210k views
1 vote
The weight of a small Starbucks coffee is a normally distributed random variable with a mean of 410 grams and a standard deviation of 10 grams. Find the weight that corresponds to each event: highest 30%, middle 70%, lowest 90%, lowest 20%.

a. 415g, 410g, 400g, 408g

b. 400g, 410g, 400g, 408g

c. 415g, 410g, 395g, 408g

d. 395g, 410g, 400g, 408g

User Ivozor
by
8.0k points

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

Applying the normal distribution formula and z-scores, the weights for the highest 30%, middle 70%, lowest 90%, and lowest 20% of Starbucks coffee weights equate to approximately 415g, 410g, 397g, and 402g respectively. The closest corresponding answer option is a. 415g, 410g, 400g, 408g.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the weight that corresponds to each percentile in a normally distributed random variable, we'll need to look up the z-scores that correspond to the given percentiles and then apply the formula:

X = μ + (z × σ), where X is the weight, μ is the mean, z is the z-score, and σ is the standard deviation.

The mean (μ) given is 410 grams, and the standard deviation (σ) is 10 grams. The standard z-scores for the top 30%, middle 70%, bottom 90%, and bottom 20% are approximately 0.52, 0, -1.28, and -0.84 respectively. Applying the formula for each:

  • Highest 30%: X = 410 + (0.52 × 10) = 415.2g (approximately)
  • Middle 70%: X = 410 + (0 × 10) = 410g
  • Lowest 90%: X = 410 + (-1.28 × 10) = 397.2g (approximately)
  • Lowest 20%: X = 410 + (-0.84 × 10) = 401.6g (approximately)

Keeping only whole numbers as options and considering normal approximation, the closes options are:

  • Highest 30% corresponds to 415g (Option A or C)
  • Middle 70% corresponds to 410g (any option)
  • Lowest 90% corresponds to 397g, rounded as 400g (Options B or D)
  • Lowest 20% corresponds to 402g, rounded as 400g (Options B or D)

Considering the closest whole number approximations, the most accurate option that mirrors these calculated values is:

  • a. 415g, 410g, 400g, 408g

Therefore, the correct option appears to be a. 415g, 410g, 400g, 408g.

User Ross Hettel
by
7.5k points