normal distribution

n : a theoretical distribution with finite mean and variance

[syn: {Gaussian distribution}]

normal distribution

(Or "Gaussian distribution", "bell curve") The

{frequency distribution} of many natural phenomena such as the

height of people of a certain age and sex. The formula looks

something like:

P(x) ◦ e^(((x-m)/s)^2)

where P(x) is the probability of a measurement x, m is the

mean value of x and s is the {standard deviation}.

(1995-03-18)