Math Problem Statement

The graph illustrates a normal distribution for the prices paid for a particular model of HD television. The mean price paid is $1600 and the standard deviation is $80.

1360144015201600168017601840Distribution of Prices

Solution

To analyze the normal distribution of the HD television prices based on the provided information, we can break down the key components:

  1. Mean (μ\mu): The average price paid is $1600.
  2. Standard Deviation (σ\sigma): The standard deviation is $80.

Interpreting the Normal Distribution:

A normal distribution is symmetric around its mean. The prices are spread out with a bell-shaped curve, and the standard deviation helps us understand the spread of the data around the mean.

Important Intervals:

  • Within 1 standard deviation (μ±σ\mu \pm \sigma):

    • Range: $1600 ±\pm 80 = [$1520, $1680]$
    • Approximately 68% of the prices paid fall within this range.
  • Within 2 standard deviations (μ±2σ\mu \pm 2\sigma):

    • Range: $1600 ±\pm 160 = [$1440, $1760]$
    • Approximately 95% of the prices fall within this range.
  • Within 3 standard deviations (μ±3σ\mu \pm 3\sigma):

    • Range: $1600 ±\pm 240 = [$1360, $1840]$
    • Approximately 99.7% of the prices fall within this range.

Visual Representation:

  • The curve is centered at $1600.
  • It extends from approximately $1360 to $1840, covering almost all possible prices.

Application:

Knowing these intervals allows you to estimate the likelihood of a given price. For example, if someone paid $1680, they are within 1 standard deviation of the mean, meaning they paid a price that is quite common.

Next Steps:

Would you like to dive deeper into any particular aspect of this distribution, such as calculating probabilities or exploring how prices compare to the mean?


Here are five related questions to explore further:

  1. What is the probability of paying more than $1680 for the HD television?
  2. How do you calculate the Z-score for a price of $1440?
  3. What percentage of prices fall between $1520 and $1760?
  4. If the standard deviation increased, how would that affect the spread of prices?
  5. What is the significance of the area under the curve in a normal distribution?

Tip: In a normal distribution, the mean, median, and mode are all equal and located at the center of the distribution.