Ext 10 Norm-Bin [112 marks]

The time, T minutes, taken to complete a jigsaw puzzle can be modelled by a

normal distribution with mean μ and standard deviation 8. 6.
It is found that 30% of times taken to complete the jigsaw puzzle are longer than
36. 8 minutes.

1a. By stating and solving an appropriate equation, show, correct to two [4 marks]
decimal places, that μ = 32. 29.

Markscheme
* This sample question was produced by experienced DP mathematics senior
examiners to aid teachers in preparing for external assessment in the new
MAA course. There may be minor differences in formatting compared to
formal exam papers.
T ~N(μ, 8. 62 )
P(T ≤ 36. 8)= 0. 7 (A1)
36.8−μ
states a correct equation, for example, 8.6
= 0. 5244 … A1
attempts to solve their equation (M1)
μ = 36. 8 −(0. 5244 …)(8. 6)(= 32. 2902 …) A1
the solution to the equation is μ = 32. 29, correct to two decimal places AG
[4 marks]

Use μ = 32. 29 in the remainder of the question.

1b. Find the 86th percentile time to complete the jigsaw puzzle. [2 marks]
 Markscheme
let t0.86 be the 86th percentile
attempts to use the inverse normal feature of a GDC to find t0.86 (M1)
t0.86 = 41. 6 (mins) A1
[2 marks]

1c. Find the probability that a randomly chosen person will take more than [2 marks]
30 minutes to complete the jigsaw puzzle.

Markscheme
evidence of identifying the correct area under the normal curve (M1)
Note: Award M1 for a clearly labelled sketch.
P(T > 30)= 0. 605 A1
[2 marks]

Six randomly chosen people complete the jigsaw puzzle.

1d. Find the probability that at least five of them will take more than 30 [3 marks]
minutes to complete the jigsaw puzzle.

Markscheme
let X represent the number of people out of the six who take more than 30
minutes to complete the jigsaw puzzle
X~B(6, 0. 6049 …) (M1)
for example, P(X = 5)+P(X = 6) or 1 − P(X ≤ 4) (A1)
P(X ≥ 5)= 0. 241 A1
[3 marks]

25
1e. Having spent 25 minutes attempting the jigsaw puzzle, a randomly [4 marks]
chosen person had not yet completed the puzzle.
Find the probability that this person will take more than 30 minutes to complete
the jigsaw puzzle.

Markscheme
recognizes that P(T > 30 T ≥ 25 ) is required (M1)
Note: Award M1 for recognizing conditional probability.
P ( T >30∩T ≥25 )
= P ( T ≥25 )
(A1)

P ( T >30 ) 0.6049…
= P ( T ≥25 )
= 0.8016…
M1

= 0. 755 A1
[4 marks]

A bakery makes two types of muffins: chocolate muffins and banana muffins.
The weights, C grams, of the chocolate muffins are normally distributed with a
mean of 62 g and standard deviation of 2. 9 g.

2a. Find the probability that a randomly selected chocolate muffin weighs [2 marks]
less than 61 g.

Markscheme
P(C < 61) (M1)
= 0. 365112 …
= 0. 365 A1

[2 marks]

2b. In a random selection of 12 chocolate muffins, find the probability that [2 marks]
exactly 5 weigh less than 61 g.
 Markscheme
recognition of binomial eg X~B(12, 0. 365 …) (M1)
P(X = 5)= 0. 213666 …
= 0. 214 A1

[2 marks]

The weights, B grams, of the banana muffins are normally distributed with a
mean of 68 g and standard deviation of 3. 4 g.
Each day 60% of the muffins made are chocolate.
On a particular day, a muffin is randomly selected from all those made at the
bakery.

2c. Find the probability that the randomly selected muffin weighs less than [4 marks]
61 g.

