Math Problem Statement

The IQ of a population is normally distributed with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 10. What is the probability that an individual’s IQ is between 80 and 110?

Solution

To determine the probability that an individual's IQ is between 80 and 110, we use the properties of the normal distribution. Specifically, we calculate the z-scores for 80 and 110, then find the probabilities corresponding to these z-scores using the standard normal distribution table or software.

Step 1: Calculate the z-scores

The formula for the z-score is:

z=xμσz = \frac{x - \mu}{\sigma}

Where:

  • xx is the value
  • μ\mu is the mean (100100)
  • σ\sigma is the standard deviation (1010)

For x=80x = 80: z=8010010=2z = \frac{80 - 100}{10} = -2

For x=110x = 110: z=11010010=1z = \frac{110 - 100}{10} = 1

Step 2: Find the probabilities for these z-scores

Using the standard normal distribution:

  • The cumulative probability for z=2z = -2 is approximately P(Z2)=0.0228P(Z \leq -2) = 0.0228.
  • The cumulative probability for z=1z = 1 is approximately P(Z1)=0.8413P(Z \leq 1) = 0.8413.

Step 3: Calculate the probability between 80 and 110

The probability that an individual’s IQ is between 80 and 110 is:

P(80X110)=P(Z1)P(Z2)P(80 \leq X \leq 110) = P(Z \leq 1) - P(Z \leq -2)

Substitute the values: P(80X110)=0.84130.0228=0.8185P(80 \leq X \leq 110) = 0.8413 - 0.0228 = 0.8185

Final Answer:

The probability that an individual’s IQ is between 80 and 110 is 0.8185, or approximately 81.85%.


Would you like a detailed breakdown or explanation of the normal distribution? Here are some follow-up questions to explore this topic:

  1. How do we interpret z-scores in the context of probabilities?
  2. What tools can be used to calculate probabilities for normal distributions?
  3. What is the significance of the area under the curve in a normal distribution?
  4. How would the probability change if the standard deviation were larger or smaller?
  5. Can you explain the empirical rule (68-95-99.7 rule) in relation to this example?

Tip: For quick calculations, keep a standard normal distribution table or a scientific calculator with statistical functions handy!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Normal Distribution
Probability
Z-scores

Formulas

z = (x - μ) / σ
P(a ≤ X ≤ b) = P(Z ≤ z_b) - P(Z ≤ z_a)

Theorems

Properties of the Normal Distribution

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12