Continuous Probability

Distributions
• LO7-1 Describe the uniform probability distribution and use
it to calculate probabilities.
• LO7-2 Describe the characteristics of a normal probability
distribution.
• LO7-3 Describe the standard normal probability distribution
and use it to calculate probabilities.
 LO7-1 Describe the uniform probability
distribution and use it to calculate probabilities.

THE UNIFORM PROBABILITY

DISTRIBUTION IS THE
SIMPLEST DISTRIBUTION FOR A
CONTINUOUS RANDOM VARIABLE.
This distribution is rectangular in
shape and is defined by minimum
(a) and maximum (b) values.
Area = 1
The area of the rectangle
(distribution) represent
Chart 7 – 1 A Continuous Uniform Distribution
probabilities. The total area of
rectangle should be 1.
 EXAMPLES OF UNIFORM
DISTRIBUTION
• The sales of gasoline at the Kwik Fill in Medina, New York,
follow a uniform distribution that varies between 2,000 and
5,000 gallons per day. The random variable is the number of
gallons sold per day and is continuous within the interval
between 2,000 gallons and 5,000 gallons.

• Volunteers at the Grand Strand Public Library prepare

federal income tax forms. The time to prepare form 1040-
EZ follows a uniform distribution over the interval between
10 minutes and 30 minutes. The random variable is the
number of minutes to complete the form, and it can
assume any value between10 and 30.
 LO7-1

KNOWING THE MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM VALUES OF A

UNIFORM DISTRIBUTION, WE CAN DEFINE THE
PROBABILITY FUNCTION, AND CALCULATE THE MEAN,
VARIANCE, AND STANDARD DEVIATION OF THE
DISTRIBUTION.
1
Uniform Distribution P(x) = b − a if a ≤ x ≤ b and 0 elsewhere.

Mean of the Uniform Distribution μ =

a +b
2

𝑏−𝑎 2
Standard Deviation Uniform Distribution σ =
12
 LO7-1

SOUTHWEST ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY PROVIDES BUS SERVICE TO

STUDENTS WHILE THEY ARE ON CAMPUS. A BUS ARRIVES AT THE
NORTH MAIN STREET AND COLLEGE DRIVE STOP EVERY 30 MINUTES
BETWEEN 6 A.M. AND 11 P.M. DURING WEEKDAYS. STUDENTS ARRIVE
AT THE BUS STOP AT RANDOM TIMES. THE TIME THAT A STUDENT
WAITS IS UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED FROM 0 TO 30 MINUTES.

1. Draw a graph of this distribution.

2. Show that the area of this uniform distribution is 1.00.
3. How long will a student “typically” have to wait for a bus? In other
words what is the mean waiting time? What is the standard deviation of
the waiting times?
4. What is the probability a student will wait more than 25 minutes?
5. What is the probability a student will wait between 10 and 20 minutes?
EXAMPLE UNIFORM DISTRIBUTION
1. Graph of uniformly distributed waiting times between 0
and 30.
 EXAMPLE UNIFORM
DISTRIBUTION
1
2. Area of rectangle = (height)(base) = × (30 − 0) = 1.00
30−0

𝑎 +b 0+30
3. Mean = μ = = = 15min
2 2
So the typical wait time for bus service is 15 minutes.

𝑏−𝑎 2 30−0 2
Standard Deviation = σ = = = 8.66
12 12
This measure the variation in the student wait times.
EXAMPLE UNIFORM
DISTRIBUTION
4.
P(25 < wait time < 30) =
1

30 − 0 (5) = 0.1667

1
5.
P(10 < wait time < 20) = 30 − 0 (10) = 0.3333
 LO7-1

MICROWAVE OVENS ONLY LAST SO LONG. THE LIFE-TIME

OF A MICROWAVE OVEN FOLLOWS A UNIFORM
DISTRIBUTION BETWEEN 8 AND 14 YEARS.

