Chapter 16 – The normal distribution

Solutions to Exercise 16A

1 4 a using CAS calculator, integral = 1
Z ∞
b i E(X) = x f (x)dx
−∞
∞
 2
x −1 x+4
Z
= √ e 2 5 dx
−∞ 5 2π

2 (c) appears to be the only normally ii using CAS calculator, integral =

distributed curve −4
Z ∞
c i E(X ) =
2
x2 f (x)dx
3 a using CAS calculator, integral = 1 −∞
∞
x2
Z
Z ∞ = √
b i E(X) = x f (x)dx −∞ 5 2π
−∞  2
1 x+4
∞
 2 −2 5
x −1 x−2 × e dx
Z
= √ e 2 3 dx
−∞ 3 2π
ii E(X 2 ) = 41
ii using CAS calculator, integral=2 √
Z ∞ iii σ = σ2
c i E(X ) =
2
x2 f (x)dx
p
= E(X 2 ) − [E(X)]2
−∞
Z ∞ √
x = 41 − 16
= √
−∞ 3 2π
 2 =5
1 x−2
−
× e 2 3 dx
 2
1 1 x−3
−
ii using CAS calculator, integral = 5 f (x) = √ e 2 10
13 10 2π
√ a µ=3
iii σ = σ2
p σ = 10
= E(X 2 ) − [E(X)]2   x − 3
√ read off
= 13 − 4 10
=3

section of the equation

713

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
 b 8 a translation + 3 along the x-axis
(µ = 3)
dilation factor 2 from the y-axis
(σ = 2)
1
dilation factor from the x-axis
2
 2 b translation + 3 along the x-axis
1 −1 x+3
6 f (x) = √ e 2 1 (µ = 3)
2π 1
dilation factor from the y-axis
2
a µ = −3,  1
σ=
σ=1 2
dilation factor 2 from the x-axis
  x + 3
read off
1 c translation −3 along the x-axis
(µ = −3)

section of the equation
dilation factor 2 from the y-axis
(σ = 2)
b 1
dilation factor from the x-axis
2

9 a translation −3 along the x-axis

(µ = 3)
dilation factor 2 from the x-axis
1
dilation factor from the y-axis
 2 2
1 −1 x+0
(σ = 2)
7 f (x) = √ e 2 3
9 2π
b translation −3 along the x-axis
a µ=0 (µ = 3)
1
σ=3 dilation factor from the x-axis
  x + 0 2
read off dilation factor 2 from the y-axis
3
 1
σ=
 2
section of the equation
c translation +3 along the x-axis
b (µ = −3)
dilation factor 2 from the x-axis
1
dilation factor from the y-axis
2
(σ = 2)

714

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
 Solutions to Exercise 16B
1 a 16% 1 − 0.68
b ≈ = 0.16 i.e. 16%
2
b 16 %
8 a ≈ 68%
c 2.5 %
100% − 68%
b ≈ = 16%
d 2.5 % 2
100% − 95%
c ≈ = 2.5%
2 a µ ≈ 135 2

3σ ≈ 15
9 a ≈ 95%
σ≈5
100% − 68%
b ≈ = 16%
b µ ≈ 10 2

3σ ≈ 4 c = 50%, since the mean = the median

for normal distributions
4
σ≈
3 d ≈ 99.7%

3 a ≈ 68% 160 − 160

10 a =0
100% − 68% 8
b ≈ = 16%
2 150 − 160
b = −1.25
100% − 99.7% 8
c ≈ = 0.15%
2 172 − 160
c = 1.5
8
4 µ − 2σ and µ + 2σ
27.3 − 6.2 and 27.3 + 6.2
256 − 270
answer: 11 a = −1.4
10
21.1 and 33.5
281 − 270
b = 1.1
10
5 one; 95; 99.7; three
305 − 270
c = 3.5
10
1 − 0.95
6 ≈ = 0.025, i.e. 2.5% 85 − 78
2 12 Michael has a score of = 1.4
5
standard deviations
1 − 0.68 27 − 18
7 a ≈ = 0.16, i.e. 16% Cheryl has a score of = 1.5
2 6
standard deviations
∴ Cheryl performed better

