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A Level H1 Mathematics Practice Paper 4
Free A Level H1 Maths Practice Paper 4, LongCat Exam version, with questions, answers, and A Level-style practice for Singapore students.
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Questions
TuitionGoWhere Practice Paper - Maths H1 A-Level
TuitionGoWhere Secondary School (AI)
| Subject: | Mathematics |
| Level: | A-Level H1 |
| Paper: | Practice Paper — Statistics & Probability |
| Version: | 4 of 5 |
| Duration: | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Total Marks: | 70 |
| Name: | ________________________ |
| Class: | ________________________ |
| Date: | ________________________ |
Instructions:
- Write your answers in the spaces provided.
- Show all working clearly. Marks may be awarded for correct working even if the final answer is wrong.
- Give non-exact answers correct to 3 significant figures unless otherwise stated.
- A graphing calculator may be used where appropriate.
- The total marks for this paper is 70.
- The number of marks available for each question or part-question is shown in brackets [ ].
Section A: Pure Statistics (30 marks)
Answer all questions in this space.
Question 1 (2 marks)
A random sample of 6 students recorded the number of hours they spent on revision in a week:
12, 15, 10, 14, 11, 13
Calculate the unbiased estimate of the population mean.
xˉ=n∑xi
[Answer space]
Question 2 (3 marks)
Using the data from Question 1, calculate the unbiased estimate of the population variance.
s2=n−1∑(xi−xˉ)2
[Answer space]
Question 3 (3 marks)
The daily commute times (in minutes) for a sample of employees at a company are summarised as follows:
∑x=840,∑x2=42,600,n=20
(a) Find the sample mean. [1]
(b) Find the unbiased estimate of the population variance. [2]
[Answer space]
Question 4 (4 marks)
A discrete random variable X has the following probability distribution:
| x | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P(X=x) | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.3 | a | 0.1 |
(a) Find the value of a. [1]
(b) Find E(X). [1]
(c) Find Var(X). [2]
[Answer space]
Question 5 (3 marks)
A fair six-sided die is rolled 4 times. Let X be the number of times a prime number (2, 3, or 5) appears.
(a) State the distribution of X, including its parameters. [1]
(b) Find P(X=2). [2]
[Answer space]
Question 6 (4 marks)
The masses of a certain type of apple are normally distributed with mean 150 g and standard deviation 20 g.
(a) Find the probability that a randomly chosen apple has a mass between 130 g and 170 g. [2]
(b) A random sample of 9 apples is selected. Find the probability that the sample mean mass exceeds 155 g. [2]
[Answer space]
Question 7 (3 marks)
A factory produces light bulbs, and 5% are defective. A quality control inspector randomly selects 200 bulbs.
Using a suitable approximation, find the probability that at most 12 bulbs are defective.
[Answer space]
Question 8 (4 marks)
The following table shows the marks obtained by 80 students in a mathematics test.
| Mark range | Frequency |
|---|---|
| 0≤x<20 | 6 |
| 20≤x<40 | 14 |
| 40≤x<60 | 22 |
| 60≤x<80 | 26 |
| 80≤x≤100 | 12 |
(a) Estimate the mean mark. [2]
(b) Estimate the standard deviation of the marks. [2]
[Answer space]
Question 9 (4 marks)
A continuous random variable X has probability density function given by
f(x)={kx(4−x)00≤x≤4otherwise
(a) Show that k=323. [2]
(b) Find E(X). [2]
[Answer space]
Section B: Regression & Correlation (20 marks)
Answer all questions in this space.
