1. Home
statistics

Statistics Tutorial Concepts - From Beginner to Pro

Master all key statistical concepts, from data collection to analysis, with this comprehensive tutorial.

  • 20
  • 3
right-top-arrow
17

z Table Normal Distribution

Updated on 30/09/2024344 Views

A Z-table or the normal distribution z table, is the cornerstone of statistics. It leads to crucial discoveries related to the standard normal distribution. It is used across statistical calculations like hypothesis testing, confidence interval estimate, and probability calculations.

The z table is the series of probabilities for the cumulative standardized normal distribution. A standard z-table normal curve has to be the same as a normal distribution that has a mean of zero and a standard deviation of one. It is symmetrically shaped around the mean, and the bell-shaped curve serves as its unique character.

Importance and Use of Z Table in Statistics

The effectiveness of the Z table rests on its capability to make data measurements standard through different scenarios and therefore a very useful tool in statistics. Here are some reasons why it is important:

  • Data Standardization:

Using the Z-scores category, the table enables comparison of values from different normal distributions on the same scale. This mechanism of standardization is concerned with the data comparability from different sources.

  • Probability Determination:

This is used to compute the statistical probability of being greater than, less than, or between certain prescribed values in a standard distribution.

  • Hypothesis Testing:

Here, the Z-table is used to compute p-values and they show the probability of achieving statistics that are at least as extreme as the observed ones, under the presumption that the null hypothesis is true. This helps in taking the decision of discordance or failing to discard the null hypothesis.

Applications of Z Table

The Z table comes in at different data analysis and interpretation circumstances so crucial to statisticians s every context. Here are some common uses:

Calculating Probabilities:

Example: Finding the likelihood of a Z-score value smaller than a normally distributed random sample from a standard normal distribution.

Application: The table can be searched by Z value to find the cumulative probability up to that Z value.

Finding Critical Values in Hypothesis Testing:

Example: In a one-tailed test with a 5% significance level, you select the Z-score (from the critical value). g. , Z = 1. Significance level = 0.84 (right-tailed test, 645 degrees of freedom).

Application: A Z-score that corresponds with the specified tail probability can be found using the table.

Standardizing a Non-Standard Normal Distribution to Use the Z Table

Mostly, the values used will not fall under the normal distribution curve that is usually drawn using software. This will have its mean (𝜇μ) and standard deviation (𝜎σ) which distinguishes it from other formulas. With such data, a Z-table can be used only if the raw scores are converted into Z-scores or standardized.

Standardizing enables one to compare scores from different distributions as well as utilize the Z-table to find probabilities. Converting raw scores to Z-scores will make change your data so that they can fit into the standard deviation of the Z-table.

How to Standardize

To standardize a raw score 𝑋X, use the formula:

𝑍=𝑋−𝜇𝜎Z=σX−μ​

where:

  • The raw score is denoted by 𝑋X.
  • μμ stands for the mean of the distribution.
  • 𝜎σ is the standard deviation of the distribution.

Steps to Standardize and Use the Z-Table

  • For your scores, determine the mean score (𝜇μ) and standard deviation (𝜎σ).
  • Find the Z-score of your raw score 𝑋X by applying the above formula.
  • The next step is to look at the Z-table and get the probability that corresponds to the Z-value that has been calculated.

Example:

If 𝑋=85X=85 is the test score from a distribution with 𝜇=70μ=70, what is a standard deviation of 𝜎=10σ=10?

Calculate the Z-score:

𝑍=85−7010=1. 5Z=1085−70​=1. 5

Locate 1. 5 on the Z-table:

Locate the row that corresponds to the value 1. 5.

Thus, the total probability may be on the order of 0. The probability of picking a number from the above set is 9332, which means the probability is 93. Therefore, the probability that a value is less than or equal to a Z-score of 1 is 32 percent. 5.