715

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
 77 − 68.5 Sue:
13 Biology score is ≈ 1.73
4.9 15 − 15
standard deviations French: =0
79 − 75.3 5
History score is ≈ 0.90 42 − 35
4.1 English: = 0.7
standard deviations 10
19 − 20
∴ the student did better in Biology Mathematics: = −0.2
5
b i Mary
14 a
Mary: ii Mary
19 − 15
French: =1
4 iii Steve
42 − 35
English: = 0.875
8 c if all the subjects are weighted
20 − 20
Mathematics: =0 equally, Mary is the best student,
5
Steve: since her total standardised mark is
21 − 23 higher
French: = −0.5
4
39 − 42
English: = −1
3
23 − 18
Mathematics: = 1.25
4

716

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
 Solutions to Exercise 16C
1 a 0.9772 4 a 0.0214

b 0.9938 b 0.9270

c 0.9938 c 0.0441

d 0.9943 d 0.1311

e 0.0228
5 c = 1.2816
f 0.0668

g 0.3669 6 c = 0.6745

h 0.1562
7 c = 1.96

2 a 0.9772
8 −1.6449
b 0.6915
9 −0.8416
c 0.9938

d 0.9003 10 −1.2816

e 0.0228
11 −1.9600
f 0.0099

g 0.0359 12 a 0.9522

h 0.1711 b 0.7977

c 0.0478
3 a 0.6826
d 0.1547
b 0.9544

c 0.9974
These results are vary close to the
‘68%–95%–99.7%’ rule.

717

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
 13 a 0.9452 d c = 33.5143

b 0.2119 e k = 13.02913

c 0.9452 f c1 = 8.28; c2 = 35.72

(assumed symmetrical about the
d 0.1571 mean)

14 a 9.2897 18 a 0.9772
b 8.5631 b Pr(x < 11 | x < 13)
Pr(0 x < 11 | 0 ∩ 0 x < 130 )
=
15 a c = 10 Pr(x < |3)
Pr(x < 11)
b k = 15.88 =
Pr(x < 13)
0.9772
=
16 a a = 0.994 0.9999
= 0.9772
b b = 1.96
c 10.822
c c = 2.968
d 9.5792

17 a 0.7161 e c2 = 10.98; c1 = 9.02

(assumed symmetrical about the
b 0.0965 mean)
c Pr(x < 26 | 25 < x < 27)
Pr(0 x < 260 ∩ 0 15 < x < 27)
=
Pr(25 < x < 27)
Pr(25 < x < 26)
=
0.096 · · ·
= 0.5204

718

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
 Solutions to Exercise 16D
1 a i 0.2525 5 mean = 1.55 kg; sd = 0.194 kg

ii 0.0478
6 a 36.9%
iii Pr(IQ > 130 | IQ > 110)
b 69
Pr(IQ > 130)
=
Pr(IQ > 110)
0.0227 · · · 7 a 0.0228
=
0.2524 · · ·
= 0.0901 b 0.0005

b 124.7 c If Y is the number with heights

exceeding 190 cm, then Y is Binomial
with n = 10, P = 0.02275 . . .
2 a i 0.7340 Pr(Y ≥ 2) = Pr(2 ≤ Y ≤ 10)
ii 0.8944 = 0.0206
using a CAS calculator’s ‘bimom
iii Pr(> 170 | between | 68 &174) CAS’ function.
Pr(between 170 &174)
=
Pr(between 168 &174) 8 a Pr(X < 295) = 0.05
0.0655 · · · 295 − 300
= Pr(Z < = 0.05
0.1185 · · · σ
5
= 0.5531 = −1.6449
σ
σ = 3.04 grams
b 170.25 cm
b Pr(X < 340) = 0.02
c 153.267 cm 340 − µ
Pr(Z < = 0.02
5
340 − µ
3 a i 0.0766 = −2.0537
5
µ = 350.27 grams
ii 0.9998