Markscheme
LetCM represent ‘chocolate muffin’ and BM represent ‘banana muffin’
P(B < 61) = 0. 0197555. . . (A1)

EITHER

P(CM)×P(C < 61 CM )+P(BM)×P(B < 61 BM ) (or equivalent in

words) (M1)

OR
tree diagram showing two ways to have a muffin weigh < 61 (M1)

THEN
(0. 6 × 0. 365 …)+(0. 4 × 0. 0197 …) (A1)
= 0. 226969 …
= 0. 227 A1

[4 marks]
2d. Given that a randomly selected muffin weighs less than 61 g, find the [3 marks]
probability that it is chocolate.

Markscheme
recognizing conditional probability (M1)

Note: Recognition must be shown in context either in words or symbols, not

just P(A B )

0.6×0.365112…
0.226969…
(A1)
= 0. 965183 …
= 0. 965 A1

[3 marks]

The machine that makes the chocolate muffins is adjusted so that the mean
weight of the chocolate muffins remains the same but their standard deviation
changes to σ g. The machine that makes the banana muffins is not adjusted. The
probability that the weight of a randomly selected muffin from these machines is
less than 61 g is now 0. 157.

2e. Find the value of σ. [5 marks]

 Markscheme
METHOD 1

P(CM)×P(C < 61 CM )×P(BM)×P(B < 61 BM )= 0. 157 (M1)

(0. 6 × P(C < 61))+(0. 4 × 0. 0197555 …)= 0. 157

P(C < 61)= 0. 248496 … (A1)
attempt to solve for σ using GDC (M1)

Note: Award (M1) for a graph or table of values to show their P(C < 61) with
a variable standard deviation.

σ = 1. 47225 …
σ = 1. 47 (g) A2

METHOD 2

P(CM)×P(C < 61 CM )×P(BM)×P(B < 61 BM )= 0. 157 (M1)

(0. 6 × P(C < 61))+(0. 4 × 0. 0197555 …)= 0. 157

P(C < 61)= 0. 248496 … (A1)
use of inverse normal to find z score of their P(C < 61) (M1)
z = −0. 679229 …
correct substitution (A1)
61−62
σ
= −0. 679229 …
σ = 1. 47225 …
σ = 1. 47 (g) A1

[5 marks]

A factory manufactures lamps. It is known that the probability that a lamp is found
to be defective is 0. 05. A random sample of 30 lamps is tested.

3a. Find the probability that there is at least one defective lamp in the [3 marks]
sample.
 Markscheme
recognize that the variable has a Binomial distribution (M1)
X~B(30, 0. 05)
attempt to find P(X ≥ 1) (M1)

1 − P(X = 0) OR 1 − 0. 9530 OR 1 − 0. 214638 … OR 0. 785361 …

Note: The two M marks are independent of each other.

P(X ≥ 1)=0.785 A1

[3 marks]

3b. Given that there is at least one defective lamp in the sample, find the [4 marks]
probability that there are at most two defective lamps.

Markscheme
recognition of conditional probability (M1)
P(X ≤ 2 X ≥ 1 ) OR P(at most 2 defective | at least 1 defective)

Note: Recognition must be shown in context either in words or symbols

but not just P(A B ).

P ( 1≤X ≤2 ) P ( X=1 ) +P ( X=2 )

OR (A1)
P ( X ≥1 ) P ( X ≥1 )
0.597540… 0.812178…−0.214638… 0.338903…+0.258636…
0.785361…
OR 0.785361…
OR 0.785361…
(A1)
= 0. 760847 …
P(X ≤ 2 X ≥ 1 )= 0. 761 A1

[4 marks]
 A company produces bags of sugar whose masses, in grams, can be modelled by
a normal distribution with mean 1000 and standard deviation 3. 5. A bag of sugar
is rejected for sale if its mass is less than 995 grams.

4a. Find the probability that a bag selected at random is rejected. [2 marks]

Markscheme
Note: In this question, do not penalise incorrect use of strict inequality signs.
Let X = mass of a bag of sugar
evidence of identifying the correct area (M1)
P(X < 995)= 0. 0765637 …
= 0. 0766 A1
[2 marks]

4b. Estimate the number of bags which will be rejected from a random [1 mark]
sample of 100 bags.