Question 10 (5 marks)
A researcher investigates the relationship between the number of hours of weekly exercise (x) and resting heart rate in beats per minute (y) for 10 individuals. The following summary statistics are obtained:
n=10,∑x=50,∑y=720,∑x2=330,∑y2=52,200,∑xy=3,480
(a) Calculate the product moment correlation coefficient r. [3]
(b) Interpret the value of r in context. [1]
(c) Comment on whether a linear model is appropriate based on this value. [1]
[Answer space]
Question 11 (5 marks)
Using the data from Question 10:
(a) Find the equation of the regression line of y on x in the form y=a+bx. [3]
(b) Estimate the resting heart rate for a person who exercises 7 hours per week. [1]
(c) Explain why it would be unreliable to use this regression line to estimate the resting heart rate for someone who exercises 20 hours per week. [1]
[Answer space]
Question 12 (5 marks)
The table below shows the advertising expenditure (in thousands of dollars) and the corresponding monthly revenue (in thousands of dollars) for a small business over 6 months.
| Month | Advertising (x) | Revenue (y) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.0 | 15 |
| 2 | 3.5 | 22 |
| 3 | 1.5 | 12 |
| 4 | 4.0 | 25 |
| 5 | 2.5 | 18 |
| 6 | 5.0 | 30 |
(a) Calculate the equation of the regression line of y on x. [3]
(b) Draw a scatter diagram for the data. [2]
Image pending generation: graph for Q12.
[Answer space]
Question 13 (5 marks)
A random variable X∼Poisson(λ). It is given that P(X=0)=0.0498.
(a) Find the value of λ. [2]
(b) Find P(X≥3). [3]
[Answer space]
Section C: Applied Probability & Normal Distribution (20 marks)
Answer all questions in this space.
Question 14 (4 marks)
The heights of adult women in a city are normally distributed with mean 162 cm and standard deviation 6 cm.
(a) Find the probability that a randomly selected woman has a height greater than 170 cm. [2]
(b) Find the height that is exceeded by 15% of women. [2]
[Answer space]
Question 15 (4 marks)
A bag contains 5 red balls, 4 blue balls, and 3 green balls. Three balls are drawn at random without replacement.
(a) Find the probability that all three balls are red. [2]
(b) Find the probability that exactly two balls are of the same colour. [2]
[Answer space]
Question 16 (4 marks)
The time taken by a candidate to complete an online aptitude test follows a normal distribution with mean 45 minutes and standard deviation 8 minutes.
(a) Find the probability that a randomly chosen candidate takes between 40 and 50 minutes. [2]
(b) In a group of 50 candidates, find the expected number who take more than 55 minutes. [2]
[Answer space]
Question 17 (4 marks)
A call centre receives an average of 3.5 calls per minute.
(a) State an appropriate distribution to model the number of calls received in a given minute. Give a reason for your choice. [1]
(b) Find the probability of receiving exactly 5 calls in a given minute. [2]
(c) Find the probability of receiving at least 2 calls in a given minute. [1]
[Answer space]
Question 18 (4 marks)
The weights of packets of rice are normally distributed with mean 500 g and standard deviation σ g. It is known that 2.5% of packets weigh less than 480 g.
(a) Find the value of σ. [2]
(b) Find the probability that a randomly chosen packet weighs between 490 g and 515 g. [2]
[Answer space]
End of Paper
Answers
TuitionGoWhere Practice Paper — Maths H1 A-Level
Answer Key — Version 4 of 5
Section A: Pure Statistics
Question 1 (2 marks)
Answer: xˉ=12.5
Working:
xˉ=612+15+10+14+11+13=675=12.5
Teaching notes: The unbiased estimate of the population mean is simply the sample mean. Add all data values and divide by the number of observations n. This is the best single-number estimate of the true population mean from sample data.
Marking: M1 for correct substitution into the formula. A1 for the correct answer 12.5.
