Question

Decide which of the variables described is likely to have a normal or near-normal distribution.
a. The number of courses remaining until graduation for the students
in a small liberal arts college
b. The SAT mathematics scores for students in an advanced placement
mathematics class

A) a
B) b
C) both a and b
D) neither a nor b

Is it C?

Answer 1

I don't think so.

The number of courses remaining until graduation will be far different for the students -- depending upon how many courses they've already taken. The freshmen will have the most courses remaining, while the seniors will have the fewest. Since there are probably more freshmen than seniors, the number is probably skewed with the biggest proportion being in the freshmen class.

The scores of AP math students will probably show a normal distribution.

Answer 2

So then Ms. Sue what is the answer though? D? I'm confused?

Answer 3

Since the scores of AP students probably show a normal distribution, the answer can't be D.

Do you understand "normal distribution?"

Answer 4

YES BUT I NEED TO CHOOSE ANY FROM THE MULT. CHOICE NOT ONLY NORMAL DISTRIBUTION MAM.

Answer 5

George,
You can also refer to this post:
http://www.jiskha.com/display.cgi?id=1249693160

Answer 6

Why isn't the answer B???

Answer 7

Thanks to both of you helping me with this questions.