Assume that scores from a college admission test are normall
Assume that scores from a college admission test are normally distributed with a mean of 1,500 and a standard deviation of 300. Let x represent the test score.
First Write the probability statement, and then do the calculation. Use 4-decimal place accuracy.
What proportion of the scores are between 1,000 and 1,800?
What proportion of the scores are above 2,000?
The top 10% of the scores are above what value?
The bottom 20% of the scores are below what value?
The middle 10% of the scores are between what two values?
Solution
Let x represent the test score
mean(X) = 1500
sd(X) = 300
(a) P(1000 < X < 1800) = P( (1000-1500)/300 < Z < (1800-1500)/300 )
= P(-1.6667 < Z < 1)
= P(Z < 1) - P(Z < -1.6667)
= 0.8413 - 0.0478
= 0.7935
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P(X > 2000) = P(Z > (2000 - 1500)/300 )
= P(Z > 1.6667)
= 0.0478
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let y be the top 10% scores
=> P(X > y) = 0.1
From Standard normal table, corresponding Z = 1.282
=> (y - 1500)/300 = 1.282
=> y = 1884.6
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let y be the bottom 20% scores
=> P(X < y) = 0.2
From Standard normal table, corresponding Z = -0.8416
=> (y - 1500)/300 = -0.8416
=> y = 1247.52
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let y1 and y2 be the scores under which 20% of the scores lie
=> P(y1 < X < y2) = 0.2
From Standard normal table, Z = 0.2533
=> (y2 - 1500)/300 = 0.2533
=> y2 = 1575.99
=> (y1 - 1500)/300 = -0.2533
=> y1 = 1424.01
Therefore, 20% of the scores lie between 1424.01 and 1575.99

