Statistics and Probability

Understanding the Z-Scores

Competencies
 Relate a random variable distribution to a normal
variable distribution.
 Understand the concept of the z-score.

Statistics and Probability Ms. Ehla Grace Y. Boticario

 Z-score
 the areas under the
normal curve are given in
terms of z-values or scores.
Either the z-score locates X
within a sample or within
a population.
Statistics and Probability Ms. Ehla Grace Y. Boticario
 The formula for calculating z is:

𝑿−µ
𝒛= (z-score for population data)
𝝈

𝑿−𝑿
𝒛= (z-score for sample data)
𝑺

where:
µ = mean of the population
𝝈 = population standard deviation
X = any score in the distribution
𝑿 = sample mean
s = sample, standard deviation

Statistics and Probability Ms. Ehla Grace Y. Boticario

 Example 1:
Reading Scores
Given the mean, µ = 𝟓𝟎 and
the standard deviation, 𝝈 = 𝟒 of
a population of reading
scores. Find the z-value that
corresponds to a score X = 58.
Statistics and Probability Ms. Ehla Grace Y. Boticario
 Steps Solution
1. Use the computing formula for finding 𝑧=
𝑋−µ
𝜎
the z-scores of population data
2. Check the given values. Since these are µ = 50, 𝜎 = 4, and X = 58.
population values, the z-score locates X
within a population.
3. Substitute the given values in computing 𝑧 = 𝑋−µ
𝜎
formula. 58−50
=
4
4. Compute the z-value. 𝑧=
8
=2
4
Thus, the z-value that
corresponds to the raw score
58 is 2 in a population
distribution.
We see that a score X=58 corresponds to z=2. Since it is positive, it means that it
is above the mean. So we can say that, with respect to the mean, the score of 58 is
above average.

Statistics and Probability Ms. Ehla Grace Y. Boticario

 Example 2:
Score in P.E
Locate the z – value that
corresponds to a PE score of
39 given that µ = 45 and 𝝈 = 6.

Statistics and Probability Ms. Ehla Grace Y. Boticario

 Steps Solution
1. Use the computing formula for finding 𝑧=
𝑋−µ
𝜎
the z-scores of population data
2. Check the given values. The z – score in µ = 45, 𝜎 = 6, and X = 39.
question locates X in a population.

3. Substitute the given values in computing 𝑧 = 𝑋−µ

𝜎
formula. 39−45
=
6
4. Compute the z-value. 𝑧=
−6
= −1
6
Thus, the z-value that
corresponds to the raw score
39 is – 1 in a population
distribution.
With respect to the mean, the score 39 is below the
population mean. We can also say that the score 39 is below
average or below the mean.
Statistics and Probability Ms. Ehla Grace Y. Boticario
 Example 3:
Scores in a Science Test
Given X = 20, 𝑿 = 26, and S =
4, compute the corresponding
z – score.

Statistics and Probability Ms. Ehla Grace Y. Boticario

 Steps Solution
1. Use the computing formula for finding 𝑋−𝑋
the z-scores of population data. 𝑧=
𝑠
2. Check the given values. Since these 𝑋 = 20, 𝑋 = 26 and s = 4.
are population values, the z-score locates
X within a population.
3. Substitute the given values in 𝑋−𝑋
computing formula. 𝑧=
𝑠
20−26
=
4
4. Compute the z-value. −6
𝑧 =
4
3
= − 𝑜𝑟 − 1.5
2
The corresponding z-score
is −1.5 to the left of the
mean.

Statistics and Probability Ms. Ehla Grace Y. Boticario

Statistics and Probability Ms. Ehla Grace Y. Boticario
 ACTIVITY
Statistics and Probability Ms. Ehla Grace Y. Boticario
 Try to answer!

1.X = 85, s = 5, X = 65 2. X = 83, σ = 13, µ = 75

𝑋−𝑋 𝑋−µ
𝑧= 𝑧=
𝑆 𝜎
85 − 65 83−75
= =
5 13

20 8
= =
5 13

=4 = 0.62
Statistics and Probability Ms. Ehla Grace Y. Boticario
 Try to answer!
3. X = 8, s = 3 X = 25
4. X = 33, σ = 4, µ = 14
5. X = 3, σ = 13, µ = 75
6. X = 47, s = 9, X = 13

7. X = 4, s = 7, X = 15

Statistics and Probability Ms. Ehla Grace Y. Boticario

Statistics and Probability Ms. Ehla Grace Y. Boticario