iii 0.1531 9 1004 ml

b 57.3
10 a small 0.1587
medium 0.7745
4 a 10.56% large 0.0668

b 78.51%

719

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
 b Expected cost 12 a 0.0228, 0.1587
= 100 × $(2.80 × 0.1587 + 3.50
b Let x be the amount of chemical in a
× 0.7745 + 5.00 × 0.0688) type A call, so x is normal with mean
= $348.92 10 and sd 1 Let Y be the amount
of chemical in a type 1 cell, so y is
normal with mean 14 and sd 2
11 a i 0.1169
Pr(x < c) = Pr(y > c)
 x − 10 c − 10   y − 14
ii 17.7 Pr < = Pr
1 1 2
b 0.0284 c − 14 
>
2
 c − 14 
i.e. Pr(z < c − 10) = Pr z >
2
where z has a standard normal
distribution. Since the graph of
y = f (z) is symmetrical about the
c − 14
y-axis, the number c − 10 cm
2
are equidistant from the original.
c − 14
Hence = −(c − 10)
2
c − 14 = −2c + 20
3c = 34
34
c= .
3

720

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
 Solutions to Exercise 16E
1 µ = np = 16
1 n = 100, p =
6 σ = np(1 − p) ≈ 6.898
p
100
µ = np = ≈ 16.667
6
a Pr(10 ≤ X < 20) = 0.7834
σ = np(1 − p) ≈ 3.727
p
calculator
Pr(X > 10) = 0.9632 calculator
b Pr(X ≥ 15) = 0.0108 calculator
2 n = 300, p = 0.5
µ = np = 150 5 n = 200, p = 0.4
σ = np(1 − p) ≈ 8.660
p
µ = np = 80
Pr(X > 156) = 0.2442 calculator σ = np(1 − p) ≈ 6.928
p

Pr(X < 76) = 0.2819 calculator

3 n = 100, p = 0.1
µ = np = 10 6 n = 25, p = 0.25
σ = np(1 − p) = 3
p
µ = np = 6.25
σ = np(1 − p) ≈ 2.165
p
a Pr(X ≥ 15) = 0.0478 calculator
a Pr(X ≥ 10) = 0.0416
b Pr(X ≤ 15) = 0.2525 calculator
calculator

4 n = 400, p = 0.4 b Pr(12 ≤ X ≤ 14) = 0.0038 cal-

culator

721

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
 Solutions to Technology-free questions
1 a Pr(Z > a) = 1 − Pr(Z ≤ a) 4 a Pr(x < a|x < b)
=1− p Pr(0 x < a0 ∩ 0 x < b0 )
=
Pr(x < b)
b Pr(Z < −a) = Pr(Z > a) Pr(x < a)
=
=1− p Pr(x < b)
q
=
c Pr(−a ≤ Z ≤ a) = Pr(Z ≤ a) p
 x − µ µ − a
− Pr(Z < −a)
b Pr(X < 2µ − a) = Pr <
= P − (1 − p) σ σ
 µ − a
= 2p − 1 = Pr Z <
σ
 a − µ
= Pr Z >
X − 4 3 − 4 σ
2 a Pr(X < 3) = Pr <  a − µ
1 1 = 1 − Pr Z −
σ
= Pr(Z < −1) Also, Pr(X < a) = q
So a = −1  x − µ a − µ
Pr < =q
X − 4 σ σ
5 − 4
b Pr(X > 5) = Pr >
 a − µ
1 1 Pr Z < =q
σ
= Pr(Z > 1) Hence Pr(X < 2µ − a)
So b=1
 a − µ
= 1 − Pr Z <
σ
c Pr(x > 4) = Pr(Z > 0) =1−q
= 0.5
c Pr(X > b | X > a)
x − µ Pr(0 x > b0 ∩ 0 x > a0 )
=

3 (x, y) → , σy Pr(x > a)
σ
Sine µ = 8 and σ = 3, then Pr(x > b)
x−8 =
(x, y) → , 3y Pr(x > a)
3
1 − Pr(x < b)
=
1 − Pr(x < a)
1− p
=
1−q