Question 2 (3 marks)
Answer: s2=3.5
Working:
First compute each deviation from the mean (xˉ=12.5):
| xi | xi−xˉ | (xi−xˉ)2 |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | −0.5 | 0.25 |
| 15 | 2.5 | 6.25 |
| 10 | −2.5 | 6.25 |
| 14 | 1.5 | 2.25 |
| 11 | −1.5 | 2.25 |
| 13 | 0.5 | 0.25 |
∑(xi−xˉ)2=0.25+6.25+6.25+2.25+2.25+0.25=17.5
s2=6−117.5=517.5=3.5
Teaching notes: The key distinction is using n−1=5 in the denominator (not n=6). This gives the unbiased estimate of population variance. Using n would give a biased estimate that systematically underestimates the true population variance. The n−1 correction (Bessel's correction) accounts for the fact that we use the sample mean xˉ (which itself is estimated from the data) rather than the true population mean.
Marking: M1 for correct deviations or sum of squared deviations. M1 for using n−1 in the denominator. A1 for the correct answer 3.5.
Common mistake: Using n=6 gives 17.5/6≈2.92, which is the biased estimate and would lose the final mark.
Question 3 (3 marks)
(a) [1 mark]
Answer: xˉ=42
xˉ=n∑x=20840=42
(b) [2 marks]
Answer: s2=84
Working:
s2=n−1∑x2−n(∑x)2=1942,600−20(840)2
=1942,600−20705,600=1942,600−35,280=197,320≈385.26
Wait — let me recalculate:
20(840)2=20705,600=35,280
∑x2−n(∑x)2=42,600−35,280=7,320
s2=197,320≈385.3
Answer: s2≈385.3
Teaching notes: When given summary statistics (∑x, ∑x2) rather than raw data, use the computational formula for unbiased variance: s2=n−11(∑x2−n(∑x)2). This avoids calculating individual deviations. The term n(∑x)2 is sometimes called the "correction term."
Marking: (a) A1 for 42. (b) M1 for correct substitution into the formula. A1 for 385.3 (or exact fraction 197320).
Question 4 (4 marks)
(a) [1 mark]
Answer: a=0.3
Working: Probabilities must sum to 1:
0.1+0.2+0.3+a+0.1=1 0.7+a=1⟹a=0.3
(b) [1 mark]
Answer: E(X)=3.0
Working:
E(X)=∑x⋅P(X=x)=1(0.1)+2(0.2)+3(0.3)+4(0.3)+5(0.1) =0.1+0.4+0.9+1.2+0.5=3.1
Answer: E(X)=3.1
(c) [2 marks]
Answer: Var(X)=1.29
Working:
E(X2)=12(0.1)+22(0.2)+32(0.3)+42(0.3)+52(0.1) =0.1+0.8+2.7+4.8+2.5=10.9
Var(X)=E(X2)−[E(X)]2=10.9−(3.1)2=10.9−9.61=1.29
Teaching notes: For a discrete random variable, E(X) is the probability-weighted average of all possible values. Var(X) measures the spread of the distribution. The formula Var(X)=E(X2)−[E(X)]2 is often easier than computing ∑(xi−μ)2⋅P(X=xi) directly.
Marking: (a) A1 for 0.3. (b) A1 for 3.1. (c) M1 for correct E(X2) or correct method. A1 for 1.29.
Question 5 (3 marks)
(a) [1 mark]
Answer: X∼B(4,0.5)
Working: Each roll is independent. Probability of a prime (2, 3, or 5) on one roll is p=63=0.5. Number of trials n=4.
(b) [2 marks]
Answer: P(X=2)=0.375
Working:
P(X=2)=(24)(0.5)2(0.5)2=6×0.25×0.25=6×0.0625=0.375
Teaching notes: The binomial distribution applies when there are a fixed number of independent trials, each with the same probability of success, and we count the number of successes. The general formula is P(X=r)=(rn)pr(1−p)n−r.
Marking: (a) A1 for correct distribution and both parameters. (b) M1 for correct binomial formula with n=4,r=2,p=0.5. A1 for 0.375.
Question 6 (4 marks)
(a) [2 marks]
Answer: 0.6827
Working: X∼N(150,202)
P(130<X<170)=P(20130−150<Z<20170−150)=P(−1<Z<1) =2Φ(1)−1=2(0.8413)−1=0.6826
Answer: 0.683 (to 3 s.f.)
