Math 143 C/E, Spring 2001
IPS Reading Discussion Questions
Chapter 1, Section 3 (pp. 64-85)

1. To speak of the normal curve is incorrect. There are many normal curves, two of which are pictured in Figure 1.23 (p. 70). In what you read, which seems to most completely describe normal curves?

   1. Any curve that is symmetric and bell-shaped.
   2. A curve whose mathematical formula is like the one that appears on p. 71.
   3. Any curve that obeys the 68-95-99.7 rule of areas as described on p. 72.

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Why are normal distributions so important to the study of statistics?

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. If you knew the height (given in inches) of two friends and you wanted to know how many yards friend A was taller than friend B, you might subtract their heights and divide by 36 (the number of inches in a yard). Suppose that a “aktar” is equivalent to 16.5 inches. Describe the process that would tell how many aktars friend A was taller than friend B. How is the process you just described similar to the process of finding a “standardized value” as described in the blue box on p. 73?

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. How can the values of Table A be visualized?