Chapter 9. Using the Normal Distribution ii: Beyond Normal

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If only all probability distributions were normal.

Life can be so much simpler with the normal distribution. Why spend all your time working out individual probablities when you can look up entire ranges in one swoop, and still leave time for game play? In this chapter, you’ll see how to solve more complex problems in the blink of an eye, and you’ll also find out how to bring some of that normal goodness to other probability distributions.

Love is a roller coaster

The wedding market is big business nowadays, and Dexter has an idea for making that special day truly memorable. Why get married on the ground when you can get married on a roller coaster?

Dexter’s convinced there’s a lot of money to be made from his innovative Love Train ride, if only it passes the health and safety regulations.

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Before Dexter can go any further, he needs to make sure that his special ride can cope with the weight of the bride and groom, and he’s asked if you can help him.

The ride he has in mind can cope with combined weights of up to 380 pounds. What’s the probability that the combined weight will be less than this? ...

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