Final answer:
The sample size needed to construct a 99% confidence interval with a margin of error equal to 2,400 miles is approximately 16,756.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the sample size needed to construct a 99% confidence interval with a margin of error equal to 2,400 miles, we can use the formula:
n = (Z-value)^2 * (standard deviation^2) / (margin of error)^2
Given that the standard deviation for the tire life is 8,500 miles and the margin of error is 2,400 miles, we can substitute these values into the formula:
n = (2.576)^2 * (8,500^2) / (2,400^2)
Simplifying the equation, we get:
n = 16,755.7766
Rounding up, the sample size needed is approximately 16,756. Therefore, the sample size needed is 16,756.