Chapter 16: Problem 23
When \(n=150\), what is the smallest value of \(\bar{p}\) for which the LCL in a \(p\) chart is positive?
Short Answer
Expert verified
The smallest value of \(\bar{p}\) is approximately 0.0567.
Step by step solution
01
Define the LCL formula for a p-chart
The Lower Control Limit (LCL) for a \(p\) chart is given by the formula: \( LCL = \bar{p} - z\sqrt{\frac{\bar{p}(1-\bar{p})}{n}} \), where \(\bar{p}\) is the average proportion of defects, \(z\) is the standard normal deviant for a given confidence level (typically \(z = 3\) for control chart applications), and \(n\) is the sample size.
02
Set up the equation for a positive LCL
To ensure that the LCL is positive, we need the equation: \( \bar{p} - 3\sqrt{\frac{\bar{p}(1-\bar{p})}{150}} > 0 \). This can be rewritten to find the smallest value of \(\bar{p}\) that satisfies this condition.
03
Simplify the inequality
Solve the inequality for \(\bar{p}\): \( \bar{p} > 3 \sqrt{\frac{\bar{p}(1-\bar{p})}{150}} \). This involves algebraic manipulation to isolate \(\bar{p}\) on one side of the inequality.
04
Square both sides to eliminate the square root
Squares both sides to eliminate the square root: \( \bar{p}^2 > 9 \times \frac{\bar{p}(1-\bar{p})}{150} \), which simplifies further to \(150\bar{p}^2 > 9\bar{p} - 9\bar{p}^2 \).
05
Solve for \(\bar{p}\)
Rearrange the terms: \(159\bar{p}^2 > 9\bar{p} \), which simplifies to \(159\bar{p}^2 - 9\bar{p} > 0 \). Divide by \(\bar{p}\) (since \(\bar{p} > 0\)) to get \(159\bar{p} > 9\), leading to \(\bar{p} > \frac{9}{159} = \frac{1}{17.6667} \approx 0.0567\).
06
Verify the solution
Plug \(\bar{p} = 0.0567\) back into the LCL formula: Calculate the LCL and ensure it's positive. For \(\bar{p} = 0.0567\), the LCL should indeed be positive, confirming our solution.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Control Limits
Control limits are the boundaries set within a control chart to determine whether a process is within control. In a p-chart, which is used to monitor the proportion of defects in samples over time, there are usually three control limits:
- The Centerline (\( \bar{p} \)), which represents the average proportion of defects.
- The Upper Control Limit (UCL), set by adding a factor multiplied by the standard deviation to the centerline.
- The Lower Control Limit (LCL), calculated by subtracting this factor from the centerline.
Proportion of Defects
The proportion of defects (\( \bar{p} \)) is a critical measure in quality control, representing the average defect rate in a production process. This metric is vital for constructing a p-chart. Here's how it works:
- \( \bar{p} \) is calculated by dividing the number of defects found by the total items inspected in a sample.
- This value helps identify trends and variations in the defect rate over time.
- Achieving an accurate \( \bar{p} \) ensures that control limit calculations on the p-chart are valid, aiding reliable decision-making.
Sample Size
Sample size (\( n \)) in the context of p-charts affects both the accuracy of the \( \bar{p} \) calculation and the precision of control limits. The steps involved include:
- Larger samples result in more reliable statistical estimates of the proportion of defects.
- With a given sample size, you can calculate necessary adjustments for control limits to reflect real process performance accurately.
- Sample size directly influences the control chart's ability to detect small shifts in the process.
Standard Normal Deviant
The standard normal deviant (\( z \)) is a vital component in setting control limits on a p-chart. It reflects the confidence level stakeholders have in the limits. Here's how it is used:
- The value of \( z \) is typically chosen based on desired confidence levels, commonly set at 3 for quality control charts, representing roughly 99.7% confidence in a normal distribution.
- This integer multiplies the standard deviation calculated from the sample proportion, to define precisely how far from the centerline the control limits are placed.
- A higher \( z \) value typically results in wider control limits, suggesting more tolerance for variation within the process.