Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-1-1992

Keywords

statistics, distribution, probability

Abstract

Introductory statistics textbooks typically develop the concept of continuous random variables with a discussion of only the variables' probability distribution function and omit any discussion of the cumulative distribution function. The cumulative distribution function, however, is useful in developing the concepts of a normal distribution, the standard normal distribution and the probability of a continuous random variable falls within a specific range of values since the standard normal statistical table is derived from the cumulative distribution function. This paper develops a simple graphical relationship between a continuous random variables' cumulative distribution function and its probability distribution function that can be used as a pedagogical tool to more efficiently develop the undergraduate students' conceptual understanding of the topic.

Publisher

Department of Economics, South Dakota State University

Series Number

92-5

Number of Pages

14

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