Final answer:
The test statistic for the mean weight difference is approximately 5.877.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the test statistic for the mean weight difference, we need to calculate the standard error of the mean (SEM) and then divide the mean weight difference by the SEM.
The formula for SEM is: SEM = standard deviation / √(sample size)
Here, the mean weight difference, x-bar = (-3.5 + 7.8) / 2 = 2.15; standard deviation = 7.8 - (-3.5) / 2 = 5.65; sample size = 237.
So, SEM = 5.65 / √(237) ≈ 0.365
Now, the test statistic z = mean weight difference / SEM = 2.15 / 0.365 ≈ 5.877
Therefore, the test statistic is approximately 5.877.