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Use the normal distribution to approximate the probability that fewer than 120 read at least six books within the past year. Interpret this result.

a. 0.85
b. 0.12
c. 0.92
d. 0.34

User Livinston
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

To answer this probability question regarding fewer than 120 people reading at least six books, the mean and standard deviation are required. One would use these to calculate a Z-score and then find the cumulative probability from the normal distribution table or a calculator, keeping in mind that such probabilities are approximations.

Step-by-step explanation:

To approximate the probability of a particular outcome using the normal distribution, one typically needs the mean, the standard deviation of the population, and the value of interest (in this case, the number of people reading at least six books). Without this specific information, a direct application of the normal distribution to the stated problem isn't possible. However, if given these additional parameters, we would standardize the value of 120 to a Z-score using the formula Z = (X - μ) / σ, where X is the value of interest, μ is the mean, and σ is the standard deviation.

Then, one would look up this Z-score in a normal distribution table or use a calculator with normal distribution functions, such as normalcy, to find the probability. It's essential to understand that the normal approximation is an estimation and that the probability found through the empirical cumulative frequency can differ from that found through normal approximation due to the real distribution not being perfectly normal.

User Nari
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