To calculate the confidence interval, we have the formula:
![CI=\bar{x}\pm z(\frac{s}{\sqrt[]{n}})](https://img.qammunity.org/2023/formulas/mathematics/college/llm56h6pv52o7p5szmda57tgtz40rsaitn.png)
where bar x = mean, z = z-value, s = standard deviation, and n = sample size.
For a 99% confidence interval, the z-value is 2.58. Let's plug in the given information in the question to the formula above.
![CI=3.8\pm2.58(\frac{18.7}{\sqrt[]{44}})](https://img.qammunity.org/2023/formulas/mathematics/college/k8accwn3ptngbeqc81r64umqtwfsh42bjv.png)
Then, solve. Let's start by getting the quotient of 18.7 and square root of 44.
![CI=3.8\pm2.58(2.8191)](https://img.qammunity.org/2023/formulas/mathematics/college/66x9tq5qt9fnpy26ugujz4nlqnmwqct4xf.png)
Next, multiply 2.58 and 2.8191.
![CI=3.8\pm7.2733](https://img.qammunity.org/2023/formulas/mathematics/college/k041lan99v9di6msdd8wwflft0lftdghpp.png)
Lastly, separate the plus and minus sign and do the operation.
![\begin{gathered} CI=3.8+7.2733=11.0733\approx11.07 \\ CI=3.8-7.2733=-3.4733\approx-3.47 \end{gathered}](https://img.qammunity.org/2023/formulas/mathematics/college/va16jvwxtkbwclueamh0eeo9ha3grenecg.png)
Hence, at 99% confidence interval, the population mean falls between -3.47 mg/dL and 11.07 mg/dL.
![-3.47<\mu<11.07](https://img.qammunity.org/2023/formulas/mathematics/college/rxdvtg6j0n557sy6vwz81ego3kq2hc8zy5.png)
Since our confidence interval includes zero, this means that at some point if experiment is to be rerun again, there's a chance that the garlic treatment did not affect the LDL cholesterol levels. (Option C)