Final answer:
To determine the required sample size, use the formula n = (Z * σ / E)², where n is the required sample size, Z is the Z-score representing the desired level of confidence, σ is the standard deviation of the population, and E is the desired margin of error. Substituting the given values, the required sample size is approximately 196.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the required sample size, we need to use the formula for sample size calculation. The formula is:
n = (Z * σ / E)²
Where:
- n is the required sample size
- Z is the Z-score representing the desired level of confidence (in this case, it is the Z-score for a 90% confidence level, which is approximately 1.645)
- σ is the standard deviation of the population (in this case, it is 17)
- E is the desired margin of error (in this case, it is 2)
Substituting the values into the formula, we get:
n = (1.645 * 17 / 2)²
n = (27.965 / 2)²
n = 13.9825²
n ≈ 195.64
Rounding up to the nearest whole number, the required sample size is 196.