Which statement best describes a normal distribution?

Which statement best describes a normal distribution?

• A. Skewed to the left
• B. Skewed to the right
• C. Symmetrical bell-shaped
• D. Bimodal

Answer: (C)

Normal distribution is best described as a symmetric bell-shaped curve with a single peak centered around the mean. This symmetry means the left and right sides mirror each other, and the data cluster most densely near the center with gradually thinning tails in both directions. The single peak and mirror-image shape are what set it apart from other patterns. Skewed to the left or right would tilt the curve toward one tail, not a mirror image, so those aren’t normal. A bimodal shape has two peaks, whereas a normal distribution has just one peak.

Normal distribution is best described as a symmetric bell-shaped curve with a single peak centered around the mean. This symmetry means the left and right sides mirror each other, and the data cluster most densely near the center with gradually thinning tails in both directions. The single peak and mirror-image shape are what set it apart from other patterns. Skewed to the left or right would tilt the curve toward one tail, not a mirror image, so those aren’t normal. A bimodal shape has two peaks, whereas a normal distribution has just one peak.