Math Problem Statement

Suppose exam scores are normally distributed with a mean of 77% and a standard deviation of 8%. What percentage of the class scored between 70% and 100%?

Solution

To determine the percentage of the class that scored between 70% and 100%, we use the properties of the normal distribution and the z-score formula:

Step 1: Z-Score Formula

The z-score formula is:
z=xμσz = \frac{x - \mu}{\sigma}
Where:

  • xx: The raw score
  • μ=77%\mu = 77\%: The mean
  • σ=8%\sigma = 8\%: The standard deviation

Step 2: Calculate the Z-Scores

We compute the z-scores for x=70%x = 70\% and x=100%x = 100\%:

a) For x=70%x = 70\%:

z=70778=78=0.875z = \frac{70 - 77}{8} = \frac{-7}{8} = -0.875

b) For x=100%x = 100\%:

z=100778=238=2.875z = \frac{100 - 77}{8} = \frac{23}{8} = 2.875


Step 3: Use the Z-Table or Normal Distribution Calculator

The z-score allows us to find the cumulative probability from the standard normal distribution table (or a calculator).

a) Probability for z=0.875z = -0.875:

From the z-table:
P(Z0.875)=0.1908P(Z \leq -0.875) = 0.1908
So, the probability above this z-score is:
P(Z>0.875)=10.1908=0.8092P(Z > -0.875) = 1 - 0.1908 = 0.8092

b) Probability for z=2.875z = 2.875:

From the z-table:
P(Z2.875)=0.9979P(Z \leq 2.875) = 0.9979


Step 4: Subtract the Probabilities

The percentage of the class scoring between 70%70\% and 100%100\% is the difference between the two probabilities:
P(70X100)=P(Z2.875)P(Z0.875)P(70 \leq X \leq 100) = P(Z \leq 2.875) - P(Z \leq -0.875)
Substitute the values:
P(70X100)=0.99790.1908=0.8071P(70 \leq X \leq 100) = 0.9979 - 0.1908 = 0.8071


Final Answer:

The percentage of the class scoring between 70% and 100% is approximately 80.71%.


Would you like further clarification or details? 😊

Related Questions:

  1. How would the percentage change if the mean shifted to 80%?
  2. What is the probability of scoring below 70%?
  3. What z-scores correspond to the top 10% of the class?
  4. How is the normal distribution applied in real-world exam scenarios?
  5. How do you calculate percentages for scores between any two given limits?

Tip:

When using a z-table, always check if it provides cumulative probabilities from the left or areas above the z-score to avoid confusion!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Normal Distribution
Z-Scores
Probability

Formulas

z = (x - μ) / σ
P(a ≤ X ≤ b) = P(Z ≤ zb) - P(Z ≤ za)

Theorems

Properties of the Standard Normal Distribution

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12