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| Question 150449:  I found where someone answered this problem...Stan H.  However, I didn't understand how he got the answer.  I really would like to understand the how to on this since this is a statics class and I have more to do. On the random sample question I know that I needed to get the sample mean..standard deviation, t value and sample size.  I have posted it below. Then I have to use the forumla x ± t s√n....(that is suppose to be a square root sign with the s over the n.)  X is the sample mean...and t is the t value...but then I'm not sure where to place the standard deviation or the sample size... are they the s or the n...then which part of the equation do you do first and what does this little sign mean ±?  This part is only for section A.  I have no idea how to work through section b.  And yes, I understand c with no problem.  :)  I really appreciate in advance any help!
 3.3048 is the sample mean= x with line over it.
 1.32 is the standard deviation
 1.833 is the “t” value**
 10 is the sample size
 
 A random sample of 10 miniature Tootsie Rolls was taken from a bag. Each piece was weighed on a very accurate scale. The results in grams were Page 309
 3.087 	3.131 	3.241 	3.241 	3.270 	3.353 	3.400 	3.411 	3.437 	3.477
 (a) Construct a 90 percent confidence interval for the true mean weight.
 (b) What sample size would be necessary to estimate the true weight with an error of ± 0.03 grams with 90 percent confidence?
 (c) Discuss the factors which might cause variation in the weight of Tootsie Rolls during manufacture.
 
 Answer by stanbon(75887)
      (Show Source): 
You can put this solution on YOUR website! 3.3048 is the sample mean= x with line over it. 1.32 is the standard deviation
 1.833 is the “t” value**
 10 is the sample size
 A random sample of 10 miniature Tootsie Rolls was taken from a bag. Each piece was weighed on a very accurate scale. The results in grams were Page 309
 3.087 3.131 3.241 3.241 3.270 3.353 3.400 3.411 3.437 3.477
 (a) Construct a 90 percent confidence interval for the true mean weight.
 A confidence interval looks like (x-bar-E < u < x-bar+E)
 E is the margin of error and equals t * [s/sqrt(n)]
 Your E = 1.833[1.32/sqrt(10)] = 0.76513...
 Your 90% CI is (3.3048-0.76513 < u < 3.3048+0.76513)
 This can be simplified: (2.5397 < u < 4.06993)
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 (b) What sample size would be necessary to estimate the true weight with an error of ± 0.03 grams with 90 percent confidence?
 Using the formula for E you can solve for "n":
 E = t * [s/sqrt(n)]
 sqrt(n) = t*s/E
 n = [ts/E]^2
 Your problem:
 n = [1.833*1.32/0.03] = 6504 when rounded down
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 (c) Discuss the factors which might cause variation in the weight of Tootsie Rolls during manufacture.
 machinery error, weighing variation, mix inconsistency, etc.
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 Cheers,
 Stan H.
 
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