σ =
1 1 2 2 3 3y a x a x a x 1 1 2 2 3 3
a a a
4(8) 6(10) 2(7) 106
+ +
µ = µ = µ + µ + µ
= + + =
It is reasonable in this case to assume that the
weights of the different types of fruit are
independent.
1 1 2 2 3 3
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
y a x a x a x 1 1 2 2 3 3
2 2 2 2 2 2
a a a
4 (.9) 6 (1.1) 2 (2) 72.52
+ +
σ = σ = σ + σ + σ
= + + =
y
= 72.52 8.5159σ =
Apples Oranges
Mean
µ
8 10 7
Standard deviation
σ
0.9 1.1 2
Grapes
41. 41
Another Example
Suppose “1 lb” boxes of Sugar Treats cereal
have a weight distribution with a mean
µT=1.050 lbs and standard deviation σT=.051
lbs and “1 lb” boxes of Sour Balls cereal have
a weight distribution with a mean µB=1.090
lbs and standard deviation σB=.087 lbs. If a
promotion is held where the customer is sold
a shrink wrapped package containing “1 lb”
boxes of both Sugar Treats and Sour Balls
cereals, what is the mean and standard
deviation for the distribution of promotional
packages.
42. 42
Another Example - continued
lb09.1andlb05.1 BT =µ=µ
Combining these values we get
lb14.209.105.1BTBT =+=µ+µ=µ +
0.007569087.
and0.002601051.
22
B
22
T
==σ
==σ
Combining these values we get
lb1008.001017.0
and01017.0
BT
2
B
2
T
2
BT
==σ
=σ+σ=σ
+
+
43. 43
The Binomial Distribution
Properties of a Binomial Experiment
1. It consists of a fixed number of observations
called trials.
2. Each trial can result in one of only two
mutually exclusive outcomes labeled success
(S) and failure (F).
3. Outcomes of different trials are independent.
4. The probability that a trial results in S is the
same for each trial.
The binomial random variable x is defined as
x = number of successes observed when
experiment is performed
The probability distribution of x is called the binomial
probability distribution.
44. 44
The Binomial Distribution
Let
n = number of independent trials in a
binomial experiment
π = constant probability that any particular
trial results in a success.
Then
x x
P(x) = P(x successes among n trials)
n!
= (1 )
x!(n x)!
π − π
−
45. 45
0.2270)4(.)6(.
!5!7
!12
)7(p
57
==
Example
The adult population of a large urban area is
60% black. If a jury of 12 is randomly selected
from the adults in this area, what is the
probability that precisely 7 jurors are black.
Clearly, n=12 and π=.6, so
7921198
54321
12111098
)54321)(7654321(
121110987654321
!5!7
!12
:Note
=⋅⋅=
⋅⋅⋅⋅
⋅⋅⋅⋅
=
⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅
⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅
=
46. 46
Example - continued
The adult population of a large urban area is
60% black. If a jury of 12 is randomly selected
from the adults in this area, what is the
probability that less than 3 are black.
Clearly, n = 12 and π = 0.6, so
< = < = + +
= + +
= + + =
0 12 1 11 2 10
P(x 3) P(x 2) p(0) p(1) p(2)
12! 12! 12!
(.6) (.4) (.6) (.4) (.6) (.4)
0!12! 1!11! 2!10!
0.00002 0.00031 0.00249 0.00281
47. 47
Another Example
1
n 25,
19
= π=
a) What is the probability that exactly
two will respond favorably to this sales
pitch?
On the average, 1 out of 19 people will
respond favorably to a certain telephone
solicitation. If 25 people are called,
2 2325! 1 18
p(2) ( ) ( ) 0.2396
2!23! 19 19
= =
48. 48
Another Example continued
On the average, 1 out of 19 people will
respond favorably to a certain telephone
sales pitch. If 25 people are called,
b) What is the probability that at least two
will respond favorably to this sales
pitch?
0 25 1 24
P(x 2) 1 P(x 2) 1 p(0) p(1)
25! 1 18 25! 1 18
1 ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
0!25! 19 19 1!24! 19 19
1 0.2588 0.3595 0.6183
≥ = − < = − −
= − −
= − − =
49. 49
Mean & Standard Deviation of a
Binomial Random Variable
The mean value and the standard
deviation of a binomial random variable
are, respectively,
X
X
n
n (1 )
µ = π
σ = π − π
50. 50
Example
A professor routinely gives quizzes containing
50 multiple choice questions with 4 possible
answers, only one being correct.
