52521911
The graph shows two normal density curves with the same mean.
Which curve has the larger standard deviation? If the standard deviation of curve \(a\) is \(5\), choose the most reasonable standard deviation for curve \(b\): \(2\), \(5\), or \(10\).
Hints
- Compare the horizontal spread of the two curves in the graph.
- Which candidate value would make a normal curve more spread out than one with standard deviation \(5\)?
- Check that your choice agrees with the relative shapes shown, not just with the size of the number.
Solution
1. A larger standard deviation spreads a normal distribution over a wider range.
2. Curve \(b\) is wider, so it has the larger standard deviation.
3. Of the choices, \(10\) is larger than \(5\) and matches the wider curve. Therefore, curve \(b\) has standard deviation \(10\).
Answer
Curve \(b\); its standard deviation is \(10\).
