The bottom 30% students failed an end of semester exam. The mean for the the test was 120 and the standard deviation was 17. What was the passing score?

bottom 30% = Z = -.52

120 - 17(.52) = ?

you can play around with Z table stuff at

http://davidmlane.com/hyperstat/z_table.html

answer

To find the passing score, we need to determine the threshold that separates the bottom 30% of students from the top 70% of students.

Step 1: Convert the percentage to a z-score
We can do this by using the standard normal distribution table or a calculator. The z-score corresponding to the bottom 30% is -0.524.

Step 2: Use the z-score formula to find the raw score
The z-score formula is: z = (x - μ) / σ
Where:
- z is the z-score
- x is the raw score
- μ is the mean
- σ is the standard deviation

Rearranging the formula to solve for x, we get: x = (z * σ) + μ

Step 3: Substitute the values into the formula
Substituting the given values into the formula, we get: x = (-0.524 * 17) + 120

Calculating this, we find: x ≈ 110.93

Therefore, the passing score is approximately 110.93.