Occasionally he just hands the students an
answer sheet without giving them the questions
and asks them to guess the correct answers.
Let x be a random variable defined by
x = number of correct answers on such an exam
Find the mean and standard deviation for x
51. 51
Example - solution
The random variable is clearly binomial
with n = 50 and p = ¼. The mean and
standard deviation of x are
X
X
1
n 50 12.5
4
1 3
50 9.375 3.06
4 4
µ = π = =
σ == = =
52. 52
The Geometric Distribution
Suppose an experiment consists of a sequence of
trials with the following conditions:
1. The trials are independent.
2. Each trial can result in one of two possible
outcomes, success and failure.
3. The probability of success is the same for
all trials.
A geometric random variable is defined as
x = number of trials until the first success is
observed (including the success trial)
The probability distribution of x is called the
geometric probability distribution.
53. 53
The Geometric Distribution
If x is a geometric random variable with
probability of success = π for each trial,
then
p(x) = (1 – π)x-1
π x = 1, 2, 3, …
54. 54
Example
Over a very long period of time, it has
been noted that on Friday’s 25% of the
customers at the drive-in window at the
bank make deposits.
What is the probability that it takes 4
customers at the drive-in window before
the first one makes a deposit.
55. 55
Example - solution
This problem is a geometric distribution
problem with π = 0.25.
Let x = number of customers at the drive-
in window before a customer makes a
deposit.
The desired probability is
4 1
p(4) (.75) (.25) 0.0117−
= =
59. 59
Major Principle
The proportion or percentage of a
normally distributed population that is in
an interval depends only on how many
standard deviations the endpoints are
from the mean.
60. 60
Standard Normal Distribution
A normal distribution with mean 0 and standard
deviation 1, is called the standard (or standardized)
normal distribution.
63. 63
Using the Normal Tables
For any number z* between –3.89 and 3.89
and rounded to two decimal places,
Appendix Table II gives
(Area under z curve to the left of z*)
= P(z < z*) = P(z ≤ z*)
where the letter z is used to represent a
random variable whose distribution is the
standard normal distribution
64. 64
Using the Normal Tables
To find this probability, locate the following:
1. The row labeled with the sign of z* and
the digit to either side of the decimal point
2. The column identified with the second
digit to the right of the decimal point in z*
The number at the intersection of this row and
column is the desired probability, P(z < z*).
65. 65
Using the Normal Tables
Find P(z < 0.46)
Row
labeled
0.4
Column
labeled
0.06
P(z < 0.46) = 0.6772
66. 66
Using the Normal Tables
Find P(z < -2.74)
Row
labeled
-2.7
Column
labeled
0.04
P(z < -2.74) = 0.0031
67. 67
Sample Calculations Using the
Standard Normal Distribution
Using the standard normal tables, find the
proportion of observations (z values) from a
standard normal distribution that satisfy each
of the following:
(a) P(z < 1.83)
= 0.9664
(b) P(z > 1.83)
= 1 – P(z <
1.83)
= 1 –
0.9664
= 0.0336
68. 68
Sample Calculations Using the
Standard Normal Distribution
Using the standard normal tables, find the
proportion of observations (z values) from a
standard normal distribution that satisfies
each of the following:
c) P(z < -1.83) = 0.0336 (d) P(z > -1.83)
= 1 – P(z < -1.83)
= 1 – 0.0336= 0.9664
69. 69
Symmetry Property
Notice from the preceding examples it
becomes obvious that
P(z > z*) = P(z < -z*)
P(z > -2.18) = P(z < 2.18) = 0.9854
70. 70
Sample Calculations Using the
Standard Normal Distribution
Using the standard normal tables, find the
proportion of observations (z values) from a
standard normal distribution that satisfies
-1.37 < z < 2.34, that is find P(-1.37 < z < 2.34).
