Homework Help Forum: Elementary Math

Posted by George on Sunday, August 9, 2009 at 8:25pm.

Decide which of the variables described is likely to have a normal or near-normal distribution. a. The number of courses remaining until graduation for the students in a small liberal arts college b. The SAT mathematics scores for students in an advanced placement mathematics class A) a B) b C) both a and b D) neither a nor b Is it C?

• Elementary Math - Ms. Sue, Sunday, August 9, 2009 at 9:12pm

  I don't think so. The number of courses remaining until graduation will be far different for the students -- depending upon how many courses they've already taken. The freshmen will have the most courses remaining, while the seniors will have the fewest. Since there are probably more freshmen than seniors, the number is probably skewed with the biggest proportion being in the freshmen class. The scores of AP math students will probably show a normal distribution.

  
  

• Elementary Math - George, Sunday, August 9, 2009 at 9:18pm

  So then Ms. Sue what is the answer though? D? I'm confused?

  
  

• Elementary Math - Ms. Sue, Sunday, August 9, 2009 at 9:30pm

  Since the scores of AP students probably show a normal distribution, the answer can't be D. Do you understand "normal distribution?"

  
  

• Elementary Math - George, Sunday, August 9, 2009 at 11:01pm

  YES BUT I NEED TO CHOOSE ANY FROM THE MULT. CHOICE NOT ONLY NORMAL DISTRIBUTION MAM.

  
  

• Elementary Math - MathMate, Sunday, August 9, 2009 at 11:10pm

  George, You can also refer to this post: http://www.jiskha.com/display.cgi?id=1249693160

  
  

• Elementary Math - Ms. Sue, Sunday, August 9, 2009 at 11:10pm

  Why isn't the answer B???

  
  

• Elementary Math - George, Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at 2:49pm

  Thanks to both of you helping me with this questions.

  
  

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