MDM 4U - May 21, 2009

Introduction to the Normal Distribution

Today, we are examining the most important continuous distribution - the normal distribution. 

Before you begin, please read pages 422-429 of your textbook.

Afterwards, read this summary by David Lane.

Now, take a look at a dancing normal distribution.

I have photocopied a note for you to complete.  Most of the information can be found at the following two webpages:

http://www.netmba.com/statistics/distribution/normal/

http://davidmlane.com/hyperstat/normal_distribution.html
(Read through the first five sections of the contents and pay particular attention to finding the area under the curve in the standard normal distribution.)

As a lead in to next day ... to see how the normal distribution relates to sampling and the binomial theorem, here is an excellent read.

Introduction to the Normal Distribution

Today, we are examining the most important continuous distribution - the normal distribution. 

Before you begin, please read pages 422-429 of your textbook.

Afterwards, read this summary by David Lane.

Now, take a look at a dancing normal distribution.

I have photocopied a note for you to complete.  Most of the information can be found at the following two webpages:

http://www.netmba.com/statistics/distribution/normal/

http://davidmlane.com/hyperstat/normal_distribution.html
(Read through the first five sections of the contents and pay particular attention to finding the area under the curve in the standard normal distribution.)

As a lead in to next day ... to see how the normal distribution relates to sampling and the binomial theorem, here is an excellent read.

Comments

[Keith Mitchell]

I need a human explination. What does
_-1_ (__x_-_μ__)
2 σ
f(x)=_____1______e
σ √2r

mean?
_________________________
Mr. Shaddick: It means that some mathematician was able to come up with an algebraic model for the normal distribution. We'll only concern ourselves with the graphical and numerical models.