722

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
 5 − 4
x − 4  505 − 500 
5 a Pr(X < 5) = Pr < 7 a Pr(W > 505) = Pr Z >
2 2 5
1 = Pr(Z > 1)
 
= Pr Z <
2
= 1 − Pr(Z < 1)
 x − 4 3 − 4
b Pr(X < 3) = Pr < = 1 − 0.84
2 2
 1  = 0.16
= Pr Z < −
2
b Pr(500 < W < 505) = Pr(0 < Z < 1)
 1
c Pr(X > 5) = Pr Z > = Pr(Z < 1)
2
 1 = −Pr(Z < 0)
1
d Pr(3 < X < 5) = Pr − < Z < = 0.84 − 0.5
2 2
= 0.34
 1 
= Pr − < Z < 1
2
c Pr(W > 505|W > 500)
1
e Pr(3 < X < 6) = Pr(− < Z < 1) Pr(W > 505)
2 =
Pr(W > 500)
2.55 − 2.5  0.16
=

6 a Pr(X < 2.55) = Pr Z < 0.5
0.05
= Pr(Z < 1) = 0.32

= 0.84  510 − 500 

d Pr(W > 510) = Pr Z >
5
b Pr(X < 2.5) = 0.5 since µ = 2.5
= Pr(Z > 2)
 2.45 − 2.5 
c Pr(X < 2.45) = Pr Z < = 1 − Pr(Z < 2)
0.05
= 1 − 0.98
= Pr(Z < −1)
= 0.02
= Pr(Z > 1)
= 1 − Pr(Z < 1)
8 a Pr(X < 6.5) = Pr(Z < 0.5)
= 0.16
= 0.69
d Pr(2.45 < X < 2.55)
b Pr(6 < X < 6.5) = Pr(0 < Z < 0.5)
= Pr(−1 < Z < 1)
= 0.69 − 0.5
= Pr(Z < 1) − Pr(Z < −1)
= 0.19
= 0.84 − 0.16
= 0.68

723

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
 c Pr(6.5 < X < 7) 9 The standardised scores are as follows.
62 − 50 12
= Pr(0.5 < Z < 1) Test A: = = 1.0909 · · ·
11 11
= Pr(Z < 1) − Pr(Z < 0.5) 64 − 48
Test B: =1
17
= 0.84 − 0.69 73 − 63 10
Test C: = = 1.25
= 0.15 8 8
So the best test was test C and the worst
d Pr(5 < X < 7) = Pr(−1 < Z < 1) test was test B.

= Pr(Z < 1)
10 a Pr(X > 10) = Pr(Z > 0) = 0.5
− Pr(Z < −1)
= 0.84 − (1 − 0.84) b Pr(X > 13) = Pr(Z > b)
13 − 10
= 0.84 − 0.16 ∴ Pr(Z > ) = Pr(Z < b)
2
∴ Pr(Z > 1.5) = Pr(Z < b)
= 0.68
∴ Pr(Z < −1.5) = Pr(Z < b)
∴ b = −1.5

