Final answer:
Based on the survey where 30% of 80 students favored math, the best estimate for the total number of students preferring math out of 300 at the middle school is 90 students.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a random sample survey of 80 students at Torrey's middle school, 24 students said that math was their favorite subject. This represents 30% of the surveyed group (24 out of 80 students). To estimate the number of students who would say that math is their favorite subject throughout the entire middle school, we can use this percentage.
To find the estimated number of students who favor math in the whole school, which has 300 students, we apply the 30% to the total school population:
- Total number of students: 300
- Percentage favoring math: 30%
- Estimated number of students favoring math: 300 students * 0.30 = 90 students
Therefore, the best estimate for the number of students who would say that math is their favorite subject at this middle school is 90 students.