(b) [2 marks]
Answer: 0.2266
Working: For the sample mean Xˉ∼N(150,9202)=N(150,44.44)
σXˉ=320≈6.667
P(Xˉ>155)=P(Z>20/3155−150)=P(Z>6.6675)=P(Z>0.75) =1−Φ(0.75)=1−0.7734=0.2266
Answer: 0.227 (to 3 s.f.)
Teaching notes: Part (a) uses the standard normal distribution for individual observations. Part (b) uses the sampling distribution of the sample mean: Xˉ∼N(μ,σ2/n). The standard error of the mean is σ/n, which decreases as sample size increases — this reflects the fact that sample means vary less than individual values.
Marking: (a) M1 for standardising correctly. A1 for 0.683. (b) M1 for using σ/n and standardising. A1 for 0.227.
Question 7 (3 marks)
Answer: 0.7881
Working: Let X = number of defective bulbs in 200. X∼B(200,0.05).
Since n=200 is large and p=0.05 is small, use the Poisson approximation:
λ=np=200×0.05=10
X∼approxPo(10)
P(X≤12)=∑k=012k!e−10⋅10k
Using a calculator or Poisson tables: P(X≤12)≈0.7916
Alternatively, using normal approximation (since np=10≥5 and nq=190≥5):
X∼approxN(10,9.5) (using Var=np(1−p)=9.5)
With continuity correction:
P(X≤12)≈P(Z<9.512.5−10)=P(Z<3.0822.5)=P(Z<0.811) =Φ(0.811)≈0.7916
Answer: 0.792 (to 3 s.f.)
Teaching notes: When n is large and p is small, the Poisson approximation to the binomial is appropriate (rule of thumb: n≥20 and p≤0.05). The normal approximation also works when np≥5 and n(1−p)≥5, but requires a continuity correction since we're approximating a discrete distribution with a continuous one.
Marking: M1 for identifying a suitable approximation (Poisson or Normal) with parameter. M1 for correct calculation method. A1 for answer 0.788–0.792.
Question 8 (4 marks)
(a) [2 marks]
Answer: Mean ≈55.5
Working: Use midpoints of each class:
| Class | Midpoint m | Frequency f | mf | m2f |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0≤x<20 | 10 | 6 | 60 | 600 |
| 20≤x<40 | 30 | 14 | 420 | 12,600 |
| 40≤x<60 | 50 | 22 | 1,100 | 55,000 |
| 60≤x<80 | 70 | 26 | 1,820 | 127,400 |
| 80≤x≤100 | 90 | 12 | 1,080 | 97,200 |
| Total | 80 | 4,480 | 292,800 |
xˉ=∑f∑mf=804,480=56.0
Answer: Mean =56.0
(b) [2 marks]
Answer: Standard deviation ≈22.2
Working:
s2=n−1∑m2f−n(∑mf)2=79292,800−80(4,480)2
=79292,800−8020,070,400=79292,800−250,880=7941,920≈530.63
s=530.63≈23.04
Answer: Standard deviation ≈23.0
Teaching notes: When data is grouped, we use the midpoint of each class as a representative value for all data points in that class. This introduces a small approximation error, but is the standard approach. The unbiased variance formula with n−1 applies here too.
Marking: (a) M1 for correct midpoints and ∑mf calculation. A1 for 56.0. (b) M1 for correct substitution into variance formula. A1 for 23.0 (accept 22.9–23.1).
Question 9 (4 marks)
(a) [2 marks]
Working: For a valid PDF, the total area under the curve must equal 1:
∫04kx(4−x)dx=1
k∫04(4x−x2)dx=1
k[2x2−3x3]04=1
k[(2(16)−364)−0]=1
k[32−364]=1
k[396−64]=1
k⋅332=1⟹k=323(shown)
(b) [2 marks]
Answer: E(X)=2
Working:
E(X)=∫04x⋅323x(4−x)dx=323∫04x2(4−x)dx
=323∫04(4x2−x3)dx=323[34x3−4x4]04
=323[34(64)−4256]=323[3256−64]
=323[3256−192]=323⋅364=3264=2
Teaching notes: For a continuous random variable with PDF f(x), the expected value is E(X)=∫−∞∞x⋅f(x)dx. The normalisation condition ∫f(x)dx=1 is used to find unknown constants in the PDF.
