Normal Distribution 1

RUNNING HEAD: NORMAL DISTRIBUTION

Normal Distribution

Luis Binnier

Colorado Technical University Online

Professor Jennifer Dale

Phase 3 – Individual Project

MATH305-1102A-02

04/24/2011

 
 Normal Distribution 2

Abstract

This paper is an assignment to take the scenario that is supplied by the assignment and

answer five questions pertaining to it. The discussion below is a breakdown of random variables

and determining whether it is a normal distribution, and probability for the average minutes spent

on line.
 Normal Distribution 3

Normal Distribution

1. Identify the mean and the standard deviation for this scenario.

The scenario in its description already gives the mean and the standard deviation with the

statement of, “average time spent online was normally distributed at 47 minutes with a standard

deviation of 8 minutes.” So the answer is:

The mean = 47 minutes

The standard deviation = 8 minutes

2. Find the probability that the average minutes spent online are less than 35 minutes.

The question is the proportion of observations less than 35, the formula to use is

Z=(SM – u) / sd

We need to compute Z which would be the single observation so the SM is the

observation, u is mean, and sd is the standard deviation.

Z = (35 – 47) /8 = -1.5 by the table it is = .0668

3. Find the probability that the average minutes spent online are between 37 and 52

minutes.
 Normal Distribution 4

You need the cumulative probability concerning the minus infinity of the Z score for

the 2 Z scores, one is 52, and the other is 37 minutes. So the cumulative with 37 is

subtracted from the cumulative probability for 52 minutes.

Z = (52 – 47) / 8 = 5/8 = 0.626 P (Z < .625) = .73565

Z = (37 – 47) / 8 = -10/8 = -1.25 P (Z < -1.25) = .10565

Now subtract .73565 - .10565 = .63 = average minutes between 37 and 52 minutes.

4. Find the probability that the average minutes spent online are more than 55 minutes.

Same as question two as in we need the probability of Z.

Z = (55 – 47) / 8 = 1

The probability of Z is .158655 which is the probability of spending 55 minutes

online or more.

5. Interpret your results in context of the problem.

The survey data only has a value when you interpret it correctly and with accuracy.

Even the most insightful responses to a survey, it can be made useless or misleading

if the analysis done is poor. After doing the mathematical equations it shows that

most of the 50 people that are involved in the survey spend between 37 to 52

minutes. The second largest group of the 50 people spends more than 55 minutes on

line, and the least amount of the 50 people spend less than 35 minutes on line.