Lect5 4

Normal Distribution as an Approximation
to the Binomial Distribution

Section 5-6
M A R I O F. T R I O L A
Copyright © 1998, Triola, Elementary Statistics
Addison Wesley Longman
1
Review
Binomial Probability Distribution
 applies to a discrete random variable
 has these requirements:
1. The experiment must have fixed number of trials.
2. The trials must be independent.
3. Each trial must have all outcomes classified into two
categories.
4. The probabilities must remain constant for each trial.
 solve by P(x) formula, computer software, or Table A-1

2
Approximate a Binomial Distribution
with a Normal Distribution if:
1. np  5
2. nq  5

3
Approximate a Binomial Distribution
with a Normal Distribution if:
1. np  5
2. nq  5
Then µ = np and  = npq
and the random variable has
a distribution.
(normal)

4
Figure 5-24 Solving Binomial Probability
Problems Using a Normal Approximation

5
Start
1
2 After verifying that we have a binomial
probability problem, identify n, p, q
3
4
Is
Computer Software Yes Use the
Available ? Computer Software
No
Can the
Yes
problem be solved Use the Table A-1
by using Table A-1
?
No
Can the Yes Use binomial probability formula

problem be easily solved
with the binomial
n!
probability formula P(x) = (n – x)!x!• p x • q n–x
?

6
Can the Use binomial probability formula
problem be easily solved
Yes
with the binomial
n!
probability formula P(x) = (n – x)!x!• p x • q n–x
?
No
4
5 Are np  5 and No
6 nq  5
both true ?
7
Yes
Compute µ = np and  = npq
Draw the normal curve, and identify the region

representing the probability to be found. Be sure
to include the continuity correction. (Remember,
the discrete value x is adjusted for continuity by
adding and subtracting 0.5)
7
Draw the normal curve, and identify the region
representing the probability to be found. Be sure
to include the continuity correction. (Remember,
the discrete value x is adjusted for continuity by
adding and subtracting 0.5)
Calculate
z =x – µ

7 where µ and  are the values already found and
8 x is adjusted for continuity.
9
Refer to Table A-2 to find the area between µ and

the value of x adjusted for continuity. Use that area
to determine the probability being sought.

8
Continuity Corrections Procedures
1. When using the normal distribution as an approximation to the binomial
distribution, always use the continuity correction.
2. In using the continuity correction, first identify the discrete whole number x
that is relevant to the binomial probability problem.
3. Draw a normal distribution centered about µ, then draw a vertical strip

area centered over x . Mark the left side of the strip with the number x  0.5,
and mark the right side with x + 0.5. For x = 64, draw a strip from 63.5 to
64.5. Consider the area of the strip to represent the probability of
discrete number x.
continued

9
Continuity Corrections Procedures
continued
4. Now determine whether the value of x itself should be included in the

probability you want. Next, determine whether you want the
probability of at least x, at most x, more than x, fewer than x, or
exactly x. Shade the area to the right of left of the strip, as
appropriate; also shade the interior of the strip itself if and only if x
itself is to be included, The total shaded region corresponds to
probability being sought.

10
x = at least 64 .
= 64, 65, 66, . . .
50 64
63.5

11
x = at least 64 .
= 64, 65, 66, . . .
50 64
63.5
x = more than 64
= 65, 66, 67, . . .
50 65
64.5

12
x = at least 64 .
= 64, 65, 66, . . .
50 64
63.5
x = more than 64
= 65, 66, 67, . . .
50 65
64.5
x = at most 64
= 0, 1, . . . 62, 63, 64
50 64
64.5

13
x = at least 64 .
= 64, 65, 66, . . .
50 64
63.5
x = more than 64
= 65, 66, 67, . . .
50 65
64.5
x = at most 64
= 0, 1, . . . 62, 63, 64
50 64
64.5
x = fewer than 64
= 0, 1, . . . 62, 63
50 63
63.5
14
x = exactly 64

15
x = exactly 64
50 64

16
x = exactly 64
50 64
50
63.5 64.5
Interval represents discrete number 64

17
Chapter 5
Normal Probability Distributions
5-1 Overview
5-2 The Standard Normal Distribution
5-3 & 5-4 Nonstandard Normal Distributions
(Finding Probabilities & Finding Scores)
5-5 The Central Limit Theorem
5-6 Normal Distributions as
Approximation to Binomial Distribution

18
Basic Concepts
• Continuous distribution/Density curve
• Uniform distribution
• Normal distribution
– Standard normal distribution
• Central Limit Theorem (Approx. normal distr.)
– Distribution of sample mean
• mean, variance, standard deviation (standard error)
– finite population correction factor
– continuity correction (Binomial distribution)

19

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Normal Distribution as an Approximation

to the Binomial Distribution

Copyright © 1998, Triola, Elementary Statistics

Copyright © 1998, Triola, Elementary Statistics

Copyright © 1998, Triola, Elementary Statistics

Copyright © 1998, Triola, Elementary Statistics

Can the Yes Use binomial probability formula

Copyright © 1998, Triola, Elementary Statistics

Compute µ = np and  = npq

Draw the normal curve, and identify the region

Refer to Table A-2 to find the area between µ and

Copyright © 1998, Triola, Elementary Statistics

3. Draw a normal distribution centered about µ, then draw a vertical strip

Copyright © 1998, Triola, Elementary Statistics

4. Now determine whether the value of x itself should be included in the

Copyright © 1998, Triola, Elementary Statistics

Copyright © 1998, Triola, Elementary Statistics

Copyright © 1998, Triola, Elementary Statistics

Copyright © 1998, Triola, Elementary Statistics

Copyright © 1998, Triola, Elementary Statistics

Copyright © 1998, Triola, Elementary Statistics

Interval represents discrete number 64

Copyright © 1998, Triola, Elementary Statistics

Copyright © 1998, Triola, Elementary Statistics

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