Chapter 4: Problem 57
The compressive strength of samples of cement can be modeled by a normal distribution with a mean of 6000 kilograms per square centimeter and a standard deviation of 100 kilograms per square centimeter (a) What is the probability that a sample's strength is less than \(6250 \mathrm{Kg} / \mathrm{cm}^{2} ?\) (b) What is the probability that a sample's strength is between 5800 and \(5900 \mathrm{Kg} / \mathrm{cm}^{2}\) (c) What strength is exceeded by \(95 \%\) of the samples?
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Identify the Given Parameters
Convert to Z-score for Part (a)
Calculate Probability for Part (a)
Convert to Z-scores for Part (b)
Calculate Probability for Part (b)
Determine Z-score for Part (c)
Solve for Strength in Part (c)
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Compressive Strength
In our exercise, the mean compressive strength is given as 6000 kg/cm² with a standard deviation of 100 kg/cm². This means:
- The average cement sample can endure up to 6000 kg/cm².
- The variation in strength between samples is typically around 100 kg/cm².
Z-score Calculation
To calculate the Z-score, you use the formula:
\[ Z = \frac{X - \mu}{\sigma} \]
- \(X\) is the value you are examining.
- \(\mu\) is the mean of the distribution.
- \(\sigma\) is the standard deviation.
Probability Distribution
In the context of normal distribution, the Z-score provides insight into where a particular value falls with respect to the overall distribution.
In our example:
- To find the probability of a strength less than 6250 kg/cm², we look for the area to the left of the Z-score of 2.5 in the standard normal distribution table. This area represents the probability.
- Similarly, for strengths between 5800 and 5900 kg/cm², the calculation involves finding probabilities between two Z-scores: \(-2\) and \(-1\).
- The area between them provides the likelihood of a sample's strength falling within that range.
Statistics for Engineers
This is why:
- Statistics help in determining the probability of a material meeting specific criteria, as seen when calculating the probability of different compressive strengths.
- Z-scores and probability distributions allow engineers to quantify and manage risks related to material performance.
- For this exercise, using these statistical principles, an engineer can decide, with a certain level of confidence, whether a material will perform adequately under given conditions.