Applications of the Z-Table

The Z-table is widely used across fields like:

  • Hypothesis Testing
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Probability Calculations

Understanding Z-Score

A Z-score or standard score, widely used as a statistical measurement. This defines a value's place in the context of a group of comparable values. It is shown in deviations from the mean in standardized units. The z-scores represent an important notion in the statistics z table, and such importance is associated with the standard normal distribution z table.

Z-Score Formula

The Z-score is measured using the following formula:

𝑍=𝑋−𝜇𝜎Z=σX−μ​

where:

  • Z is the Z-score,
  • X is the data being standardized.
  • μ is the mean of the distribution.
  • σ statements the standard deviation of the distribution.

Interpreting Z-Scores

  1. Positive Z-Score: Showing that the value is over the average.

A Z-score of 2 implies that the value is 2 standard deviations downwards from the mean.

  1. Negative Z-Score: Communicates that the value is below average.

The Z-score of –1 signifies that the value is 1 standard deviation less than the mean.

  1. Zero Z-Score: Suggests that the precision is at the exact value of the mean.

Examples of Z-Score Calculation

Example 1: Positive Z-Score

For instance, a class average for instance is 75 and a standard deviation of 10. If a student scored 85, their Z-score would be calculated as:

𝑍=85−7510=1010=1Z=1085−75​=1010​=1

The Z-score 1 tells us that their performance is 1 standard deviation above the class’s mean.

Example 2: Negative Z-Score

Using the same class statistics (mean of 75 and standard deviation of 10), if a student scored 60, their Z-score would be:

𝑍=60−7510=−1510=−1. 5Z=1060−75​=10−15​=−1. 5

This Z-score of -1. 5 specifies that the grade of the student ranges from 1. 5 out of the standard deviation from the class mean.

Using Z-Score with Z Table

A probability z table helps to find the curve on the left of a special standard normal distribution Z-score. This is essential to compute accumulative probabilities and percentiles.

Example: Finding Probability using Z-score

If a Z-score is 1 5, referring to a Z table, you locate the point to the left of 1. 0.005, which is equivalent to around 0. 9332. This is translated into a reduction of 93. 32% chance that a value less than 1 occurs. Highly variated samples of 5 standard deviations from the mean.

Types of Z Tables

When working with Z-scores and the z distribution table, first it's important to know about the various table types. Every kind operates within its limits and can be applied in many different statistical cases.

1. Standard Z Table

This is frequently used as it shows the confidence-probability range covering from minus infinity (extreme left) to a given Z-score point. The table indicates the area beneath the curve on the left of the given Z-score to calculate.

  • Find the index of the two first Z-score digits in the column.
  • Find the third digit in the column.
  • The intersection is the result of the observed cumulative probability.

Example: To calculate probability mass function when 𝑍=1. 23Z=1. 23:

  • Tap 1 to highlight the row. Find the result by using 2 and multiply these with 0. 03.
  • The value at the point from the coordinates is around 0. 8907

2. Cumulative from Mean Z Table

This is displayed by the z-scores column, showing cumulative probabilities of the positive values from the mean (Z = 0). This kind of Z test table can be used in cases when the probabilistic distribution of a value is in a certain number of mean of standard deviation.

  • Similar to the upper table, find the standardized score by column and row.
  • The value offered is the probability of the raw score ranging from the mean to the Z-score.

Example: For 𝑍=1. 23Z=1. [ 23,-the summation from the mean to 1] Another alternative (Alternative 23) comparable to the Area between Z = 0 and Z = 1 would be considered. 23.

3. Right-Tail Z Table

This describes the probability of a value being larger than any particular Z-score (the Z-score´s right side). This table applies where the aim is to determine the likelihood of the high-range values in the upper end of the distribution.

  • Summarize the total probability by using the standard table for the Z-score
  • Detract from one to get the probability of the right tail.

