Math Problem Statement

Consider the following set of three​ distributions, all of which are drawn to the same scale. Identify the two distributions that are normal. Of the two normal​ distributions, which one has the larger​ variation? x y

Quadrant one of a coordinate plane has a horizontal x-axis and a vertical y-axis. A smooth curve begins at the origin, rises sharply to a maximum and falls sharply to the x-axis. x y

Quadrant one of a coordinate plane has a horizontal x-axis and a vertical y-axis. A smooth curve begins just above the origin, rises gradually to a maximum and falls gradually to just above the x-axis. x y

Quadrant one of a coordinate plane has a horizontal x-axis and a vertical y-axis. A smooth curve begins at the origin, rises sharply to a maximum and falls gradually to just above the x-axis. ​(a) ​(b) ​(c) Question content area bottom Part 1 The two normal distributions are ▼ (a) and (c) (b) and (c) (a) and (b) ​, where ▼ (b) (c) (a) has the larger standard deviation.

Solution

To determine which of the given curves represent normal distributions and which has the larger variation, let's break down the descriptions:

  1. (a) Curve Description:

    • Starts at the origin, rises sharply to a maximum, then falls sharply to the x-axis.
    • This curve does not seem to resemble a normal distribution because it is too "sharp" on both sides. Normal distributions are smoother with gradual tails.
  2. (b) Curve Description:

    • Starts just above the origin, rises gradually to a maximum, and then falls gradually, stopping just above the x-axis.
    • This curve looks like a normal distribution. It has a smooth, symmetric rise and fall, which is characteristic of a normal distribution.
  3. (c) Curve Description:

    • Starts at the origin, rises sharply to a maximum, then falls gradually to just above the x-axis.
    • This curve may also be considered a normal distribution because it still follows a general bell-shaped curve, although it is skewed slightly.

Identifying the Two Normal Distributions

The two normal distributions are (b) and (c), as they exhibit the smooth and symmetric rise and fall associated with normal curves.

Determining the Larger Standard Deviation

Standard deviation measures the spread or variation in a distribution. A distribution with a gradual rise and fall typically has a larger spread, indicating a larger standard deviation.

  • (b) rises and falls gradually, implying a larger standard deviation.
  • (c) rises sharply and falls gradually, indicating a smaller variation.

Thus, (b) has the larger standard deviation.

Final Answer:

  • The two normal distributions are (b) and (c).
  • Of these, (b) has the larger standard deviation.

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions for further exploration:

  1. What is a normal distribution, and why is it important in statistics?
  2. How does standard deviation affect the shape of a normal distribution?
  3. Can a normal distribution be skewed, or must it always be symmetric?
  4. How would the height of a normal distribution curve relate to its standard deviation?
  5. How can we calculate standard deviation given a dataset?

Tip: A higher standard deviation in a normal distribution results in a wider and flatter curve, while a lower standard deviation produces a narrower and taller curve.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Statistics
Normal Distribution
Standard Deviation

Formulas

Standard deviation formula: σ = sqrt(Σ(xi - μ)^2 / N)

Theorems

68-95-99.7 rule of normal distribution
Empirical Rule in normal distributions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12