Standard Normal Distribution and Standardisation

Standard Normal Distribution and Standardisation

Junior College 2
Standard normal variable

The standard normal variable satisfies \(Z\sim N(0,1)\), with \(E(Z)=0\), \(\operatorname{Var}(Z)=1\) and \(\operatorname{SD}(Z)=1\).

Standardising a normal variable

If \(X\sim N(\mu,\sigma^2)\), then the increasing linear transformation \(Z=\dfrac{X-\mu}{\sigma}\) gives \(Z\sim N(0,1)\). It preserves corresponding cumulative areas.

Probability conversion

\[P(X<x)=P\left(Z<\frac{x-\mu}{\sigma}\right)\]

In particular, \(\mu-\sigma\), \(\mu\) and \(\mu+\sigma\) correspond respectively to \(-1\), \(0\) and \(1\). Standardisation is useful when a probability condition is used to determine an unknown mean or variance.

Similar questions are unavailable for this question.

Need help? Join our JC Math tuition classes.

Learn more