Mathematics 9709 · AS & A Level · Sampling and estimation

Sampling and estimation — practice question

A particular train trip runs every day of the year. The journey time, measured in minutes, is normally distributed with variance $11.2$.
(a)[3]

The mean time for a random sample of $n$ of these journeys was calculated. A $94\%$ confidence interval for the population mean time was then obtained, and its width was $1.4076$ minutes, correct to $4$ decimal places. Find the value of $n$.

(b)[1]

A passenger recorded the times for $50$ journeys selected at random in January, February and March. Give a reason why this sample is unsuitable for use in finding a confidence interval for the population mean time.

(c)[2]

A researcher drew $4$ random samples and found a $94\%$ confidence interval for the population mean from each one. Find the probability that exactly $3$ of these confidence intervals include the true population mean.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 6-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Use $z\sqrt{\frac{11.2}{n}}=\frac{1.4076}{2}$ (or an equivalent form).

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