Question

Two students in different classes took the same math test. Both students received a score of 87. In student A’s class the mean was 78 and the standard deviation of 5. In student B’s class the mean was 76 with a standard deviation of 4. Which student scored in the top 10% of their class?

Answer 1

A. Student A
B. Neither student
C. Student B
D. Both students

Answer 2

Do you know how to set up a standard normal distribution cure using the mean and the standard deviation values?

Answer 3

no?

Answer 4

Ok, the normal distribution curves look like this:

Answer 5

From the mean to the first split represents the percentage of students who fall into the 78%-83% range. Because the curve is based on 100%, this is where 34% of your population will fall. The next split represents the percent of students who fall into 78%-83%; this is where 13.5% of your students will fall gradewise. The next split is for the percentage of students who score 88% or greater and it represents only 2.5% of the student population. Notice that as the grades get higher, a smaller percentage of the population is represented, and that's because the average score was 78% and not too many students, then, will score that high. The same goes for the students B's normal ddiistribution curve.