724

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
 Solutions to multiple-choice questions
x − µ 
1 A The graph is symmetrical about the 7 C (x, y) → , σy
line x = 4, so µ = 4. σ
Here µ =6 and σ = 3, so
Almost all of the distribution lies x−6
(x, y) → , 3y
between −5 and 13, i.e. 18 unit, so 3
6σ = 18
8 D The given information means that
σ=3 Pr(X > k) = 0.20
where x is normally distributed with
2 C Use the normCdf command of a
µ = 100 and σ = 14.
CAS calculator with lower bound
This can be re-written in the form
1.45 and upper bound ∞. This gives
Pr(X ≤ k) = 0.80.
0.0735 count to 4 decimal places.
Use the invNorm command of a CAS
3 B Use the invNom command of a CAS calculator with Area set to 0.80 and
calculator with Area set to 0.25. This the values 100 and 14 for the mean
gives −0.6745 correct to 4 decimal and standard deviation respectively.
places. This gives k = 111.8, correct to one
decimal place.
4 B X has mean 12 and variance 9, so the
standard deviation 9 A Angie’s standardised scores are
 xis−3.
12 15 − 12 
Pr(X > 15) = Pr > follows.
3 3 72 − 72
Mathematics: =0
= Pr(Z > 1) 5
57 − 59
Indonesian: = −1
5 E Use the normCdf command if a CAS 4
calculator with lower bound 110, 68 − 64
Politics: =1
upper bound ∞, µ = 102 and σ = 3. 4
So her best subject was Politics,
This gives 0.00383, so the parentage
followed by Mathematics and then
is about 0.38%
Indonesian.
6 E 10 goals is 6 below the mean of 16,
10 D Choosing equal areas in each tail
and this is 3 standard deviations
means Pr(X < c1 ) = 0.05, and
below the mean. similarity, 22 goals
Pr(X < c2 ) = 0.95
is 3 standard deviations above the
(so that Pr(c1 < x < c2 ) = 0.90).
mean.
Use the invNom command of a
So from 10 to 22 corresponds to
CAS calculator with Area and 0.95
µ ± 3σ, and this corresponds to
respectively and the values 11.3 for
approximately 99.7%.
the mean and 2.9 for the standard
deviation. This gives c1 = 6.53 and
c2 = 16.07, correct to two decimal
places.

725

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
 11 D µ =?, σ = 0.005 12 C µ = 272, σ =?
Pr(X > 1) ≈ 0.999 Pr(X < 260) ≈ 0.091 
1 − µ 260 − 272
∴ Pr Z > ≈ 0.999 ∴ Pr Z < ≈ 0.091
0.005 σ
1−µ 12
∴ = 3.0902 ∴ = −1.3346
0.005 σ
∴ µ = 1.015 ∴ σ ≈ 8.99

726

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
 Solutions to extended-response questions
1 µ = 50, σ = 10
Let X be the score.
For the top 10% consider
Pr(X > k1 ) = 0.1
∴ Pr(X ≤ k1 ) = 0.9
 k1 − 50 
Pr Z ≤ = 0.9
10
k1 − 50
∴ = 1.2816
10
∴ k1 = 10 × 1.2816 + 50
= 12.816 + 50 = 62.816
∴ 63 and above indicate high aptitude.
For the next 20% consider
Pr(X > k2 ) = 0.3
∴ Pr(X ≤ k2 ) = 0.7
 k2 − 50 
∴ Pr Z ≤ = 0.7
10
k2 − 50
= 0.5244
10
∴ k2 = 50 + 5.244 = 55.244
∴ Scores from 56 to 62 indicate moderate aptitude.
For the middle 40% consider
Pr(X > k3 ) = 0.7
∴ Pr(X ≤ k3 ) = 0.3
 k3 − 50 
Pr Z ≤ = 0.3
10
∴ From the diagram
50 − k3 
Pr Z ≤ = 0.7
10
50 − k3
∴ = 0.5244
10
∴ k3 = 50 − 5.244 = 44.756
∴ Scores from 45 to 55 indicate average aptitude.
For the category of little aptitude consider

727

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
 Pr(X > k4 ) = 0.1
 k4 − 50 
∴ Pr Z > = 0.1
10
 50 − k4 
∴ Pr Z ≤ = 0.9
10
50 − k4
= 1.2816
10
50 − k4 = 12.816
and k4 = 10 − 12.816
= 37.184
Scores from 37 to 44 indicate little aptitude.
Scores less than 37 indicate no aptitude.
i.e. Scores 63 and above indicate high aptitude.
Scores from 56 to 62 indicate moderate aptitude.
Scores from 45 to 55 indicate average aptitude.
Scores from 37 to 44 indicate little aptitude.
Scores < 37 indicate no aptitude.

