Paper 2 · Specimen 2026 · Statistical Tests and Distributions
A random sample of days gives a mean distance of km, where the population standard deviation is known to be km. Which is the confidence interval for the mean distance travelled, to 1 decimal place?
A, using the value of that belongs to a confidence interval
B, using the value of that belongs to a confidence interval
C, using and the standard error
D, using the population standard deviation in place of the standard error
Explanation
Because the population standard deviation is known, a interval is used. The standard error is , and for confidence , so the margin of error is . The interval is . Dividing by is the step that turns the spread of single days into the spread of the sample mean; leaving it out gives the far wider first option.
Derived from ZIMSEC Additional Mathematics Paper 2, Specimen Paper, Q8