Final answer:
This is a binomial experiment because it has fixed trials, two outcomes, constant probability, and independent trials. We calculate probabilities of specific outcomes using the binomial probability formula.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scenario described is a binomial experiment because it meets the criteria: there is a fixed number of trials (24 flights), there are only two possible outcomes (a flight is either on time or it is not), the probability of success (a flight being on time) is constant (85%), and each trial is independent of the others.
To find the probability that exactly 18 flights are on time, we would use the binomial probability formula P(X = k) = (n choose k) * p^k * (1-p)^(n-k). However, without performing the calculation, we can say that this probability represents the chance that out of 24 flights, exactly 18 are on time.
The probability that fewer than 18 flights are on time would involve summing up the probabilities of all outcomes with less than 18 on-time flights, which can be calculated by the binomial formula considering each possibility from 0 to 17.
The probability that at least 18 flights are on time is found by subtracting the probability of fewer than 18 flights being on time from 1. This calculation involves the same binomial formula, considering the complement of the event.
To find the probability that between 16 and 18 flights, inclusive, are on time, we would sum the probabilities for exactly 16, 17, and 18 on-time flights using the binomial formula.