High School

A wildlife researcher wants to estimate the mean weight of all koalas in a certain region. Past research suggests that their weights vary according to a normal distribution with a population standard deviation of 30.5 pounds. Suppose that the researcher wants to be 90% confident that her sample estimate is accurate to within ±0.5 pounds of the population mean. What is the smallest sample size that would be necessary?

A. 62
B. 11
C. 101

Answer :

Final answer:

The smallest sample size necessary to estimate the mean weight of all koalas in the region with a 90% confidence level and a margin of error of +0.5 pounds is approximately 252,250.

Explanation:

To determine the smallest sample size necessary to estimate the mean weight of all koalas in a certain region, we can use the formula for sample size calculation in a normal distribution:

n = (Z * σ / E)^2

Where:

  • n is the sample size
  • Z is the Z-score corresponding to the desired level of confidence
  • σ is the population standard deviation
  • E is the margin of error

In this case, the researcher wants to be 90% confident that her sample estimate is accurate to within +0.5 pounds of the population mean. The population standard deviation is given as 305 pounds.

Substituting the given values into the formula:

n = (Z * σ / E)^2

Plugging in the values:

n = (Z * 305 / 0.5)^2

Since we want to be 90% confident, the Z-score corresponding to a 90% confidence level is approximately 1.645.

n = (1.645 * 305 / 0.5)^2

Calculating the sample size:

n = (502.225)^2

n ≈ 252,250

Therefore, the smallest sample size necessary to estimate the mean weight of all koalas in the region with a 90% confidence level and a margin of error of +0.5 pounds is approximately 252,250.

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