Lesson: Approximating a Binomial Distribution Mathematics

In this lesson, we will learn how to approximate a binomial distribution with a normal distribution.

Lesson Plan

Students will be able to

understand how a binomial distribution approximates to a normal distribution and the conditions under which the approximation is valid,
use the approximation of a normal distribution to find probabilities or -values of a binomial distribution,
solve binomial distribution approximation problems involving real-life contexts,
calculate the percentage error when using a normal distribution to approximate a binomial distribution.

Lesson Worksheet

Q1:

A discrete random variable is binomially distributed, and . Using a normal approximation, estimate .

Q2:

Matthew flips a fair coin 84 times. By using a suitable normal approximation, calculate the estimated probability that the coin lands on heads more than 50 times.

Q3:

A discrete random variable is binomially distributed, and . Using a normal approximation, estimate .