Binomial & Normal Probability Distribution (Geogebra)

This is a Geogebra (v5.0) application for use as a visual aid in the teaching of binomial and normal probability distributions. This resource will display the binomial probability distribution for a given number of trials and probability of a successful outcome. You can determine the probability of an outcome, which will be displayed both numerically and graphically. Also, with the use of the animation feature teachers can demonstrate how the binomial distribution changes with a change in the number of trials or a change in the probability of a successful outcome.

The application will also allow you to superimpose a normal distribution on top the binomial distribution. This is very useful in showing students how a normal distribution can be used to approximate a binomial distribution. Students will be able to clearly visualize whether or not the normal distribution is a good approximation, as a result of the extent to which the binomial data is skewed. You can also specified lower and upper X-scores or Z-scores to determine the probability of a range of outcomes and the application will display this result both numerically and graphically. This allows the teacher to be very efficient in explaining answers to these types of questions.

Students will appreciate the visual engagement of the program and you as the teacher will appreciate the time saved in being able to quickly and clearly present solutions.