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 and a standard deviation .
The probability can be found by calculating the -score for and then finding the corresponding probability from the standard normal distribution.
Step 1: Calculate the -score
The -score formula is: where:
- ,
- , and
- .
Substitute the values:
Step 2: Find the probability corresponding to
Using a standard normal distribution table or calculator, we find the probability that is less than :
Conclusion
The probability that a test score is below 2 is approximately 0.0228.
Would you like further explanation on any steps?
- What is a Z-score, and how is it used in probability?
- How does the normal distribution relate to real-world examples?
- How can we use the cumulative distribution function (CDF) in normal distribution problems?
- What is the significance of standard deviation in the normal distribution?
- 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
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