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Probability Density Function Tutorial

  


Definition:

          The Probability Density Function(PDF) of a continuous random variable is a function which can be integrated to obtain the probability that the random variable takes a value in a given interval. PDF is used to find the point of Normal Distribution curve. Continuous Probability Density Function of the Normal Distribution is called the Gaussian Function.

Standard Normal Distribution:

          A random variable which has a normal distribution with a mean m=0 and a standard deviation σ=1 is referred to as Standard Normal Distribution.

Formula:

PDF of Normal Distribution = P(x) = (1/(σsqrt(2π)))e-(x-m)2 / (2σ2)
PDF of Standard Normal Distribution = P(x) = (1/sqrt(2π))e-(x2 / 2)
where,
             m = Mean.
             σ = Standard Deviation.
             π = 3.14
             e = 2.718

Example 1: Find Probability Density Function with,
       mean m=5
       Standard deviation σ=2
       Normal random variable x=10

  Step 1: To calculate PDF find sqrt(2π).
               sqrt(2π) = sqrt(2 x 3.14)
                           = sqrt(6.28) = 2.51

  Step 2: Find 1/(σsqrt(2π)).
               σsqrt(2π) = 2 x 2.51 = 5.02
               1/(σsqrt(2π)) = 1/5.02 = 0.199

  Step 3: To Find e-(x-m)2 / (2σ2) calculate -(x-m)2 and 2σ2.
               -(x-m)2 = -(10-5)2
                          = 52 = 25
                    2σ2 = 2 x (22)
                          = 2 x 4 = 8
     -(x-m)2 / (2σ2) = 25/8
                          = 3.125

  Step 4: Calculate e-(x-m)2 / (2σ2)
                = 2.7183.125 = 22.75

  Step 5: To find PDF formula is used.
                = 0.199 x 22.75 = 4.53


Example 2: Find Standard Normal Distribution(m=0; σ=1) with,
       Normal random variable x=2

  Step 1: Find 1/sqrt(2π).
               sqrt(2π) = 2.51
               1/sqrt(2π)) = 1/2.51 = 0.39

  Step 2: Calculate e-(x2 / 2).
                (x2 / 2)= 22/2 = 2
               e-(x2 / 2)= 2.7182 = 7.387524

  Step 3: To find Standard Normal Distribution Formula is used.
                = 0.39 x 7.387524 = 2.9




This tutorial will help you to calculate the Probability Density Function(PDF) and Standard Normal Distribution.