a) Draw this uniform distribution. What are the height and base values?
b) Show the total area under the curve is 1.00.
c) Calculate the mean and the standard deviation of this distribution.
d) What is the probability a particular microwave oven lasts between 10
and 14 years?
e) What is the probability a microwave oven will last less than 9 years?
 SOLUTION TO SELF
REVIEW 7 - 1
a)
Graph

1
b) P(x) 14 − (14 – 8) = 1.00
= 8
𝑎 +b 14+8
c) Mean = μ = = = 11years
2 2
𝑏−𝑎 2 14−8 2
Standard Deviation = σ = = = 1.73
12 12
 SOLUTION TO SELF
REVIEW 7 - 1
1
d) P(10 < x < 14) = 14 − 8 (14 – 10) = 0. 667

1
e) P(x < 9) = (9 – 8) = 0.167
14 −
8
QUESTION
NO. 2, 3, 4, 6, 41, 42, 44
 LO7-2 Describe the characteristics of
a normal probability distribution.

 It is bell-shaped and has a single peak at the center of the distribution.

 It is symmetrical about the mean.
 The arithmetic mean, median, and mode are equal.
 It is asymptotic: The curve gets closer and closer to the x-axis but never
actually touches it. To put it another way, the tails of the curve extend
indefinitely in both directions.
 the total area under the normal curve is defined to be 1.
 Because the distribution is symmetrical, half the area (50%) under the
normal curve is to the right of the mean, and the other half (50%) to the left
of it.
LO7-2
 𝑥−𝜇 2
1 −
𝑃 𝑥 = 𝑒 2𝜎 2
𝜎 2𝜋
 LO7-2

As the SD gets
smaller the
distribution gets
more narrow and
peaked.

Equal Means and Different Standard Deviations Different Means and Standard Deviations

As the mean
changes the
normal curve
shifts right or left
Different Means and Equal Standard Deviations
 LO7-3 Describe the standard normal probability
distribution and use it to calculate probabilities.

• The standard normal distribution is a normal distribution with a

mean of 0 and a standard deviation of 1.
• It is also called the z distribution.
• A z-value or z-score is the signed distance between a selected
value, x and the population mean, , divided by the population
standard deviation, σ.
• The formula is: 𝑥−𝜇
𝑧=
𝜎
Regardless of the value of the mean, and standard deviation of actual data, the
standard normal distribution has mean always 0 and standard deviation 1.
 LO7-3

P(0 < z < 1.5) = 0.4332

 LO7-3

•Step 1: Standardization; Find the z-value for a particular

value of random variable x.

Step 2: Use z-value and the standard normal distribution table to

find the probability.
 LO7-3

SUPPOSE THE WEEKLY INCOME OF UBER DRIVERS FOLLOWS

THE NORMAL PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTION WITH A MEAN
OF $1,000 AND A STANDARD DEVIATION OF $100. WHAT IS
THE Z VALUE OF INCOME FOR A DRIVER WHO EARNS $1,100
PER WEEK? FOR A DRIVER WHO EARNS $900 PER WEEK?
Solution:
For x = $1,100 For x = $900
𝑥−𝜇 1100−1000 𝑥−𝜇 900−1000
z= = =1 z= = = –1
𝜎 100 𝜎 100
 LO7-3

A RECENT NATIONAL SURVEY CONCLUDED THAT THE TYPICAL PERSON CONSUMES

48 OUNCES OF WATER PER DAY. ASSUME DAILY WATER CONSUMPTION FOLLOWS A
NORMAL PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTION WITH A STANDARD DEVIATION OF 12.8 OUNCES.
a) What is the z value for a person who consumes 64 ounces of water per day?
Based on this z value, how does this person compare to the national average?
b) What is the z value for a person who consumes 32 ounces of water per day?
Based on this z value, how does this person compare to the national average?
Solution:
a) For x = 64 ounces b) For x = 32ounces
𝑥−𝜇
z= 𝜎 =
64−48
=12.8
1.25 z = 𝑥 −𝜇
𝜎
= 32−48
12.8
= –1.25
This person’s difference of 16 ounces This person’s difference of 16 ounces
more than average is 1.25 standard less than average is 1.25 standard
deviations above the average. deviations below the average.
 LO7-3

