Final answer:
To find the cutoff values separating the rejected thermometers from the others, we need to determine the z-scores associated with the given probabilities. Using a standard normal distribution table, the upper cutoff value has a z-score of approximately 2.05, and the lower cutoff value has a z-score of approximately -2.05.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to find the cutoff values separating the rejected thermometers from the others, we need to determine the z-scores associated with the given probabilities.
Since we know the mean and standard deviation of the thermometer readings (mean = 0 and standard deviation = 1), we can use a standard normal distribution table or a calculator to find the z-scores.
To find the z-score corresponding to the upper cutoff value, we subtract the given percentage from 1 (to find the area under the normal curve to the left of the cutoff value).
This gives us 1 - 0.023 = 0.977. Using the standard normal distribution table, we find that the z-score associated with an area of 0.977 is approximately 2.05.
To find the z-score corresponding to the lower cutoff value, we subtract the given percentage from 1 and then subtract the resulting value from 1 again (since the area corresponds to the left tail).
This gives us 1 - 0.023 - 0.977 = 0.023. Using the standard normal distribution table, we find that the z-score associated with an area of 0.023 is approximately -2.05.