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A research conducted at the University of Houston wants to estimate the average SAT test scores in mathematics. Assuming that the population of test scores is normally distributed with standard deviation σ=35, find the sample size n ensuring that the estimated value of the sample mean is within \pm 10 points from the true mean. Use confidence level α=0.05.

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Final answer:

To find the sample size n ensuring that the estimated value of the sample mean is within ±10 points from the true mean, we can use the formula n = (Z * σ / E)^2, where Z is the z-score corresponding to the desired confidence level, σ is the standard deviation of the population, and E is the maximum error tolerance. In this case, we need a sample size of n = 190 to ensure the estimated sample mean is within ±10 points from the true mean with a confidence level of 95%.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the sample size n ensuring that the estimated value of the sample mean is within ±10 points from the true mean, we can use the formula for sample size calculation:

n = (Z * σ / E)^2

Where:

  • n is the sample size
  • Z is the z-score corresponding to the desired confidence level
  • σ is the standard deviation of the population
  • E is the maximum error tolerance (half the desired confidence interval)

In this case, the confidence level α = 0.05 corresponds to a z-score of approximately 1.96 (obtained from a standard normal distribution table). The standard deviation σ = 35 and the maximum error tolerance E = 10. Substituting these values into the formula:

n = (1.96 * 35 / 10)^2 = 13.76^2 ≈ 189.05

Rounding up to the nearest whole number, we need a sample size of n = 190 to ensure the estimated sample mean is within ±10 points from the true mean with a confidence level of 95%.

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