Worked solution
Maximise a normal interval probability by choosing its mean
The random variable is normally distributed such that . Find the maximum possible value of .
CJC · Lecture · Review Question 12
Answer
Maximum probability , attained at .
Centre the fixed interval on the normal mean
The variance is 16, so the standard deviation is 4. A normal density is symmetric and strictly decreases away from its mean. Among intervals of this fixed width, the probability is greatest when the endpoints are equally distant from the mean. Thus choose ; the half-width is 4.78.
Verify that the midpoint is the global maximum
Independently, write , where is the standard-normal CDF and its density. Then . This derivative is positive for , zero at 1.04 and negative for , proving the global maximum.
Evaluate the maximum probability
At , standardising gives . The source short answer is 0.768, consistent with three-significant-figure rounding. The source prints no separate rounding requirement; the derivation and fuller decimal here are independently authored.
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Common mistakes
16 is the variance, so divide distances by 4 when standardising. The midpoint is the maximising mean; the requested answer is the resulting probability.
Solution notes
Both lecture copies print only the ask and short answer 0.768. Intermediate proof and diagram are independently authored. This lecture-only Review 12 has no corresponding entry in the separate Review Problems Solution PDF.