Math Problem Statement

Consider a multiple-choice test with five questions, each with four possible choices. As is usually the case, there is only one correct answer for each question (meaning that there are three incorrect answers for each question). Unfortunately, you didn’t study for this test, so you have to resort to randomly guessing on each question. Let the discrete random variable X represent the number of questions you answer correctly. Suppose the test scores of the class are normally distributed with a class average of 3.4 correct answers and a standard deviation of 0.7. What is the probability that a test score is below 2? (Round to the nearest ten-thousandth, four decimal places.)

Solution

To solve this, we need to determine the probability that a test score is below 2, given that test scores follow a normal distribution with a mean μ=3.4\mu = 3.4 and a standard deviation σ=0.7\sigma = 0.7.

The probability can be found by calculating the ZZ-score for X=2X = 2 and then finding the corresponding probability from the standard normal distribution.

Step 1: Calculate the ZZ-score

The ZZ-score formula is: Z=XμσZ = \frac{X - \mu}{\sigma} where:

  • X=2X = 2,
  • μ=3.4\mu = 3.4, and
  • σ=0.7\sigma = 0.7.

Substitute the values: Z=23.40.7=1.40.7=2Z = \frac{2 - 3.4}{0.7} = \frac{-1.4}{0.7} = -2

Step 2: Find the probability corresponding to Z=2Z = -2

Using a standard normal distribution table or calculator, we find the probability that ZZ is less than 2-2: P(Z<2)0.0228P(Z < -2) \approx 0.0228

Conclusion

The probability that a test score is below 2 is approximately 0.0228.

Would you like further explanation on any steps?

  1. What is a Z-score, and how is it used in probability?
  2. How does the normal distribution relate to real-world examples?
  3. How can we use the cumulative distribution function (CDF) in normal distribution problems?
  4. What is the significance of standard deviation in the normal distribution?
  5. Why is it important to round probabilities in statistics?

Tip: When using Z-scores, remember that the Z-score tells you how many standard deviations a point is from the mean. This is very useful for understanding probabilities in normal distributions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Normal Distribution
Probability
Z-score Calculation

Formulas

Z = (X - μ) / σ
P(Z < -2) ≈ 0.0228

Theorems

Normal Distribution Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grade 11-12