Bantayan National High School - Senior High School

Ticad, Bantayan, Cebu

Statistics and Probability

Grade 11 Learners

Quarter 4 Standard Scores

LAS #2 Computing Probabilities and Percentiles Under the Normal Curve
MELC Competency Code
convert a normal random variable to a standard normal variable and vice versa M11/12SP – IIIc - 4
compute probabilities and percentiles using the standard normal table M11/12SP – IIId - 1

After going through this module, you are expected to:

a. calculate the z-score corresponding to a raw score;
b. locate percentiles under the normal curve; and
c. solve word problems involving probabilities.

Independent Activity 1

Before you proceed, let us check your readiness for this lesson. Below is a 5-item true or false test. Determine
whether the statement is true or false. Write T if the statement is true and F if false on the the answer sheet
provided.

_____1. The z-score measures how many standard deviation a given value is above or below the mean.
_____2. A negative z-score indicates that the score or value is above the mean.
_____3. If a z-score is equal to -2.05, it is 2.05 standard deviations below the mean.
_____4. A positive z-score indicates that the score or value is below the mean,
_____5. If a z-score is 0, it is on the mean.
Let’s explore the concept of z-scores. Read and study the notes about z-scores and note the computing formula.

Lesson 1: Standard Scores

Z - score or standard score measures how many standard deviation a given value (x) is above or below the
mean. Z-scores are useful in comparing observed values. If a z-score is equal to 0, it is on the mean. A positive
z-score indicates that the score or observed value is above the mean, whereas a negative z-score indicates that
the score or observed value is below the mean. For example, if a z-score is equal to 1, it is 1 standard deviation
above the mean. If a z-score is equal to -2, it is 2 standard deviations below the mean.

The areas under the normal curve are given in terms of z-scores. Either it locates x within a sample or
within a population.

where: z = standard score

x = raw score
= sample mean x
s = sample standard deviation
μ = population mean
σ = population standard deviation
Study the following examples.
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Example 1. Locate the z- value that corresponds to Mathematics test score of 55 given the mean, μ= 50 and
the standard deviation, σ= 2.

𝑥−𝜇
1. Choose the formula to use. ( Use the z-score formula Z=
𝜎
for population data as indicated in the problem.)
2. Write the given values X = 55 ; μ = 50 ; σ = 2

𝑥−𝜇
3. Substitute the given values in the computing Z=
𝜎
formula. Then, compute the z-value
55 − 50
Z=
2

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Z= = 2.5
2

Thus, the z-value that corresponds to the raw score 55 is 2.5 in a population distribution. This means the
score 55 is 2.5 standard deviations above the mean.

Example 2: On the midterm examinations in Statistics, the sample mean was 80 and the sample standard deviation
was 7. Determine the standard score of a student who got a score of 75 assuming that the scores
are normally distributed.

1. Choose the formula to use. ( Use the z-score formula Z = 𝑥 − 𝜇

𝑠
for population data as indicated in the problem.)
2. Write the given values X = 75 ; μ = 80 ; s = 7

𝑥−𝜇
3. Substitute the given values in the computing formula. Z=
𝑠
Then, compute the z-value
75− 80
Z=
7

−5
Z= = - 0.71
7

Thus, the z-value that corresponds to the raw score 75 is - 0.71 in a sample distribution. This means the score 75
is 0.71 standard deviations below the mean.
Example 3: Liza scored 90 in a Mathematics test and 70 in an English test. Scores in Mathematics test have a
mean
μ = 80 and a standard deviation σ = 10. Scores in the English test have a mean μ = 60 and a standard
deviation σ = 8. In which subject was her standing better, assuming that the scores in her Mathematics
and English class are normally distributed?
1. Choose the formula to use. ( Use the z-score formula Z = 𝑥 − 𝜇
𝜎
for population data as indicated in the problem.)
2. Write the given values Subject x μ σ
Mathematics 90 80 10
English 70 60 8
3. Substitute the given values in the computing formula.
Then, compute the z-value

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 The z-value that corresponds to Liza’s Mathematics raw score of 90 is 1 in a population
distribution. This means the score 90 is 1 standard deviation above the mean. Meanwhile, the z-value that
corresponds to her English score of 70 is 1.25. This means that 70 is 1.25 standard deviations above the
mean. Thus, Liza has a better standing in English compared to Mathematics.

