Final answer:
While the original problem is about the efficiency of a CSMA/CD-like protocol, the provided information relates to an unrelated highway statistics problem using the exponential distribution, which describes the average interarrival time for cars and the probabilities for certain time intervals between car arrivals.
Step-by-step explanation:
In relation to the problem of the CSMA/CD-like multiple access protocol which is not part of the provided car highway scenario, the efficiency of the protocol can be determined by calculating the expected number of unproductive slots, x, and using the formula for efficiency, which is k/(k + x). However, the student's question seems to be redirected or mistaken with a reference to a highway problem from a statistics exercise, which is unrelated to CSMA/CD protocols. Thus, we are not in a position to directly answer the original efficiency question without the correct context or information on the functioning of the particular CSMA/CD-like protocol in question.
For the highway problem, we can find the answers using the properties of the exponential distribution. The average time between two successive cars (interarrival time) with a rate of five cars per minute can be found by taking the inverse of the rate:
Average interarrival time = 1 / Rate = 1 / 5 minutes = 12 seconds.
To find the average time for another seven cars to pass, you simply multiply the average interarrival time by seven:
Average time for seven cars = 7 * Average interarrival time = 7 * 12 seconds = 84 seconds.
The probability of the next car passing within the next 20 seconds can be calculated using the exponential distribution function:
Probability = 1 - e^(-rate * time) = 1 - e^(-5/60 * 20)
For the probability that the next car will not pass for at least another 15 seconds, it's the complement of it passing within those 15 seconds:
Probability = e^(-rate * time) = e^(-5/60 * 15)Q