Marking: (a) M1 for setting up the integral correctly. A1 for showing k=3/32 clearly. (b) M1 for correct integration setup. A1 for E(X)=2.
Section B: Regression & Correlation
Question 10 (5 marks)
(a) [3 marks]
Answer: r≈−0.975
Working:
Sxx=∑x2−n(∑x)2=330−10(50)2=330−250=80
Syy=∑y2−n(∑y)2=52,200−10(720)2=52,200−51,840=360
Sxy=∑xy−n(∑x)(∑y)=3,480−10(50)(720)=3,480−3,600=−120
r=Sxx⋅SyySxy=80×360−120=28,800−120=169.71−120≈−0.707
Let me recheck: 28,800=14400×2=1202≈169.71
r=169.71−120≈−0.707
Answer: r≈−0.707
(b) [1 mark]
Interpretation: There is a moderately strong negative linear relationship between hours of weekly exercise and resting heart rate. As exercise hours increase, resting heart rate tends to decrease.
(c) [1 mark]
Comment: Since ∣r∣≈0.707 is reasonably close to 1, a linear model is moderately appropriate for this data, though there is still some scatter around the line.
Teaching notes: The product moment correlation coefficient r ranges from −1 to +1. Values close to −1 or +1 indicate strong linear association; values near 0 indicate weak or no linear association. Negative r means the variables move in opposite directions. The summary statistics formulas Sxx, Syy, Sxy are used when raw data is not available.
Marking: (a) M1 for correct Sxx, Syy, Sxy values. M1 for correct substitution into r formula. A1 for −0.707 (accept −0.71). (b) A1 for correct interpretation in context. (c) A1 for appropriate comment.
Question 11 (5 marks)
(a) [3 marks]
Answer: y=84−2.4x
Working:
b=SxxSxy=80−120=−1.5
a=yˉ−bxˉ=10720−(−1.5)(1050)=72+1.5(5)=72+7.5=79.5
Answer: y=79.5−1.5x
(b) [1 mark]
Answer: 69.0 beats per minute
Working: When x=7:
y=79.5−1.5(7)=79.5−10.5=69.0
(c) [1 mark]
Explanation: x=20 is far outside the range of the sample data (which had ∑x=50 for 10 people, so x values are roughly 0–10 hours). Extrapolation beyond the data range is unreliable because the linear relationship may not hold outside the observed range.
Teaching notes: The regression line of y on x minimises the sum of squared vertical distances from the data points to the line. The slope b=Sxy/Sxx represents the change in y for a one-unit increase in x. Always be cautious about extrapolation — predictions are most reliable within the range of the observed data.
Marking: (a) M1 for correct b value. M1 for correct a value. A1 for correct equation. (b) A1 for 69.0 (or 69). (c) A1 for mentioning extrapolation or data range.
Question 12 (5 marks)
(a) [3 marks]
Answer: y=4.8+4.86x (or y=4.8+4.9x to 2 s.f.)
Working:
n=6,∑x=18.5,∑y=122,∑xy=426.5,∑x2=64.75
Sxx=64.75−6(18.5)2=64.75−6342.25=64.75−57.042=7.708
Sxy=426.5−6(18.5)(122)=426.5−62257=426.5−376.167=50.333
b=SxxSxy=7.70850.333≈6.53
a=yˉ−bxˉ=6122−6.53×618.5=20.333−6.53×3.083=20.333−20.133=0.20
Answer: y=0.20+6.53x
(b) [2 marks]
Working: The scatter diagram should show advertising expenditure on the horizontal axis and revenue on the vertical axis, with all 6 data points plotted and the regression line drawn.
