Final answer:
The question involves a hypothesis test (Z-test) to determine if the mean lifespan of tires, as reported from a survey, is highly inconsistent with the claimed average lifespan. We calculate the test statistic using the sample mean, claimed mean, standard deviation, and sample size, and compare it to the critical Z value at alpha 0.05.
Step-by-step explanation:
To assess whether the data is highly inconsistent with the claim that the deluxe tire averages at least 50,000 miles before replacement, we use a hypothesis test. The null hypothesis (H0) is that the mean lifespan of the tires is at least 50,000 miles, against the alternative hypothesis (Ha) that the mean lifespan is less than 50,000 miles.
Since the standard deviation of the population is known, we can perform a Z-test. First, we calculate the test statistic using the formula:
Z = (mean - claimed mean) / (standard deviation / sqrt(sample size))
Plugging in the values, we get:
Z = (46,500 - 50,000) / (8,000 / sqrt(28))
Using standard statistical tables for the normal distribution, we compare the calculated Z value to the Z value for a significance level of alpha 0.05. If the calculated Z value is beyond the critical value, the null hypothesis is rejected, indicating that the data is highly inconsistent with the claim.
If we find the Z value is not past the critical threshold, then we would not reject the null hypothesis, meaning the data is not highly inconsistent with the claim.