• For z = 1, the table’s value is

0.3413; times 2 is 0.6826.
• For z = 2, the table’s value is
0.4772; times 2 is 0.9544.
• For z = 3, the table’s value is
0.4987; times 2 is 0.9974.
 LO7-3

AS PART OF ITS QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM, THE

AUTOLITE BATTERY COMPANY CONDUCTS TESTS ON
BATTERY LIFE. FOR A PARTICULAR D-CELL ALKALINE
BATTERY, THE MEAN LIFE IS 19 HOURS. THE USEFUL LIFE OF
THE BATTERY FOLLOWS A NORMAL DISTRIBUTION WITH A
STANDARD DEVIATION OF
1.2 hours. Answer the following questions.
1. About 68% of the batteries failed between what two values?
2. About 95% of the batteries failed between what two values?
3. Virtually all of the batteries failed between what two v2a5
SOLUTION TO
EXAMPLE
• We can use the Empirical Rule to answer these questions.
• 1. About 68% of the batteries will fail
between 17.8 and
• 20.2 hours, found by 19.0 ± 1(1.2) hours.
• 2. About 95% of the batteries will fail
between 16.6 and
• 21.4 hours, found by 19.0 ± 2(1.2) hours.
• 3. Practically all failed between 15.4 and
22.6 hours, found
• by 19.0 ± 3(1.2) hours.
 LO7-3

THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE ANNUAL INCOMES OF

GROUP OF MIDDLE-
management employees at Compton Plastics approximates a
normal distribution with a mean of $47,200 and a standard
deviation of $800.
a) About 68% of the incomes lie between what two amounts?
b) About 95% of the incomes lie between what two amounts?
c) Almost all of the incomes lie between what two amounts?
d) What are the median and the modal incomes?
e) Is the distribution of incomes symmetrical?
 SOLUTION TO
EXAMPLE
We can use the Empirical Rule to answer these questions.
a) $46,400 and $48,000, found by $47,200 ± 1($800).
b) $45,600 and $48,800, found by $47,200 ± 2($800).
c) $44,800 and $49,600, found by $47,200 ± 3($800).
d) $47,200. The mean, median, and mode are equal for a
normal distribution.
e) Yes, a normal distribution is always symmetrical.
 LO7-3

IN AN EARLIER EXAMPLE WE REPORTED THAT THE MEAN

WEEKLY INCOME OF UBER DRIVERS FOLLOWED THE
NORMAL DISTRIBUTION WITH A
mean of $1,000 and a standard
deviation of $100. That is, μ = $1,000
and σ = $100.

What is the likelihood of selecting a

driver whose weekly income is between
$1,000 and $1,100?
LO7-3
 LO7-3

THE EXCEL FUNCTION:

=NORM.DIST(X,MEAN,STANDARD_DEV,CUMU)
=NORM.DIST(1100,1000,100,true)
calculates the probability (area) for z = 1.

In Minitab:
Go to Calc then
Probability
dist. and select
“Normal”.
 LO7-3

Refer to the information regarding the

weekly income of Uber drivers. The
distribution of weekly incomes follows
the normal probability distribution, with
a mean of $1,000 and a standard
deviation of $100.
1. What is the probability of selecting a
driver whose income is between $790
and $1,000?
2. Less than $790? The probability of selecting a shift foreman with
income less than $790 is 0.5 - 0.4821 = 0.0179
THE TEMPERATURE OF COFFEE SOLD
AT THE COFFEE BEAN CAFE FOLLOWS
THE NORMAL PROBABILITY
DISTRIBUTION, WITH A MEAN OF 150 a) Computing z:
DEGREES. THE STANDARD DEVIATION 154 − 150 = 0.80
OF THIS DISTRIBUTION IS 5 DEGREES. z= 5
Referring to Appendix B.3, the area is
a) What is the probability that the 0.2881. So
coffee temperature is between 150 P (150 < temp < 154) = 0.2881.
degrees and 154 degrees? b) Computing z:
z=
164 − 150 = 2.80
b) What is the probability that the 5
coffee temperature is more than Referring to Appendix B.3, the area is
164 degrees? 0.4974. So
P (temp > 164) = 0.5 − 0.4974 =
0.0026
 LO7-3

