Name: Grade & Section: Grade XI - ______
Subject: Statistics and Probability Teacher: ___ Score:
Lesson: Quarter 3 Week 8
Activity Title: Percentiles and T-Distribution
Learning Target(s): 1. Illustrate the t-distribution (M11-12SP-IIIg2)
2. Identify the percentile using the t-table (M11-12SP-IIIg5)
Reference(s):
Background Information for Learners
The t-distribution (also called Student’s t-distribution) is a family of distributions that look almost
identical to the normal distribution curve, only a bit shorter and stouter. The t-distribution is used instead of the
normal distribution when you have small samples. The larger the sample size, the more the t distribution looks
like the normal distribution. In fact, for sample sizes larger than 20 (e.g. more degrees of freedom), the
distribution is almost exactly like the normal distribution.
The t-distribution is similar to a normal distribution. It has a precise mathematical definition. Instead of
diving into complex math, let’s look at the useful properties of the t-distribution and why it is important in
analysis of any set of statistical quantitative data.
Like the normal distribution, the t-distribution has a smooth shape.
Like the normal distribution, the t-distribution is symmetric. If you think about folding it in half at the
mean, each side will be the same.
Like a standard normal distribution (or z-distribution), the t-distribution has a mean of zero.
The normal distribution assumes that the population standard deviation is known. The t-distribution
does not make this assumption.
The t-distribution is defined by the degrees of freedom. These are related to the sample size.
The t-distribution is most useful for small sample sizes, when the population standard deviation is not
known, or both.
As the sample size increases, the t-distribution becomes more similar to a normal distribution.
Let us be familiar first with the following words:
1. Degree of freedom - This refers to the maximum number of logically independent values which vary
in the data sample.
2. Percentile – This is a measure of position with data divided into 100 parts. Below is the t-table which
you can use to find the t-value
Illustrative Example:
1. Identify the t-value whose number of samples n = 7 and has an area (𝛼) equal to 0.05.
Solution:
To identify the t-value, identify first the degree of freedom using the formula df= n-1 where n is the
sample size. df = n-1
df = 7-1
df = 6
Locate the t-value on the t-table using the degree of freedom and the area (𝛼)
Therefore, the t-value with sample size of 7 and has 𝛼 = 0.05 is 1.943.
2. Find the t-value whose degree of freedom is 20 and has 𝛼 = 0.01.
Solution: Since the degree of freedom and 𝛼 are already given locate the t-value on the t-table.
Therefore the t-value is 2.528.
3. Identify the t-value of the following percentiles given the number of samples.
a. 95th percentile , N= 30
The 95th percentile is the number where 95% of the values lie below it and 5% lie above it, so you
want the right-tail area to be 0.05. Move across the row, find the column for 0.05, and then locate the
t-value using n=30 or df = 29.
So therefore, the t-value of P95 with n= 30 is 1.699.
b. 90th percentile, N=20
The 90th percentile is the number where 90% of the values lie below it and 10% lie above it,
so you want the right-tail area to be 0.01. Move across the row, find the column for 0.05, and
then locate the t-value using n=20 or df = 19.
Therefore, the t-value of 90th percentile with n= 20 is 1.328.
Activity 1: Complete Me
Complete the table below by identifying the degree of freedom, right-tailed area and the t-value for each
percentiles and the sample size.
Activity 2: Examine Me
Rowena wants to test a randomly selected 20 students for her study. Identify the t-value of the following
percentiles.
1. 75th percentile
2. 5th percentile
3. 60th percentile
4. 40th percentile
5. 90th percentile
Activity 3: Topnotcher!
A researcher conducts a diagnostic examination to 20 students. The following are the interpretation of
the diagnostic examination.
1. James got a score which is 60% higher than those who took the diagnostic test.
2. Rowena has a percentile rank of 90.
3. Jimuel got a score which is only 5% higher than those who took the diagnostic test.
4. Joanna has a percentile rank of 75.
5. Lester is 90% lower than those who took the diagnostic test.
Identify the t-value of the percentiles of the following by filling up the table:
Questions: 1. Who do you think got the highest score?
2. Who do you think passed the diagnostic examination?