2 Pr(µ − k ≤ X ≤ µ + k) = 0.95
µ = 10 and σ = 2
∴ Pr(10 − k ≤ X ≤ 10 + k) = 0.95
and transforming to the standard normal
 10 − k − 10 10 + k − 10 
Pr ≤Z≤ = 0.95
 2k k  2
i.e. Pr − ≤ Z ≤ = 0.95
2 2
The graph ofkthe  standard normal with the region being considered is as shown:
 k
∴ Pr Z ≤ − Pr Z ≤ − = 0.95
2 2
 k    k 
Pr Z ≤ − 1 − Pr Z ≤ = 0.95
2 2
 k
2Pr Z ≤ − 1 = 0.95
2
 k  1.95
Pr Z ≤ =
2 2
 k 
i.e. Pr Z ≤ = 0.975
2
k
∴ = 1.96
2
and k = 3.92

728

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
 3 µ = 60 000, σ = 5000

a i Let X be the mileage for a tyre

55 000 − 60 000 

Pr(X ≤ 55 000) = Pr Z ≤
5000
where Z is the standard normal variable

 5000 
= Pr Z ≤ −
5000
= Pr(Z ≤ −1)
= 1 − 0.8413
= 0.1587
The proportion of the tyres which last less than 55 000 kilometres is 0.1587 or
15.87%
 50 000 − 60 000 74 000 − 60 000 
ii Pr(50 000 ≤ X ≤ 74 000) = Pr ≤Z≤
5000 5000
= Pr(−2 ≤ Z ≤ 2.8)
The required region is shown:
Pr(−2 ≤ Z ≤ 2.8)
= Pr(Z ≤ 2.8) − Pr(Z ≤ −2)
= Pr(Z ≤ 2.8) − [1 − Pr(Z ≤ 2)]
= Pr(Z ≤ 2.8) + Pr(Z ≤ 2) − 1
= 0.99744 + 0.97725 − 1
= 0.9747
The proportion of tyres which last less than 74 000 kilometres but more than
50 000 is 0.9746 or 97.46%

729

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
 Pr(X ≥ 72 000)
iii Pr(X ≥ 72 000 | X ≥ 60 000) = (conditional probability)
Pr(X ≥ 60 000)
The diagrams show that the
required probability is given
by Area divided by Area and
transforming to the standard
normal
Pr(X ≥ 72 000) Pr(Z ≥ 2.4)
=
Pr(X ≥ 60 000) Pr(Z ≥ 0)
1 − Pr(Z < 2.4)
=
0.5
1 − 0.9918
=
0.5
= 0.0164

b Pr(X ≥ c) = 0.9
Transforming to the standard normal
 c − 60 000 
Pr Z ≥ = 0.9
5000
A graph of the standard normal curve
helps:
 c − 60 000   60 000 − c 
∴ Pr Z ≥ = Pr Z ≤
 500060 000 − c 
5000
∴ Pr Z ≤ = 0.9
5000
60 000 − c
∴ = 1.2816
5000
∴ 60 000 − 5000 × 1.2816 = c
∴ c = 53 592
The company’s advertising manager can claim that 90% of their tyres last more than
53 592 kilometres.
 72 000 − 60 000 
c Pr(X ≥ 72 000) = Pr Z ≥
5000
 12 000 
= Pr Z ≥
5000
= Pr(Z ≥ 2.4)
= 1 − Pr(Z < 2.4)
= 1 − 0.9918
= 0.0082
The probability of one tyre lasting more than 72 000 kilometres is 0.0082

730

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
 The probability of 5 tyres lasting longer than 72 000 kilometres is (0.0082)5 ≈
3.7 × 10−11

Graphic calculator techniques for question 3

a i Choose Normal Cdf from the

Probability>Distributions menu.
Complete as shown.

ii Pr(X ≥ c) = 0.9 ⇔ Pr(X ≤ c) = 0.1

Choose Inverse Normal from the
Probability>Distributions menu. Com-
plete as shown.

4 µ = 15, σ = 0.75

a Let X be the number

 of18litres/100 km used
− 15 
Pr(X ≥ 18) = Pr Z ≥
0.75
= Pr(Z ≥ 4)
= 0.0000317 = 3.17 × 10−5

b The manufacturer’s claim is false.