Independent Assessment #1

Directions: Do as indicated. Write your answer on the answer sheet provided.

1. Given = 60; and s = 6. Find the z-score that corresponds to each of the following scores up to two
decimal places.
a. x = 70
b. x = 58
2. Given μ = 72; and σ = 8, find the z - score that corresponds to each of the following scores up to two
decimal places.
a. x = 75
b. x = 55
3. Alex scored 90 during the first periodic exam in Mathematics and 88 during the second periodic exam.
The scores in the first periodic exam have a mean μ= 83 and a standard deviation σ= 9. Scores in the
second periodic exam have a mean μ = 80 and a standard deviation σ = 8. In which periodic exam was
his standing better, assuming that the scores in his periodic exams are normally distributed?

4. On a final examination in Biology, the mean was 75 and the standard deviation was 12. Determine the
standard score of a student who received a score of 60 assuming that the score are normally distributed.

Lesson 2: Determining Probabilities

Independent Activity 2

Directions: Below is a 5-item true or false test. Determine whether the statement is true or false. Write T if the
statement is true and F if false on the answer sheet provided.
_____1. Probability value is a number from 0 to 1.
_____2. Probability value is a number from -1 to 1.
_____3. Finding the area of a region is the same as finding the probability associated with that region.
_____4. The probability that the z-score falls at most z = -1 is equal to the probability of that the z-score falls less
than z = -1.
_____5. It is possible to have a negative probability.

Mathematics are not fond of lengthy expressions. They use denotations, notations or symbols
instead. Probability notations are commonly used to express a lengthy idea into symbols concerning the
normal curve. The following are the most commonly probability notations used in studying concepts on
the normal curve

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 With all these in mind, you are now ready to solve for the proportion of the area specified z-score value.

Illustration:
1. Find the proportion of the area between z= 2and z = 3.

Steps Solution
Draw a normal curve. Locate the required z-
value. Shade the required region.

Locate from the z-table the corresponding areas z = 2 has a corresponding area of 0.4772
of the given z-value. z = 3 has a corresponding area of 0.4987
With the graph, decide on what operation will With the given graph, the operation to be used is
be used to identify the proportion of the area of subtraction
the region. Use probability notation to avoid P(2<Z<3) = 0.4987 - 0.4772 = 0.0215
lengthy expressions.
Make a concluding statement The required area between z = 2 and z =3 is 0.0215

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2. Find the proportion of the area below z = 1.
Steps Solution
Draw a normal curve. Locate the required z-
value. Shade the required region.

Locate from the z-table the corresponding areas Z= 1 has a corresponding area of 0.3413. This area
of the given z-value. signifies only from z= 0 to z=1.
With the graph, decide on what operation will With the given graph, the operation to be used is addition.
be used to identify the proportion of the area of P(z<1) = 0.5000 + 0.3413 =0.8413
the region. Use probability notation to avoid This is because the area of the region from z= 0 to its left
lengthy expressions. is 0.5 since it represents half of the normal curve. With the
property that the curve has area equal to 1, therefore half
of its area signifies 0.5000 or 0.5.
Make a concluding statement The required area below z= 1 is 0.8413

3. Find the probability that the z-score is at most z= 0.91

1. Draw the normal curve and locate the given z-value

or values at the baseline of the curve. Then, draw a
vertical line through the given z-value or values and
shade the required region.

2. Use the z-table to find the areas that correspond to Z = 0.91 corresponds to an area of 0.3186
the given z-value or values.
3. Perform appropriate operations to get the required The graph suggests addition.
area, if needed. 0.3186 + 0.5 = 0.8186
That is, P(z<0.91) = 0.8186
4. Write the required area (or probability). Thus the probability that the z-score at most 0.91 is
0.8186.

5. Find the probability that the z-score lies between z= 1 and z= 2.

6. Draw the normal curve and locate the given z-value
or values at the baseline of the curve. Then, draw a
vertical line through the given z-value or values and
shade the required region.