P(Z<2.34)=0.9904
P(-1.37 < z < 2.34) = 0.9904
P(Z<-1.37)=0.0853
- 0.0853 = 0.9051
71. 71
P(0.54 < z < 1.61) = 0.9463
P(Z<1.61)=0.9463
Sample Calculations Using the
Standard Normal Distribution
Using the standard normal tables, find the
proportion of observations (z values) from a
standard normal distribution that satisfies
0.54 < z < 1.61, that is find P(0.54 < z < 1.61).
P(Z<.54)=0.7054
- 0.7054 = 0.2409
72. 72
P(Z<-0.93)=0.1762
P(-1.42 < z < -0.93) = 0.1762
P(Z<-1.42)=0.0778
- 0.0778 = 0.0984
Sample Calculations Using the
Standard Normal Distribution
Using the standard normal tables, find the proportion of
observations (z values) from a standard normal
distribution that satisfy -1.42 < z < -0.93, that is find
P(-1.42 < z < -0.93).
73. 73
Using the standard normal tables, in each of the
following, find the z values that satisfy :
Example Calculation
The closest entry in the table to 0.9800 is 0.9798
corresponding to a z value of 2.05
(a) The point z with 98% of the observations
falling below it.
74. 74
Using the standard normal tables, in each of the
following, find the z values that satisfy :
(b) The point z with 90% of the observations
falling above it.
Example Calculation
The closest entry in the table to 0.1000 is 0.1003
corresponding to a z value of -1.28
75. 75
Finding Normal Probabilities
To calculate probabilities for any normal
distribution, standardize the relevant values and
then use the table of z curve areas. More
specifically, if x is a variable whose behavior is
described by a normal distribution with mean m
and standard deviation s, then
P(x < b) = p(z < b*)
P(x > a) = P(a* < z) = P(z > a*)
where z is a variable whose distribution is
standard normal and
a b
a* b*
µ µ
σ σ
− −
= =
76. 76
Standard Normal Distribution
Revisited
This is called the standard normal distribution.
If a variable X has a normal distribution with
mean µ and standard deviation σ, then the
standardized variable
has the normal distribution with mean 0 and
standard deviation 1.
Z
X
=
− µ
σ
77. 77
Conversion to N(0,1)
Where µ is the true population mean and σ is the
true population standard deviation
The formula
gives the number of standard deviations that x
is from the mean.
z
x
=
− µ
σ
78. 78
Example 1
A Company produces “20 ounce” jars of a picante sauce.
The true amounts of sauce in the jars of this brand sauce
follow a normal distribution.
Suppose the companies “20 ounce” jars follow a
N(20.2,0.125) distribution curve. (i.e., The contents of
the jars are normally distributed with a true mean
µ = 20.2 ounces with a true standard deviation
σ = 0.125 ounces.
79. 79
Example 1
What proportion of the jars are under-filled
(i.e., have less than 20 ounces of sauce)?
Looking up the z value -1.60 on the standard normal table we
find the value 0.0548.
The proportion of the sauce jars that are under-filled is 0.0548
(i.e., 5.48% of the jars contain less than 20 ounces of sauce.
x 20 20.2
z 1.60
0.125
− µ −
= = = −
σ
80. 80
What proportion of the sauce jars contain between
20 and 20.3 ounces of sauce.
Z =
−
=−
20 20 2
0 125
1 60
.
.
. Z =
−
=
20 3 20 2
0 125
0 80
. .
.
.
Looking up the z values of -1.60 and 0.80 we find the
areas (proportions) 0.0548 and 0.7881
The resulting difference
0.7881-0.0548 = 0.7333
is the proportion of the jars that contain between 20 and
20.3 ounces of sauce.
Example 1
81. 81
99% of the jars of this brand of picante sauce will
contain more than what amount of sauce?
When we try to look up 0.0100 in the body of the table we do
not find this value. We do find the following
z 0.00 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05
-2.4 0.0082 0.0080 0.0078 0.0075 0.0073 0.0071
-2.3 0.0107 0.0105 0.0102 0.0099 0.0096 0.0094
-2.2 0.0139 0.0135 0.0132 0.0129 0.0125 0.0122
Since the relationship between the real scale (x) and the z
scale is z=(x-µ)/σ we solve for x getting x = µ + zσ
x=20.2+(-2.33)(0.125)= 19.90875=19.91
The entry closest to 0.0100 is 0.0099 corresponding to the z
value -2.33
Example 1
82. 82
The weight of the cereal in a box is a random
variable with mean 12.15 ounces, and standard
deviation 0.2 ounce.
