The Normal Distribution
The normal distribution is perhaps the most important case. Because the normal distribution is a location-scale family, its quantile function for arbitrary parameters can be derived from a simple transformation of the quantile function of the standard normal distribution, known as the probit function. Unfortunately, this function has no closed-form representation using basic algebraic functions; as a result, approximate representations are usually used. Thorough composite rational and polynomial approximations have been given by Wichura and Acklam (see his web site in External Links). Non-composite rational approximations have been developed by Shaw (see Monte Carlo recycling in External Links).
Read more about this topic: Quantile Function
Famous quotes containing the words normal and/or distribution:
“You have promise, Mlle. Dubois, but you must choose between an operatic career and what is usually called a normal life. Though why it is so called is beyond me.”
—Eric Taylor, Leroux, and Arthur Lubin. M. Villeneuve (Frank Puglia)
“Classical and romantic: private language of a family quarrel, a dead dispute over the distribution of emphasis between man and nature.”
—Cyril Connolly (19031974)