7. Use the z-table to find the areas that correspond to Z= 2 corresponds to an area of 0.4772
the given z-value or values. Z= 1 corresponds to an area of 0.3413

8. Perform appropriate operations to get the required The graph suggests subtraction.
area, if needed. 0.4772-0.3413 = 0.1359
That is, P(1<Z<2) = 0.1359.
9. Write the required area (or probability). The probability that the z-scores lie between z=1 and z=
2 is 0.1359.

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Independent Assessment #2
Directions: Find the probabilities of the following. Write your answer on the answer sheet provided.
1. P( z > 1.36)
2. P( z < 2.45)
3. P( 1.2 < z < 1.4)
4. P( -2.75 < z < - 0.56)
5. P( z> 1.05)

Lesson 3: Computing Percentiles Under the Normal Curve

Independent Activity 3
Directions: Determine whether each of the following statements is true or false. Write T if the statement is correct
and write F if not on the answer sheet provided.

_____1. Percentile rank is the percent of cases that are at or below a score.
_____2. 90thpercentile means that 90% of the grades were higher than yours and 10% were lower.
_____3. The 90th percentile under the normal curve is z = 1.28.
_____4. The upper 5% of the normal curve is above z = 0.56.
_____5. The 95th percentile under the normal curve is

What is a percentile?

Percentile is a measure of relative standing. It is the percent of cases that are at or below a
score. It tells you how a value compares to other values. If your teacher tells you that you scored 90th
percentile, it means that 90% of the grades were lower than yours and 10% were higher.

In the previous lesson, you learned on how to find the area or probability under the normal curve
given a z-value. Suppose, you know the area or probability this time, how would you find the
corresponding z-score?

When you are given with the area or probability and you want to know the corresponding z-score,
locate the area at the body of the table. If the exact area is not available, take the nearest area. Then, look
up the corresponding z-value.

Illustration:

1. Find the 86th percentile of the normal curve.

By definition, the P86 means locating an area before or below the point. We want to know what the z-value is at
this point. We want to know the z-value is at this point.

Steps Solution

A. Draw the appropriate normal curve

B. Express the given percentage as probability 86% is the same as 0.8600

C. Split 0.8600 into 0.5000 and 0.3600 0.8600 = 0.5000 + 0.3600

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 D. Shade 0.5000 on the sketched normal curve

E. Refer to the table of areas under the normal The area is not found in the table. It is between the
curve. Locate the area of 0.3600 values of 0.3599 and 0.3621, with corresponding z-
value of 1.08 and 1.09 respectively.

F. Locate the nearest value of 0.3600 from the The nearest value of 0.3600 is 0.3599 which
values 0.3599 and 0.3621 corresponds to the value of 1.08.
Therefore the z-score by which the relative
comparison starts at 1.08

G. Locate 1.08 on the curve and draw a line through

under the curve.

H. Shade the region to the left of 1.645

I. Describe the shaded region The shaded region is the 86% percentile of the
distribution. Meaning, 86% of the distribution lies
below the z-value 1.08.

2. Find the 95th percentile of the normal curve.

By definition, the P95 means locating an area before or below the point. We want to know what the z-value is at
this point.

Steps Solution
a. Draw the appropriate normal curve

b. Express the given percentage as probability 95% is the same as 0.9500

c. Split 0.9500 into 0.5000 and 0.4500 0.9500 = 0.5000 + 0.4500

d. Shade 0.5000 on the sketched normal curve

e. Refer to the table of areas under the normal The area is not found in the table. It is between the
curve. Locate the area of 0.4500 values of 0.4495 and 0.4505, with corresponding z-value
of 1.64 and 1.65 respectively.

f. Locate the nearest value of 0.4500 from the Since both values display the same amount of distance
values 0.4495 and 0.4505 away from 0.4500, we cannot just easily pick a number
from the values of 0.4495 and 0.4505 and find it the
nearest of 0.4500. Thus we need to do the interpolation.

g. Do the interpolation. 1.64 + 1.65

z= = 1.645
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In doing so, locate the corresponding z-values Therefore, the corresponding z-value of 0.4500 is 1.645.
of 0.4495 and 0.4505. Then, find the average
of the two z- values.