Markscheme
Note: In this question, do not penalise incorrect use of strict inequality signs.
Let X = mass of a bag of sugar
0. 0766 × 100
≈ 8 A1
Note: Accept 7. 66.
[1 mark]

4c. Given that a bag is not rejected, find the probability that it has a mass [3 marks]
greater than 1005 grams.
 Markscheme
Note: In this question, do not penalise incorrect use of strict inequality signs.
Let X = mass of a bag of sugar
recognition that P(X > 1005 X ≥ 995 ) is required (M1)
P ( X ≥995∩X >1005 )
P ( X ≥995 )
P ( X >1005 )
(A1)
P ( X ≥995 )
0.0765637…
1−0.0765637…
(= 0.0765637…
0.923436…
)
= 0. 0829 A1
[3 marks]

The flight times, T minutes, between two cities can be modelled by a normal
distribution with a mean of 75 minutes and a standard deviation of σ minutes.

5a. Given that 2% of the flight times are longer than 82 minutes, find the [3 marks]
value of σ.

Markscheme
use of inverse normal to find z-score (M1)
z = 2. 0537 …
82−75
2. 0537 … = σ
(A1)
σ = 3. 408401 …
σ = 3. 41 A1
[3 marks]

5b. Find the probability that a randomly selected flight will have a flight time [2 marks]
of more than 80 minutes.
 Markscheme
evidence of identifying the correct area under the normal curve (M1)
P(T > 80)= 0. 071193 …
P(T > 80)= 0. 0712 A1
[2 marks]

5c. Given that a flight between the two cities takes longer than 80 minutes, [4 marks]
find the probability that it takes less than 82 minutes.

Markscheme
recognition that P(80 < T < 82) is required (M1)
P ( 80<T <82 )
P(T < 82 T > 80 )= P ( T >80 )
=( 0.051193…
0.071193…
) (M1)(A1)
= 0. 719075 …
= 0. 719 A1
[4 marks]

On a particular day, there are 64 flights scheduled between these two cities.

5d. Find the expected number of flights that will have a flight time of more [3 marks]
than 80 minutes.

Markscheme
recognition of binomial probability (M1)
X~B(64, 0. 071193 …) or E(X)= 64 × 0. 071193 … (A1)
E(X)= 4. 556353 …
E(X)= 4. 56 (flights) A1
[3 marks]

5e. Find the probability that more than 6 of the flights on this particular day [3 marks]
will have a flight time of more than 80 minutes.
 Markscheme
P(X > 6)= P(X ≥ 7)= 1 − P(X ≤ 6) (M1)
= 1 − 0. 83088 … (A1)
= 0. 1691196 …
= 0. 169 A1
[3 marks]

LetX and Y be normally distributed with X ∼ N (14,a2 ) and Y ∼ N (22,a2 ),

a > 0.

6a. Find b so that P (X > b) = P (Y < b). [2 marks]

Markscheme
METHOD 1
recognizing that b is midway between the means of 14 and 22. (M1)

14+22
eg , b= 2

b = 18 A1 N2

METHOD 2
valid attempt to compare distributions (M1)
b−14 b−22
eg a
= a
, b − 14 = 22 − b
b = 18 A1 N2

[2 marks]

6b. It is given that P (X > 20) = 0.112. [4 marks]

Find P (16 < Y < 28).
 Markscheme
valid attempt to compare distributions (seen anywhere) (M1)
eg Y is a horizontal translation of X of 8 units to the right,
P (16 < Y < 28) = P (8 < X < 20) , P (Y > 22 + 6) = P (X > 14 + 6)
valid approach using symmetry (M1)
eg
1 − 2P (X > 20) , 1 − 2P (Y < 16) , 2 × P (14 < x < 20) , P (X < 8) = P (X > 20
correct working (A1)
eg 1 − 2 (0.112) , 2 × (0.5 − 0.112) , 2 × 0.388, 0.888 − 0.112
P (16 < Y < 28) = 0.776 A1 N3
[4 marks]

A random variable Z is normally distributed with mean 0 and standard deviation 1.