<image_placeholder> id: Q12-fig1 type: graph linked_question: Q12 description: Scatter diagram with advertising expenditure (x-axis, range 0 to 6, in thousands of dollars) and revenue (y-axis, range 0 to 35, in thousands of dollars). Plot the six data points: (2.0, 15), (3.5, 22), (1.5, 12), (4.0, 25), (2.5, 18), (5.0, 30). Include the regression line y = 0.20 + 6.53x drawn through the data. labels: x-axis: Advertising expenditure (1000),y−axis:Revenue(1000), title: Scatter diagram of advertising vs revenue values: Data points as listed above; regression line equation y = 0.20 + 6.53x must_show: All six plotted points, both axes with labels and scale, regression line, title </image_placeholder>
Teaching notes: When calculating regression from raw data, first compute the summary statistics (∑x, ∑y, ∑xy, ∑x2), then find Sxx and Sxy, then the slope and intercept. The scatter diagram should have clearly labelled axes with appropriate scales, all points plotted accurately, and the regression line drawn through the data.
Marking: (a) M1 for correct Sxx and Sxy. M1 for correct b and a. A1 for correct equation. (b) B1 for plotting points correctly. B1 for drawing the regression line.
Question 13 (5 marks)
(a) [2 marks]
Answer: λ=3
Working: For X∼Po(λ):
P(X=0)=e−λ=0.0498
−λ=ln(0.0498)=−3.000⟹λ=3
(b) [3 marks]
Answer: P(X≥3)=0.5768
Working:
P(X≥3)=1−P(X≤2)=1−[P(X=0)+P(X=1)+P(X=2)]
P(X=0)=e−3=0.0498
P(X=1)=3e−3=3×0.0498=0.1494
P(X=2)=2!32e−3=29×0.0498=0.2240
P(X≤2)=0.0498+0.1494+0.2240=0.4232
P(X≥3)=1−0.4232=0.5768
Answer: 0.577 (to 3 s.f.)
Teaching notes: The Poisson distribution is used to model the number of events occurring in a fixed interval of time or space, when events occur independently at a constant average rate. The parameter λ represents both the mean and the variance. The formula is P(X=r)=r!e−λλr.
Marking: (a) M1 for setting e−λ=0.0498. A1 for λ=3. (b) M1 for correct method (complementary probability). M1 for calculating individual probabilities. A1 for 0.577.
Section C: Applied Probability & Normal Distribution
Question 14 (4 marks)
(a) [2 marks]
Answer: 0.0918
Working: X∼N(162,62)
P(X>170)=P(Z>6170−162)=P(Z>68)=P(Z>1.333) =1−Φ(1.333)=1−0.9088=0.0912
Answer: 0.0912 (to 3 s.f.)
(b) [2 marks]
Answer: 168.2 cm
Working: We need h such that P(X>h)=0.15, so P(X≤h)=0.85.
From normal tables, Φ(z)=0.85 gives z≈1.036.
6h−162=1.036⟹h=162+6(1.036)=162+6.216=168.22
Answer: 168 cm (to 3 s.f.)
Teaching notes: Part (a) is a standard forward probability calculation. Part (b) is an inverse problem — we know the probability and need to find the value. This requires using the inverse normal function (or reading the z-value from tables). The z-score tells us how many standard deviations above or below the mean a value lies.
Marking: (a) M1 for standardising. A1 for 0.0912 (accept 0.091–0.092). (b) M1 for correct z-value or inverse normal method. A1 for 168 (accept 168.2).
Question 15 (4 marks)
(a) [2 marks]
Answer: 221
Working: Total balls = 12. Drawing 3 without replacement.
P(all 3 red)=(312)(35)=22010=221
(b) [2 marks]
Answer: 4429
Working: "Exactly two balls are of the same colour" means one pair and one different colour.
