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I did a search for this and nothing came up, so apologies if it's been asked before.
How does one draw the bell-shaped or Normal distribution curve used that's widely in statistics?
Tony
Three curve points with the pen tool should do it. To draw a curve point, click-and-drag then release. Repeat and the next point will be joined to the first. Repeat again for the third point.
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and it needs to be mathematically accurate?
-JM
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No, it doesn't need to be mathematically dead-on accurate. Just a vector graphic that looks like a bell curve for teaching purposes.
Tony
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You can use mine and adjust the curve to your liking if you want to.
-JM
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Thank you! I used yours - will work on my own when I'm not crunched for time - : )
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Three curve points with the pen tool should do it. To draw a curve point, click-and-drag then release. Repeat and the next point will be joined to the first. Repeat again for the third point.
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Thanks very much for all the help. This is just what I needed!
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And, Tony, as implied by the answer James gave, and depending on the teaching purposes, no offence intended, if you wish a close resemblance it is more easily obtained with an actual curve to trace with the Pen Tool; in different cases, the triple ClickDragging is especially suited for an asymmetric shape, whereas a double ClickDragging followed by a reflexion is especially suited for a symmetric shape.
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Thanks again, everyone for the help! I've got it now.
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for teaching purposes
Tony,
Just FYI: Deneba Canvas (a drawing program in the same category as Illustrator) has a feature for generating curves by formulae.
JET
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Another method is to use the Line Tool and then Effects|ZigZag Tool.
Now use the Rotate option to invert the shape.