It is known that P(z < −1.6) = a and P(z > 2.4) = b . This is shown in the following
diagram.

7a. Find P(−1.6 < z < 2.4). Write your answer in terms of a and b. [2 marks]

Markscheme
* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain
minor differences in marking or structure.
recognizing area under curve = 1 (M1)
eg a + x + b = 1, 100 − a − b, 1 − a + b
P (−1.6 < z < 2.4) = 1 − a − b (= 1 − (a + b)) A1 N2
[2 marks]

7b. Given that z > −1.6, find the probability that z < 2.4 . Write your answer [4 marks]
in terms of a and b.
 Markscheme
P (z > −1.6) = 1 − a (seen anywhere) (A1)
recognizing conditional probability (M1)
eg P (A |B), P (B |A )
correct working (A1)
P(z <2.4∩z >−1.6) P(−1.6<z <2.4)
eg ,
P(z >−1.6) P(z >−1.6)
1−a−b
P (z < 2.4 |z > −1.6) = 1−a
A1 N4

Note: Do not award the final A1 if correct answer is seen followed by incorrect
simplification.
[4 marks]

A second random variable X is normally distributed with mean m and standard

deviation s.
It is known that P(x < 1) = a .

7c. Write down the standardized value for x = 1. [1 mark]

Markscheme
z = −1.6 (may be seen in part (d)) A1 N1
Note: Depending on the candidate’s interpretation of the question, they may
1−
give s m as the answer to part (c). Such answers should be awarded the first
(M1) in part (d), even when part (d) is left blank. If the candidate goes on to
show z = −1.6 as part of their working in part (d), the A1 in part (c) may be
awarded.
[1 mark]

7d. It is also known that P(x > 2) = b . [6 marks]

Find s.
Markscheme
x−μ
attempt to standardize x (do not accept
σ
) (M1)
1−m −2 −
eg s
(may be seen in part (c)), ms , x σm
correct equation with each z-value (A1)(A1)
1−m 2−m
eg −1.6 = s
, 2.4 = s
, m + 2.4s = 2
valid approach (to set up equation in one variable) M1
2−(1.6s +1) 1−m 2−m
eg 2.4 = s
, −1.6
= 2.4
correct working (A1)
7
eg 1.6s + 1 = 2 − 2.4s, 4s = 1, m = 5
1
s= 4
A1 N2
[6 marks]
 Consider the following graphs of normal distributions.

8a. In the following table, write down the letter of the corresponding graph [2 marks]
next to the given mean and standard deviation.

Markscheme
* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain
minor differences in marking or structure.

(A1)(A1)

(C2)
Note: Award (A1) for each correct entry.
[2 marks]
 At an airport, the weights of suitcases (in kg) were measured. The weights are
normally distributed with a mean of 20 kg and standard deviation of 3.5 kg.

8b. Find the probability that a suitcase weighs less than 15 kg. [2 marks]

Markscheme

(M1)

Note: Award (M1) for sketch with 15 labelled and left tail shaded OR for a
correct probability statement, P(X < 15).
0.0766 (0.0765637…, 7.66%) (A1) (C2)
[2 marks]

8c. Any suitcase that weighs more than k kg is identified as excess baggage. [2 marks]
19.6 % of the suitcases at this airport are identified as excess baggage.
Find the value of k.

Markscheme

(M1)

Note: Award (M1) for a sketch showing correctly shaded region to the right of
the mean with 19.6% labelled (accept shading of the complement with 80.4%
labelled) OR for a correct probability statement, P(X > k) = 0.196 or P(X ≤ k)
= 0.804.
23.0 (kg) (22.9959… (kg)) (A1) (C2)
[2 marks]
 It is known that 56 % of Infiglow batteries have a life of less than 16 hours, and 94 
% have a life less than 17 hours. It can be assumed that battery life is modelled by
the normal distribution N (μ, σ 2 ).