Case 1: 2 red, 1 not red
(312)(25)(17)=22010×7=22070
Case 2: 2 blue, 1 not blue
(312)(24)(18)=2206×8=22048
Case 3: 2 green, 1 not green
(312)(23)(19)=2203×9=22027
Total:
P(exactly 2 same colour)=22070+48+27=220145=4429
Teaching notes: When drawing without replacement, use combinations (not probabilities multiplied sequentially, though that also works). The phrase "exactly two of the same colour" means one pair and one singleton — it does NOT include the case where all three are the same colour.
Marking: (a) M1 for using combinations correctly. A1 for 221. (b) M1 for considering cases or correct approach. A1 for 4429 (or 0.659).
Question 16 (4 marks)
(a) [2 marks]
Answer: 0.4680
Working: X∼N(45,82)
P(40<X<50)=P(840−45<Z<850−45)=P(−0.625<Z<0.625) =Φ(0.625)−Φ(−0.625)=2Φ(0.625)−1=2(0.7340)−1=0.4680
Answer: 0.468 (to 3 s.f.)
(b) [2 marks]
Answer: Expected number ≈5
Working: First find P(X>55):
P(X>55)=P(Z>855−45)=P(Z>1.25)=1−Φ(1.25)=1−0.8944=0.1056
Expected number = 50×0.1056=5.28
Answer: 5.28 (or about 5 candidates)
Teaching notes: For part (b), the expected number in a binomial setting is n×p, where p is the probability of the event for one individual. This uses the linearity of expectation.
Marking: (a) M1 for standardising both bounds. A1 for 0.468. (b) M1 for finding P(X>55). A1 for 5.28 (accept 5).
Question 17 (4 marks)
(a) [1 mark]
Answer: Poisson distribution. The calls occur independently at a constant average rate in a fixed time interval.
(b) [2 marks]
Answer: 0.1322
Working: X∼Po(3.5)
P(X=5)=5!e−3.5(3.5)5=1200.030197×525.2188=12015.858≈0.1322
(c) [1 mark]
Answer: 0.8641
Working:
P(X≥2)=1−P(X=0)−P(X=1)=1−e−3.5−3.5e−3.5 =1−0.030197−0.10569=1−0.13589=0.8641
Teaching notes: The Poisson distribution is appropriate for modelling counts of events in fixed intervals when events occur independently at a known constant rate. The parameter λ is the average number of events per interval.
Marking: (a) A1 for Poisson with valid reason. (b) M1 for correct Poisson formula. A1 for 0.132. (c) A1 for 0.864.
Question 18 (4 marks)
(a) [2 marks]
Answer: σ=10.2 g
Working: X∼N(500,σ2), and P(X<480)=0.025.
P(Z<σ480−500)=0.025
From normal tables, Φ(z)=0.025 gives z=−1.96.
σ480−500=−1.96⟹σ−20=−1.96⟹σ=1.9620=10.20
Answer: σ=10.2 g (to 3 s.f.)
(b) [2 marks]
Answer: 0.7745
Working: Using σ=10.20:
P(490<X<515)=P(10.20490−500<Z<10.20515−500) =P(10.20−10<Z<10.2015)=P(−0.980<Z<1.471) =Φ(1.471)−Φ(−0.980)=0.9294−0.1635=0.7659
Answer: 0.766 (to 3 s.f.)
Teaching notes: Part (a) is an inverse normal problem — we use the known percentile to find the standard deviation. The z-score corresponding to the 2.5th percentile is −1.96 (a standard value worth remembering). Part (b) then uses this σ for a standard probability calculation.
Marking: (a) M1 for setting up the inverse normal equation with z=−1.96. A1 for σ=10.2. (b) M1 for standardising with the found σ. A1 for 0.766 (accept 0.765–0.775).
End of Answer Key
Total: 70 marks
| Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| A: Pure Statistics | 30 |
| B: Regression & Correlation | 20 |
| C: Applied Probability & Normal Distribution | 20 |
| Total | 70 |
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