/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 20 Distribution Suppose we have a b... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

Distribution Suppose we have a binomial experiment in which success is defined to be a particular quality or attribute that interests us. (a) Suppose \(n=33\) and \(p=0.21\). Can we approximate the \(\hat{p}\) distribution by a normal distribution? Why? What are the values of \(\mu_{\hat{p}}\) and \(\sigma_{\hat{p}} ?\) (b) Suppose \(n=25\) and \(p=0.15 .\) Can we safely approximate the \(\hat{p}\) distribution by a normal distribution? Why or why not? (c) Suppose \(n=48\) and \(p=0.15 .\) Can we approximate the \(\hat{p}\) distribution by a normal distribution? Why? What are the values of \(\mu_{\hat{p}}\) and \(\sigma_{\hat{p}} ?\)

Short Answer

Expert verified
(a) Yes, values: \(\mu_{\hat{p}} = 0.21\), \(\sigma_{\hat{p}} \approx 0.0735\); (b) No; (c) Yes, values: \(\mu_{\hat{p}} = 0.15\), \(\sigma_{\hat{p}} \approx 0.0523\).

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Binomial Approximation Requirement

A binomial distribution can be approximated by a normal distribution if both the expected number of successes \( np \) and the expected number of failures \( n(1-p) \) are greater than 5. This rule of thumb ensures that the distribution is sufficiently symmetric for the normal approximation to be reasonable.
02

Calculating for Part (a)

For part (a), we have \( n = 33 \) and \( p = 0.21 \). We calculate \( np = 33 \times 0.21 = 6.93 \) and \( n(1 - p) = 33 \times 0.79 = 26.07 \). Both values are greater than 5, so we can use the normal distribution to approximate \( \hat{p} \). The mean \( \mu_{\hat{p}} = p = 0.21 \) and the standard deviation \( \sigma_{\hat{p}} = \sqrt{\frac{p(1-p)}{n}} = \sqrt{\frac{0.21 \times 0.79}{33}} \approx 0.0735 \).
03

Evaluating Part (b) Conditions

For part (b), we have \( n = 25 \) and \( p = 0.15 \). We calculate \( np = 25 \times 0.15 = 3.75 \) and \( n(1 - p) = 25 \times 0.85 = 21.25 \). Here, \( np \) is less than 5, which implies that the normal approximation is not valid because the expected number of successes is too low.
04

Assessing Feasibility for Part (c)

For part (c), we use \( n = 48 \) and \( p = 0.15 \). We find \( np = 48 \times 0.15 = 7.2 \) and \( n(1 - p) = 48 \times 0.85 = 40.8 \). Since both values exceed 5, a normal approximation is valid. The mean \( \mu_{\hat{p}} = p = 0.15 \) and the standard deviation \( \sigma_{\hat{p}} = \sqrt{\frac{0.15 \times 0.85}{48}} \approx 0.0523 \).

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.

Normal Approximation
In statistics, the normal approximation is a method used to simplify the interpretation of a binomial distribution. The binomial distribution shows the probability of achieving a certain number of successes in a sequence of independent experiments. However, calculating probabilities using the binomial formula can be quite complex, particularly with a large number of trials.
Normal approximation comes to the rescue by allowing the binomial distribution to be approximated using a normal distribution, which is easier to work with. This approximation can be applied when both the expected number of successes \(np\) and the expected number of failures \(n(1-p)\) are greater than 5.
This rule of thumb ensures that the distribution is nearly symmetric, making the normal curve a reasonable approximation. In practical scenarios, this means fewer computations and quicker analysis, often critical in experimental findings.
Expected Number of Successes
The expected number of successes, in a binomial distribution, is a straightforward concept that refers to the average number of successful outcomes you'd anticipate over a large number of trials. It is calculated by multiplying the number of trials \(n\) by the probability of success in each trial \(p\), represented by the formula \( np \).
For instance, if you're flipping a coin 10 times, and the probability of getting heads (success) is 0.5, you would expect to get heads about 5 times, since \( np = 10 \times 0.5 = 5 \). This formula is pivotal because it determines if a normal approximation can be used.
If the expected number of successes is greater than 5 (and the same is true for failures), then the distribution can likely be simplified using the normal approximation, facilitating easier computation of probabilities.
Standard Deviation
The standard deviation in the context of a binomial distribution describes how much variation or "spread" there is from the expected number of successes. A higher standard deviation means more variation in outcomes.
It is calculated using the formula \( \sigma = \sqrt{np(1-p)} \), where \(np\) is the expected number of successes and \(p\) is the probability of success. This formula takes into account both the proportion of successes and failures, providing a measure of variability around the predicted mean.
Understanding standard deviation helps in interpreting the distribution's spread, predicting the variability in repeated experiments, and assessing whether the normal approximation is appropriate.
Mean of Distribution
The mean of a binomial distribution, also known as the expected value, is crucial as it represents the average result expected from a series of trials. In a binomial setting, this mean is denoted as \( \mu = np \), where \(n\) is the number of trials and \(p\) is the probability of success on each trial.
For example, in an experiment with 20 trials and a success probability of 0.3, the mean \( \mu \) would be \( 20 \times 0.3 = 6 \). This indicates that, on average, you'd expect 6 successful outcomes.
The mean is vitally important because it anchors the distribution, providing a central value that tells us where most of the probabilities are clustered, especially when considering the binomial distribution’s potential normal approximation.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Let \(z\) be a random variable with a standard normal distribution. Find the indicated probability, and shade the corresponding area under the standard normal curve. $$ P(-1.78 \leq z \leq-1.23) $$

More than a decade ago, high levels of lead in the blood put \(88 \%\) of children at risk. A concerted effort was made to remove lead from the environment. Now, according to the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) conducted by the Centers for Disease Control, only \(9 \%\) of children in the United States are at risk of high blood-lead levels. (a) In a random sample of 200 children taken more than a decade ago, what is the probability that 50 or more had high blood-lead levels? (b) In a random sample of 200 children taken now, what is the probability that 50 or more have high blood-lead levels?

Find the \(z\) value described and sketch the area described. Find \(z\) such that \(5 \%\) of the standard normal curve lies to the right of \(z\).

Let \(x\) be a random variable that represents white blood cell count per cubic milliliter of whole blood. Assume that \(x\) has a distribution that is approximately normal, with mean \(\mu=7500\) and estimated standard deviation \(\sigma=1750\) (see reference in Problem 15). A test result of \(x<3500\) is an indication of leukopenia. This indicates bone marrow depression that may be the result of a viral infection. (a) What is the probability that, on a single test, \(x\) is less than \(3500 ?\) (b) Suppose a doctor uses the average \(\bar{x}\) for two tests taken about a week apart. What can we say about the probability distribution of \(\bar{x}\) ? What is the probability of \(\bar{x}<3500\) ? (c) Repeat part (b) for \(n=3\) tests taken a week apart. (d) Compare your answers to parts (a), (b), and (c). How did the probabilities change as \(n\) increased? If a person had \(\bar{x}<3500\) based on three tests, what conclusion would you draw as a doctor or a nurse?

Find the \(z\) value described and sketch the area described. Find \(z\) such that \(97.5 \%\) of the standard normal curve lies to the left of \(z\)

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Math Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.