bell curve
A bell curve is a type of graph that is used to visualize the distribution of a set of chosen
values across a specified group that tend to have a central, normal values, as peak with low
and high extremes tapering off relatively symmetrically on either side. Bell curves are visual
representations of normal distribution, also called Gaussian distribution.
A normal distribution curve, when graphed out, typically follows a bell-shaped curve, hence
the name. While the precise shape can vary according to the distribution of the population,
the peak is always in the middle and the curve is always symmetrical.
Bell curves are useful for quickly visualizing a data set's mean, mode and median because
when the distribution is normal, the mean, median and mode are all the same.
The long tail refers to the part of the bell curve that stretches out in either direction. If the
diagram above represents a population under study, the fat area under the bell curve is where
most of the population falls.
The 68-95-99 Rule
The 68-95-99 rule tells us how the data in a normal distribution will be clumped. We know
that roughly 68% (or more accurately 68.2%) of the data that is collected will be within one
standard deviation from the mean. The graph below illustrates it.
If we look at data that is two standard deviations from the mean, we should be looking at
roughly 95% (or more accurately 95.4%) of the total data. Again, this is illustrated below.
Looking at data that is within three standard deviations from the mean, we will find roughly
99% (actually closer to 99.7%) of the total data collected. Look at the illustration below.
Problem:
In Mrs. Espinol’s class of 25 students, the average score on the final exam is 85,
with a standard deviation of seven.
Draw the bell curve for the exam scores.
