A bell curve is the informal name for a normal distribution (also called a Gaussian distribution). It is a symmetrical mathematical graph where most data points cluster around a central average, while the remaining values taper off equally toward both extremes. Key Characteristics
Symmetry: The left side is a perfect mirror image of the right side. Exactly 50% of the data falls below the center, and 50% falls above.
Central Peak: The highest point of the curve represents the most frequent event. In a perfect normal distribution, the mean, median, and mode are all equal and located exactly at this center point.
Asymptotic Tails: The sides of the curve slope downward toward the baseline but never actually touch it, meaning extreme values are possible but highly unlikely. The 68-95-99.7 Rule (Empirical Rule)
The width and shape of the bell curve are determined by its standard deviation (
), which measures how spread out the data points are. According to the Khan Academy Empirical Rule guide, data inside a normal distribution predictably groups into three main intervals:
Bell Curve: Definition, How It Works, and Example – Investopedia
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