Name Class Date

4-4 Enrichment
Graphing a Function Rule
The bell curve or “normal curve” is a graph
that is shaped like a bell. It lies entirely
above the x-axis. The area between the
curve and the x-axis is exactly 1. This area
is infinitely wide since the curve never
quite touches the axis.
The bell curve at the right shows the
average height of men. The far left corner
shows the small number of very short men.
Moving to the middle of the graph, the
curve rises as the majority of the male
population is of average height. The right
hand corner of the graph shows the small
number of particularly tall men. The curve
resembles a classic bell shape.
Note that the curve shows only heights from 4’11” to 6’6”. While there are men with
heights less than 4’11” and men with heights greater than 6’6”, the number of men at
these heights is very small compared to the number of men at heights between 4’11”
and 6’6”. The number is so small that it would be difficult to show on this graph.

For Exercises 1–3, use the graph.

1. What is the average height of a man?

2. Are most men under 5’10”? Explain.

3. Draw a conclusion about how tall most men are. Explain.

4. Reasoning Describe three real-world relationships that could be represented by

a bell curve.

Prentice Hall Algebra 1 • Teaching Resources

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