731

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
 c It is assumed, as in the text, that c1 and c2 are symmetric about the mean
Pr(c1 ≤ X ≤ c2 ) = 0.95
 c − 15 c2 − 15 
1
∴ Pr ≤Z≤ = 0.95
0.75 0.75
c2 − 15 15 − c1
By symmetry =
0.75 0.75
 c − 15 15 − c1 
1
∴ Pr ≤Z≤ = 0.95
0.75 0.75
 15 − c1    15 − c1  
∴ Pr Z ≤ − Pr Z ≤ − 1 = 0.95
0.75 0.75
 15 − c1 
i.e. 2 Pr Z ≤ = 0.95 + 1
0.75
 15 − c1 
Pr Z ≤ = 0.975
0.75
15 − c1
∴ = 1.96
0.75
∴ c1 = 15 − 0.75 × 1.96
= 13.53
and by symmetry c2 = 15 + 0.75 × 1.96
= 16.47

5 Let L be the useful life of a fluorescent tube

µ = 600, σ = 4
 605 − 600 
Pr(L ≥ 605) = Pr Z ≥
4
 5
= Pr Z ≥
4
= Pr(Z ≥ 1.25)
= 1 − Pr(Z ≤ 1.25)
= 1 − 0.8944
= 0.1056
The situation of ten tubes is described by a binomial distribution.
Let X be the number of tubes in a box which last longer than 605 hours.
X is the random variable of a binomial distribution with n = 10 and p = 0.1056

732

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
 Pr(X ≥ 3) = 1 − [Pr(X = 0) + Pr(X = 1) + Pr(X = 2)]
= 1 − [0.3275 + 0.3868 + 0.2055]
= 1 − 0.9198
= 0.0802
The probability of at least three tubes in a randomly selected box lasting longer than
605 hours is 0.0802

6 Let L be the amount (mg) for a lethal dose

µ = 110, σ = 20
Let D be the amount (mg) for a surgical anaesthesia
µ = 50, σ = 10
Let c mg be the dose such that 90% of patients need less than this amount for surgical
anaesthesia
i.e. Pr(D ≤ c) = 0.9
Transforming to the standard normal
 c − 50 
Pr Z ≤ = 0.9
10
c − 50
= 1.2816
10
∴ c = 10 × 1.2816 + 50
= 12.816 + 50
= 62.816
To find what percentage of patients would be killed by these amounts consider
 62.816 − 110 
Pr(L ≤ 62.816) = Pr Z ≤
20
= Pr(Z ≤ −2.3592)
= 1 − Pr(Z ≤ 2.3592)
= 1 − 0.9908
= 0.0092
i.e. 0.92% of patients would be killed by a dose of 62.816 mg or less.

733

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
 7 a Let X be the length of the dimension
Pr(X > 60.4) = 0.03
Pr(X < 59.7) = 0.05

 60.4 − µ   µ − 59.7 
Pr Z < = 0.97 Pr Z < = 0.95
σ σ
60.4 − µ µ − 597
∴ = 1.88079 and = 1.64485
σ σ
∴ 60.4 − µ = 1.88079σ 1 and µ − 59.7 = 1.64485σ
2
Add equations
1 and 2
0.7 = 3.52564σ
∴ σ = 0.19854, i.e. σ = 0.2, correct to one decimal plea.
Substitute in
1
60.4 − µ = 1.88079σ
∴ µ = 60.4 − 1.88079σ
= 60.02658, i.e. µ = 60.0, correct to one decimal plea.

734

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
  60.3 − 60.02658 
b Pr(X > 60.3) + Pr(X < 59.6) = Pr Z >
0.19854
 59.6 − 60.02658 
+ Pr Z <
0.19854
= Pr(Z > 1.37715) + Pr(Z < −2.14858)
= 1 − Pr(Z < 1.37715) + 1 − Pr(Z < 2.14858)
= 2 − Pr(Z < 1.37715) − Pr(Z < 2.14858)
= 2 − 0.915767 − 0.98416
= 0.1
These the percentage of rejects is 10%.

