Final answer:
The number of degrees of freedom is obtained by subtracting 1 from the sample size. The critical values xl^2 and xr^2 can be found using the chi-square distribution table. The confidence interval estimate of the population mean is calculated using the sample mean, critical value, standard deviation, and sample size. Confidence interval = (49.86, 81.14)
Step-by-step explanation:
The number of degrees of freedom in this case is n-1, where n is the sample size. So, in this case, the number of degrees of freedom is 24 (25-1=24).
The critical values xl^2 and xr^2 can be determined using the chi-square distribution table or calculator. For a 95% confidence level and 24 degrees of freedom, the critical values are approximately 37.65 and 11.07.
To calculate the confidence interval estimate of the population mean, we use the formula:
Confidence interval = sample mean ± (critical value * standard deviation / √(sample size))
Plugging in the given values, we have:
Confidence interval = 65.5 ± (11.07 * 65.5 / √(25))
Confidence interval = (49.86, 81.14)