In statistics, a z-score tells us how many standard deviations away a given value lies from a population mean.
We use the following formula to calculate a z-score for a given value:
z = (x – μ) / σ
where:
- x: Individual data value
- μ: Mean of population
- σ: Standard deviation of population
To find the area under a normal distribution that lies to the right of a given z-score, we can use one of two methods:
1. Use the z table.
2. Use the Area to the Right of Z-Score Calculator.
The following examples show how to use each of these methods in practice.
Example 1: Area to the Right of Negative Z-Score
The weight of a certain species of dolphins is normally distributed with mean μ = 300 pounds and standard deviation σ = 15 pounds. Approximately what percentage of dolphins weigh more than 284 pounds?
The z-score for a weight of 284 pounds would be calculated as z = (284 – 300) / 15 = -1.07
We can use one of two methods to find the area to the right of this z-score:
Method 1: Use z table.
To find the area to the right of the z-score, we can simply look up the value -1.07 in the z-table:
This represents the area to the left of z = -1.07. Thus, the area to the right is calculated as 1 – 0.1423 = is 0.8577.
Applied to our scenario, this means approximately 85.77% of dolphins weight more than 284 pounds.
Method 2: Use Area to the Right of Z-Score Calculator
We can also use the Area to the Right of Z-Score Calculator to find that the area to the right of z = -1.07 is 0.8577.
Example 2: Area to the Right of Positive Z-Score
The scores on a certain exam are normally distributed with mean μ = 85 and standard deviation σ = 8. Approximately what percentage of students score greater than 87 on the exam?
The z-score for an exam score of 87 would be calculated as z = (87 – 85) / 8 = 0.25
We can use one of two methods to find the area to the right of this z-score:
Method 1: Use z table.
To find the area to the right of the z-score, we can simply look up the value 0.25Â in the z-table:
The represents the area to the left of z = 0.25. Thus, the area to the right is calculated as 1 – 0.5987 = 0.4013. Applied to our scenario, this means approximately 40.13% of students score greater than 87 on this exam.
Method 2: Use Area to the Right of Z-Score Calculator
We can also use the Area to the Right of Z-Score Calculator to find that the area to the right of z = 0.25 is 0.4013.
Additional Resources
The following tutorials provide additional information on how to work with z-scores:
How to Find Area to the Left of Z-Score
How to Find Z-Scores Given Area
What is Considered a Good Z-Score?
How to Calculate a P-Value from a Z-Score by Hand