Example: To find out the probability associated with >1. 23Z>1. 23:

  • The number of possible outcomes can be calculated as follows: 𝑝(𝑍=1) = 𝑞 / (𝑞+1) =𝑎/ (𝑎+1). 23Z=1. 23 is 0. 8907.
  • Right-tail probability is 1−0. 8907=0. 10931−0. 8907=0. 1093.

4. Left-Tail Z Table

The lower-tail column of this table is used to see the probability of a value lying below a specific Z-Score (left of the Z-Score).

  • Use the accumulated probabilities already from the standard table.
  • Left-tail probability is the received value.

Example: For 𝑍=−1. 23Z=−1. 23:

  • Look up the Z-value in the standardized table.
  • If the table of Z-scores only includes positive ones, you can use symmetry properties of the normal distribution to find the value for the mirror image Z-scores. g. , 𝑃(𝑍<−1. 23)=1−𝑃(𝑍<1. 23)P(Z<−1. 23)=1−P(Z<1. 23)).

Practical Applications

Each table has specific applications in statistical analysis:

  • Standard Table: For conducting a hypothesis test or general probability calculations.
  • Cumulative from Mean Table: For involving probabilities within a fraction of the mean value, including quality control and process management.
  • Right-Tail Table: Used to understand likelihood of extremely high values.
  • Left-Tail Table: Used in lower-tail tests with a null hypothesis of an extremely low value.

Wrapping Up

Z table can be used to determine probabilities associated with the normal curve. As a result of your understanding and adhering tp the steps provided in this guide, you can accurately determine cumulative probabilities and comprehend the impact of your data. Initially, determining and applying table values might be challenging, however, with greater use, it will be like an automatic response and boost your statistical analysis skills.

FAQs

What is a Z table?

A Z table, which may also be referred to as the standard normal table or the Gaussian table, helps to find the area under the standard normal curve which is that bell-shaped curve that has a mean value of 0 and a standard deviation of 1.

How is a Z table used?

A Z table is used to find out the chance that a standard norm random variable 𝑍Z is less than given value 𝑧z. It allows users a look up for probability of a particular Z score.

What do the values in a Z table represent?

The values of the table represent the cumulative probability of a standard normal random variable that is less than the corresponding Z score.

Where can I find a Z table?

Z tables can usually be available in statistics textbooks, statistics reference books or online statistics reference websites.

What are some common Z scores and their corresponding probabilities?

Common Z scores and their corresponding probabilities include: Common Z scores and their corresponding probabilities include:

𝑍 = 0 Z = 0 represents the probability at 0. 5000

𝚁=1 𝙋=1 translates into a 0 probability. 8413 (approximately)

𝑐=−1Z=−1 translates into a 0-probability situation. 1587 (approximately)

Can a Z table be used for non-standard normal distributions?

No, a Z table can only use with the standard normal distribution whose mean is 0 and the standard deviation is 1.

Are there online tools to replace Z tables?

The internet has a variety of online tools and calculators which are the alternatives to Z-tables. Users are provided with these tools to compute the probabilities of the Z score.

Ashish Kumar Korukonda

Ashish Kumar Korukonda

9+ years experienced data analytics professional, Currently leading entire Analytics unit which includes Analytical Engineering, Product & Busine…Read More

Get Free Career Counselling
form image
+91
*
By clicking, I accept theT&Cand
Privacy Policy
image
Join 10M+ Learners & Transform Your Career
Learn on a personalised AI-powered platform that offers best-in-class content, live sessions & mentorship from leading industry experts.
right-top-arrowleft-top-arrow

upGrad Learner Support

Talk to our experts. We’re available 24/7.

text

Indian Nationals

1800 210 2020

text

Foreign Nationals

+918045604032

Disclaimer

upGrad does not grant credit; credits are granted, accepted or transferred at the sole discretion of the relevant educational institution offering the diploma or degree. We advise you to enquire further regarding the suitability of this program for your academic, professional requirements and job prospects before enr...