Normal Approximation to the Binomial

Summary

sometimes, it is difficult or impossible to use the binomial probability formula or tables because the value of n is too large.

for large values of n and values of p close to 0.5, the normal distribution can be used instead of the binomial, if np ≥ 5 and nq ≥ 5

continuity corrections need to be used.

Key Skills

solve problems involving binomial probability by approximating to the normal distribution.

Vocabulary

binomial distribution, normal distribution, continuity correction, parametermeanstandard deviation