What percentage of the boxes have contents
that weigh under 12 ounces?
Example 2
2266.0)75.0Z(P
2.0
15.1212
ZP
x
ZP)12X(P
=−<=
−
<=
σ
µ−
<=<
83. 83
If the manufacturer claims there are 12 ounces in a
box, does this percentage cause concern?
If so, what could be done to correct the situation?
The machinery could be reset with a higher
or larger mean.
The machinery could be replaced with
machinery that has a smaller standard
deviation of fills.
The label on the box could be changed.
Which would probably be cheaper immediately
but might cost more in the long run?
In the long run it might be cheaper to get
newer more precise equipment and not
give away as much excess cereal.
Example 2
84. 84
Example 3
a) What proportion of these printers will fail
before 1,200 hours?
The time to first failure of a unit of a brand of
ink jet printer is approximately normally
distributed with a mean of 1,500 hours and a
standard deviation of 225 hours.
1200 1500
P(X 1200) P Z
225
P(Z 1.33) 0.0918
−
< = <
= < − =
85. 85
b) What proportion of these printers will not
fail within the first 2,000 hours?
0132.0
9868.01)22.2Z(P
225
15002000
ZP)2000X(P
=
−=>=
−
>=>
Example 3
86. 86
c) What should be the guarantee time for these
printers if the manufacturer wants only 5% to fail
within the guarantee period?
Notice that when you look for a proportion of 0.0500 in the
body of the normal table you do not find it. However, you do
find the value 0.0505 corresponding to a z score of -1.64 and
value 0.0495 corresponding to the z score of -1.65. Since
0.0500 is exactly 1/2 way between -1.64 and -1.65, the z
value we want is -1.645.
Example 3
87. 87
The guarantee period should be 1130 hours.
Example 3
The relationship connecting x, z, µ and σ is
. If you solve this equation for
x you get x = µ + z σ, so
z
x
=
− µ
σ
x z= + = + − =µ σ 1500 1 645 225 1129 875( . )( ) .
88. 88
Normal Plots
A normal probability plot is a scatter plot of the
(normal score*, observation) pairs.
A substantially linear pattern in a normal probability
plot suggests that population normality is plausible.
A systematic departure from a straight-line pattern
(such as curvature in the plot) casts doubt on the
legitimacy of assuming a normal population
distribution.
*There are different techniques for determining the normal
scores. Typically, we use a statistical package such as Minitab,
SPSS or SAS to create a normal probability plot.
89. 89
Normal Probability Plot Example
Ten randomly selected shut-ins were each
asked to list how many hours of television
they watched per week. The results are
82 66 90 84 75
88 80 94 110 91
Minitab obtained the normal probability plot
on the following slide.
90. 90
P-Value: 0.753
A-Squared: 0.226
Anderson-Darling Normality Test
N: 10
StDev: 11.8415
Average: 86
110100908070
.999
.99
.95
.80
.50
.20
.05
.01
.001
Probability
Hours of TV
Normal Probability Plot
Notice that the points all fall nearly on a line so it is
reasonable to assume that the population of hours
of tv watched by shut-ins is normally distributed.
Normal Probability Plot Example
91. 91
Normal Probability Plot Example
A sample of times of 15 telephone
solicitation calls (in seconds) was obtained
and is given below.
5 10 7 12 35
65 145 14 3 220
11 6 85 6 16
Minitab obtained the normal probability plot
on the next slide
92. 92
Normal Probability Plot Example
P-Value: 0.000
A-Squared: 2.087
Anderson-Darling Normality Test
N: 15
StDev: 63.1129
Average: 42.6667
2001000
.999
.99
.95
.80
.50
.20
.05
.01
.001
Probability
Length of Ca
Normal Probability Plot
Clearly the points do not fall nearly on a line. Specifically
the pattern has a distinct nonlinear appearance. It is not
reasonable to assume that the population of hours of tv
watched by shut-ins is normally distributed.
One would most assuredly say that the distribution
of lengths of calls is not normal.