8 Let H denote the hardness of the metal

µ = 70 and σ = 3
 65 − 70 75 − 70 
a Pr(65 ≤ H ≤ 75) = Pr ≤Z≤
3 3
 5 5 
= Pr − ≤ Z ≤
3 3
 5   5
= Pr Z ≤ − Pr Z ≤ −
3 3
 5    5 
= Pr Z ≤ − 1 − Pr Z ≤
3 3
 5 
= 2Pr Z ≤ −1
3
= 0.9044
The probability that a randomly chosen specimen has acceptable hardness is 0.9044.

b Pr(70 − c ≤ H ≤ 70 + c) = 0.95
 70 − c − 70 70 + c − 70 
implies Pr ≤Z≤ = 0.95
3 3
 c c
Pr − ≤ Z ≤ = 0.95
3 3
 c
∴ 2 Pr Z ≤ − 1 = 0.95
3
 c
Pr Z ≤ = 0.975
3
c
∴ = 1.96
3
c = 5.88

c Let X be the number of acceptable specimens out of 10 randomly selected

735

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
 specimens.
X is a binomial random variable with n = 10 and p = 0.9044
E(X) = np = 9.044
The expected number of acceptable specimens is 9.044.
 73.84 − 70 
d Pr(H < 73.84) = Pr Z <
3
 3.84 
= Pr Z <
3
= Pr(Z < 1.28)
= 0.8997
Let X be the number of specimens out of the ten selected which have a hardness less
than 73.84.
Pr(X ≤ 8) = 1 − [Pr(X = 9) + Pr(X = 10)]
!
10
=1− (0.8997)9 (0.1003) − (0.8997)10
9
= 0.2651 (to four decimal places)

e Let P be profit. The probability distribution for P

P 20 −5
Pr(P = p) 0.9044 0.0956
∴ E(P) = 20 × 0.9044 − 5 × 0.0956
= 17.61
The expected profit is $17.61.
E(P2 ) = 400 × 0.9044 + 25 × 0.0956
= 364.15
∴ Var(P) = E(P2 ) − [E(P)]2
= 364.15 − 310.1121
= 54.04

9 Let µ be the mean lifetime for a watch and σ the standard deviation.

a The mean error is 0

Let X be the error
Pr(−5 ≤ X ≤ 5) = 0.94
 −5 5
∴ Pr ≤Z≤ = 0.94
σ σ
 5
∴ 2Pr Z ≤ − 1 = 0.94
σ

736

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
  5  1.94
Pr Z ≤ =
σ 2
5
= 1.8808
σ
5
∴ σ=
1.8808
= 2.658

b Let Y be the number of watches rejected out of a batch of 10 watches.

This is a Binomial distribution with p = 0.06 and n = 10
Pr(Y < 2) = Pr(Y = 0) + Pr(Y = 1)
!
10
= (0.94) +
10
(0.06)(0.94)9
1
= 0.5386 + 0.3438
= 0.882

10 a Let X be the number of litres in a

standard bottle. 
0.75 − 0.76 
Pr(X < 0.75) = Pr Z <
0.008
= Pr(Z < −1.25)
= 1 − Pr(Z < 1.25)
= 0.1056

b Let N be the number of bottles out of ten which contain less than 0.75 1itres. This is
a binomial random variable with n = 10 and p = 0.10565.
∴ Pr(N ≥ 3) = 1 − [Pr(N = 0) + Pr(N = 1) + Pr(N = 2)]
= 1 − 0.9197
= 0.0803

c Let Y be the number of litres in a large bottle.

Define W = 4X − 3Y
We require Pr(W) ≥ 0
i.e. Pr(4X − 3Y ≥ 0)

737

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
 Note: E(W) = 4E(X) − 3E(Y)
= 0.01
Var(W) = 16Var(X) + 9Var(Y)
= 16 × (0.008)2 + 9 × (0.009)2
= 0.001753
∴ sd(W) = 0.04187
 0.01 
∴ Pr(W > 0) = Pr Z >
0.04187
= Pr(Z > −0.23883)
= Pr(Z < 0.23883)
= 0.5944

738

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.