Question

At a large university, 15% of students are left-handed. A psychology professor selects a random sample of 10 students and records L = the number of left-handed students in the sample.

Starting on line 1 of the random-number table, how many left-handed students occur in the first trial of the simulation if we let 00-14 represent left-handed students?

Answer 1

Answer: 3

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Step-by-step explanation

We start in the first row at the very left side. The first two digits are the '2' and '4', and they form the value 24. Since 24 is not in the interval from 00 to 14, this means that the first randomly selected student is not left-handed.

The next two digits are 0 and 0. This forms 00 and represents a left-handed student because now we are between 00 and 14. Make a tally of how many left-handed students you count.

As we keep reading across the row, the next two digits are 0 and 7 and they combine to 07. This is another left handed student. However, the student after that is not left-handed since 59 is not in the range from 00 to 14.

Here's a list of all the values we read from the table, and if they're left handed or not:

1. table value = 24, not left-handed
2. table value = 00, left-handed (1 so far)
3. table value = 07, left-handed (2 so far)
4. table value = 59, not left-handed
5. table value = 83, not left-handed
6. table value = 62, not left-handed
7. table value = 20, not left-handed
8. table value = 09, left-handed (3 so far)
9. table value = 15, not left-handed
10. table value = 18, not left-handed

There are 3 left-handed people in our sample. The table values were: 00, 07, and 09 in that order from left to right.

So that's why the answer is 3.

If you start at another point in the random-number table, then it may be likely that you'll get a different answer. Also, if you decide to read the table in a different way, then you may likely get a different answer.