Refer to the information

regarding the weekly income of Uber
driver. The distribution of weekly incomes
follows the normal probability
distribution with a mean of $1,000 and a
standard deviation of $100. 0.4452 + 0.4772 = 0.9224

What is the probability of selecting

an Uber driver whose income
is between
$840 and $1,200?
 LO7-3

Refer to the information regarding the

weekly income of Uber drivers. The
distribution of weekly incomes follows the
normal probability distribution with a
mean of $1,000 and a standard deviation
of $100.

What is the probability of selecting a

driver whose income is between $1,150
and $1,250?
 LO7-3

Layton Tire and Rubber Company wishes to set a

minimum mileage guarantee on its new MX100 tire.
Tests reveal the mean mileage is 67,900 with a
standard deviation of 2,050 miles and that the
distribution of miles follows the normal distribution.
Layton wants to set the minimum guaranteed
mileage so that no more than 4% of the tires will
have to be replaced.
What minimum guaranteed mileage should Layton
announce?
LO7-3
 LO7-3

THE EXCEL FUNCTION:

=NORM.INV(PROBABILITY,MEAN,STANDARD_DEV)
=NORM.INV(0.04,67900,2050)
calculates the x = 64311.
• An analysis of the final test scores for Introduction to Business reveals the scores
follow the normal probability distribution. The mean of the distribution is 75 and
the standard deviation is 8. The professor wants to award an A to students whose
score is in the highest 10%. What is the dividing point for those students who earn
an A and those earning a B?
Solution:
In normal probability table, the closest area to 0.4000 is 0.3997, which
corresponds to z = 1.28. Then:
1.28 = 𝑥 −875
10.24 = x − 75  x = 85.24
Question No.
10,
12,
15,
20,
21,
27,
29,
30,
A uniform distribution is defined over the interval from 2 to 5.
a. What are the values for a and b?
b. What is the mean of this uniform distribution?
c. What is the standard deviation?
d. Show that the probability of any value between 2 and 5 is equal to
1.0.
e. What is the probability that the random variable is more than 2.6?
f. What is the probability that the random variable is between 2.9
and 3.7?
g. What is the probability that the random variable is equal to 4.25?
The mean of a normal probability distribution is 60; the
standard deviation is 5.a. About what percent of the
observations lie between 55 and 65?
b. About what percent of the observations lie between 50
and 70?
c. About what percent of the observations lie between 45
and 75?
The mean hourly pay of an American Airlines flight attendant is
normally distributed with a mean of $29.81 per hour and a
standard deviation of $9.31 per hour. What is the probability that
the hourly pay of a randomly selected flight attendant:
a. Is between the mean and $35.00 per hour?
b. Is more than $35.00 per hour?
c. Is less than $20.00 per hour?
In New York State, the mean salary for high school teachers in
2017 was $81,410 with a standard deviation of $9,500. Only
Alaska’s mean salary was higher! Assume New York’s state
salaries follow a normal distribution.
a. What percent of New York’s state high school teachers earn
between $70,000and $75,000?
b. What percent of New York’s state high school teachers earn
between $75,000and $90,000?
c. What percent of New York’s state high school teachers earn
less than $60,000?
The manufacturer of a laser printer reports the mean number of
pages a cartridge will print before it needs replacing is 12,200.
The distribution of pages printed per cartridge closely follows
the normal probability distribution and the standard deviation
is 820 pages. The manufacturer wants to provide guidelines to
potential customers as to how long they can expect a cartridge
to last. How many pages should the manufacturer advertise for
each cartridge if it wants to be correct 99% of the time?