9a. Find the value of μ and the value of σ. [6 marks]

Markscheme
* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain
minor differences in marking or structure.
use of inverse normal (implied by ±0.1509… or ±1.554…) (M1)
P(X < 16) = 0.56
16−μ
⇒ σ
= 0.1509 … (A1)
P(X < 17) = 0.94
17−μ
⇒ σ
= 1.554 … (A1)
attempt to solve a pair of simultaneous equations (M1)
μ = 15.9, σ = 0.712 A1A1

[6 marks]

9b. Find the probability that a randomly selected Infiglow battery will have a [2 marks]
life of at least 15 hours.

Markscheme
correctly shaded diagram or intent to find P(X ≥ 15) (M1)
= 0.895 A1
Note: Accept answers rounding to 0.89 or 0.90. Award M1A0 for the answer
0.9.

[2 marks]
 The random variable X has a normal distribution with mean μ = 50 and variance
σ 2 = 16 .

10a. Sketch the probability density function for X, and shade the region [2 marks]
representing P(μ − 2σ < X < μ + σ).

Markscheme
* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain
minor differences in marking or structure.

normal curve centred on 50 A1

vertical lines at x = 42 and x = 54, with shading in between A1
[2 marks]

10b. Find the value of P(μ − 2σ < X < μ + σ). [2 marks]

Markscheme
P(42 < X < 54) (= P(− 2 < Z < 1)) (M1)
= 0.819 A1
[2 marks]
10c. Find the value of k for which P(μ − kσ < X < μ + kσ) = 0.5. [2 marks]

Markscheme
P(μ − kσ < X < μ + kσ) = 0.5 ⇒ P(X < μ + kσ) = 0.75 (M1)
k = 0.674 A1
Note: Award M1A0 for k = −0.674.
[2 marks]

A jar contains 5 red discs, 10 blue discs and m green discs. A disc is selected at
random and replaced. This process is performed four times.

11a. Write down the probability that the first disc selected is red. [1 mark]

Markscheme
* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain
minor differences in marking or structure.
5
P(red) = 15+m
A1 N1

[1 mark]

11b. Let X be the number of red discs selected. Find the smallest value of m [5 marks]
for which Var(X ) < 0.6 .
 Markscheme
recognizing binomial distribution (M1)
egX ∼ B(n, p)
correct value for the complement of their p (seen anywhere) A1
5 m 10+
eg1 − 15+ , 15+
m m
correct substitution into Var(X) = np(1 − p) (A1)

eg4 ( 15+ ) ( 15+m ) ,

5 10+ 20(10+m)
< 0.6
m m (15+m)2
m > 12.2075 (A1)
m = 13 A1 N3
[5 marks]

A random variable X is normally distributed with mean μ and standard deviation

σ, such that P(X < 30.31) = 0.1180 and P(X > 42.52) = 0.3060.

12a. Find μ and σ. [6 marks]

Markscheme
* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain
minor differences in marking or structure.
P(X < 42.52) = 0.6940 (M1)
P (Z < ) = 0.1180or P (Z < )
30.31−μ 42.52−μ
either σ σ
= 0.6940 (M1)


Φ−1 (0.1180)
30.31−μ
σ
= −1.1850… (A1)


Φ−1 (0.6940)
42.52−μ
σ
= 0.5072… (A1)
attempting to solve simultaneously (M1)
μ = 38.9 and σ = 7.22 A1
[6 marks]

P (| − | < 1.2 )
 12b. Find P (|X − μ| < 1.2σ). [2 marks]

Markscheme
P(μ − 1.2σ < X < μ + 1.2σ) (or equivalent eg. 2P(μ < X < μ + 1.2σ))
(M1)
= 0.770 A1
Note: Award (M1)A1 for P(−1.2 < Z < 1.2) = 0.770.
[2 marks]

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