Objective: Probability analysis with a normal curve distribution
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When returns from a project can be assumed to be normally distributed, such as those shown in Figure 13–6
(represented by a symmetrical, bell-shaped curve), the areas under the curve can be determined from
statistical tables based on standard deviations. For example, 68.26 percent of the distribution will fall
within one standard deviation of the expected value (D ± 1σ). Similarly 95.44 percent will fall within two
standard deviations (D ± 2σ), and so on. An abbreviated table of areas under the normal curve is shown here.
0.50 0.1915 0.3830
1.00 0.3413 0.6826
1.50 0.4332 0.8664
1.96 0.4750 0.9500
2.00 0.4772 0.9544
Assume project A has an expected value of $30,000 and a standard deviation (σ) of $6,000.
a. What is the probability that the outcome will be between $24,000 and $36,000?
b. What is the probability that the outcome will be between $21,000 and $39,000?
c. What is the probability that the outcome will be at least $18,000?
d. What is the probability that the outcome will be less than $41,760?
e. What is the probability that the outcome will be less than $27,000 or greater than $39,000?
Block, Hirt and Danielsen
Foundations of Financial Management