Statistics: normal distribution calculations with the Sharp EL-520W
The tutor continues to find handy features on the Sharp EL-520W. Today: probability associated with the normal distribution.
The Sharp EL-520W just keeps on giving. Sometimes I wonder, “Will it do that?” Usually, it turns out that it does.
Relating to statistics, I already wrote an article (see here) about how to find standard deviation on the Sharp EL-520W. Today I’ll discuss one of its handy functions for finding normal probabilites.
Example 1: Assume z has a standard normal distribution. Find probability(z<-0.44). Solution: Step 1: Go into STAT mode, by keying MODE, then 1. You will be transferred to another menu: choose SD (which is 0). The screen should now say Stat 0.
Step 2: Press MATH. You will arrive in a menu. To calculate p(z<-0.44), choose P (which is choice 1). The screen should now say P(_. It’s waiting for you to enter your value.
Step 3: Key in -0.44, then close the bracket. Next, press equals. Hopefully, you see the answer 0.329968
Example 2: Find prob(z<1.1). Solution: following the steps above, entering 1.1 instead of -0.44, you hopefully arrive at the answer 0.864334
There are even more functions to discuss, but that’ll suffice for this post.
The values the calculator is giving match the values in the standard normal table (aka, z-score table) found in Appendix B of my source listed below. That’s nice confirmation:)
Source:
Zimmer, Cooke et al. Mathematics of Data Management. Toronto: Nelson, 2003.
Jack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane, Campbell River, BC.
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