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Chi-square vs. Gaussian
Compares χ² with high degrees of freedom to Gaussian.
2024.May.16 15:22:58
Degrees of freedom Degrees of freedom for the chi-square distribution. •
x-limits for plot x axis limits for plot (see below). •
Confidence level % Level for the confidence intervals. •
Graph points Graph points. •
Show values Show the graph coordinates.

Compares a chi-square distribution with high 'df' (degrees of freedom, ν) with an (asymptotically) "equivalent" Gaussian: χ²ν(x) = Φ[(x - μ) ⁄ σ] ⁄ σ, with (from the chi-square) μ = ν and σ = √(2 ν) .

This may be useful if numerical difficulties arise in calculating the chi-square (for high 'df'), and indicates the adequacy of the Gaussian approximation, namely, for confidence intervals. For 'df' = 50, e.g., the width of a 95 % confidence interval for the Gaussian ('gauR') is already only slightly greater than the correct chi-square ('chiR'), with gauR ⁄ chiR = 1.004 (1.000 for 'df' ≥ 346).

If the x-limits are both given 0, they are automatically adjusted to max(0, μ - 4 σ) and μ + 5 σ, μ and σ above.

Draws plots of: the chi-square; and the equivalent Gaussian. Confidence interval shown is for the latter.

References: Plate: Chii2vsGauss

• Wikipedia: Chi-square distribution (Asymptotic properties).

• 1.3.6.4. Location and Scale Parameters ("formulas for") (NIST/SEMATECH e-Handbook…).

• Keisan Online Calculator: Chi-square distribution Calculator (Casio Computer Co., Ltd.).

• 1834-08-04: Venn, John († 1923-04-04, 88 yrs.).

 
 
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Created: 2021-08-04 — Last modified: 2021-08-04