COMBINING RANDOM VARIABLES

AP STATISTICS CHAPTER 6

SAT Math scores (X) and SAT Verbal scores (Y) each follow an approximately normal distribution, with
mean 500 and standard deviation 110. We will use graphing calculators to simulate 200 students SAT
math and verbal scores.
In one column, use the RandNorm function to simulate 200 SAT math scores. Find the mean and
standard deviation of your simulated scores are record them here:

In another column, use the RandNorm function to simulate 200 SAT verbal scores. Find the mean and
standard deviation of your simulated scores are record them here:

Now, lets explore what happens when we combine these simulated scores:
In a new column, find the sum of the math and verbal scores for each student. Find the mean and
standard deviation of these sums, and record them here:

How are these summary statistics related to the statistics for the individual section scores?

Mr. Robert Lochel, Hatboro-Horsham High School.

Mathcoachblog.com

In a new column, find the difference between the math and verbal scores for each student. Find the
mean and standard deviation of these differences, and record them here:

Create parallel boxplots for both the sums and difference of the SAT scores. Compare the distributions
of the sums and differences.

One of the main ideas of this chapter is variances add. Did this hold true for SAT scores? Explain.

Mr. Robert Lochel, Hatboro-Horsham High School.

Mathcoachblog.com