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 h. Locate the z-value 1.645 and draw a line
through under the curve.

i. Shade the region to the left of 1.645

j. Describe the shaded region The shaded region is the 95% percentile of the
distribution. Meaning, 95% of the distribution lies below
the z-value 1.645.

3. Find the 32nd percentile of the normal curve.

By definition, the P32 means locating an area before or below the point. We want to know what the z - value is as
this point.

Steps Solution

b. Draw the appropriate normal curve

b. Express the given percentage as probability 32% is the same as 0.3200

c. Refer to the table of areas under the normal The area is not found in the table. It is between the
curve. Locate the area of 0.3200 values of 0.3186 and 3212 with corresponding z-
value of 0.91 and 0.92 respectively.

d. Locate the nearest value of 0.3200 from the The nearest value of 0.3200 is 0.3212 which
values 0.3186 and 0.3212 corresponds to the z-value of 0.92. Therefore the z-
score by which the relative comparison starts at
0.92.

e. Locate the z-value 0.92 and draw a line through 32% is located at the left side of the curve since the
under the curve. value does not reach 50% (half of the curve) or
above. Thus the z-value 0.92 should be located at
the left side of the curve.

f. Shade the region to the left of 0.92 Since 0.92 must be located at the left side of the
curve, it must contain a negative sign indicating to
where it should be located.

g. Describe the shaded region Thus, the shaded region is the 32% percentile of the
distribution. Meaning, 32% of the distribution lies
below the z-value -0.92.

Independent Assessment #3
Directions: Solve the following percentile, and sketch its graph. Write your answer on the answer sheet
provided.
1. 30th 2
. 88th 3. 52nd 4. 97th 5. 15th

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Assessment
Directions: Read and analyze the statements below. Write the letter of the correct answer on the
answer sheet provided.
1. Which of the following is the area under the normal curve? a. 0 b. 2 c. 1 d. 3 2.

2. The curve is symmetrical to which of the following? a. mean b. Standard deviation c. variance d. Area

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3. If the z-value is 0.42, what is the area? a. 0.0800 b. 0.1628 c. 0.0279 d. 0.3129

4. Find the area under the normal curve to the right of z = - 2.02.

a. 0.9783 b. 0.4783 c. 0.0217 d. 0.5000

5. If the area is 0.4977, what is the z-value? a. 1.63 b. 2.01 c. 1.97 d. 2.83

6. Troy got a score of 87 in an examination she participated. What is the corresponding z-value of her score if the
result has 𝜇 = 80 and 𝜎 = 5?

a. 0.6000 b. 0.9000 c. 1.4000 d. 2.1000

7. Find the area of the proportion in the probability notation P(1<z<3).

a. 0.1573 b. 0.1575 c. 0.1524 d. 0.1576

8. Solve for the proportion of the area of the probability notation P(z>1).

a. 0.1585 b. 0.1587 c. 0.1586 d. 0.1588

9. Find the area of the proportion in the probability notation P(z> - 2.5).

a. 0.9937 b. 0.9936 c. 0.9934 d. 0.9938

10. What is the z-score of x = 90 if μ= 95.3 and σ = 3?

a. 2.37 b. -2.55 c. -1.77 d. 1.77

11. What is the area under the normal curve bounded by x = 90 and μ = 95.3 if σ =3?
a. 0.4616 b. 0.4608 c. - 0.4616 d. - 0.4608

12. Given 𝜇=180 and 𝜎 = 15 in a college entrance examination, find the corresponding z-value of the score by the
following students if X = 150.

a. 2 b. 2.5 c. -2 d. -2.5

13. From the given in number 12, what is the z-value if x = 200? a. 1.33 b. 1.99 c. 1.66 d. 2.22

14. What is the value of 70th percentile? a. 0.13 b. 0.52 c. 0.23 d. 0.71

15. What is the value of 82nd percentile? a. 0.92 b. 0.53 c. 0.83 d. 0.23

References:
Belecina, R., Baccay, E., Mateo, E., (2016). Statistics and Probability, Rex Printing Company, Inc.
De Guzman, Danilo, (2017). Statistics and Probability, C & E Publishing, Inc.

Prepared by:

JOLIETO T. NEGRE AGUSTINA R. QUINTANO

Master Teacher 1 Teacher 3

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