2 Determine the 995 CI for the population mean and explain w
2. Determine the 99.5% CI for the population mean and explain why the Z or T statistic applies.
If the question can’t be answered with the given information, explain why that is so. [Hint:
Calculator’s CI facilities]
2.1 Random sample size 25, mean 50, and standard deviation 16; unknown population
distribution
2.2 Same as 2.1 but with known normal population and known population standard deviation
2.3 Same as 2.1 but sample size 250 with unknown standard deviation and population
believed to be non-symmetric with a considerable skew, extreme outliers, and possible multiple
modes.
Solution
General Rule:
You must use the t-distribution table when working problems when the population standard deviation () is not known and the sample size is small (n<30). General Correct Rule: If is not known, then using t-distribution is correct. If is known, then using the normaldistribution is correct.
2.1
df = 24
alpha = 0.005
t-value(alpha/2) = 3.0905
CI = ( 50 - 3.0905 , 50+3.0905) = (46.9095 , 53.9095) Answer
2.2
z for 99.5 % = 2.807
Margin of error = (z*SD)/sqrt(25)
= ( 2.807 * 16) / sqrt(25)
= 8.9824
CI = ( 50 - 8.9824 , 50+8.9824) = (41.0176 , 58.0176) Answer
2.3
df = 249
alpha = 0.005
t-value(alpha/2) = 2.83(approx)
CI = ( 50 - 2.83 , 50+2.83) = (47.17 , 52.83) Answer
