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Paper 2 · Specimen 2026 · Statistical Tests and Distributions

A random sample of 3030 days gives a mean distance of 350350 km, where the population standard deviation is known to be 6060 km. Which is the 98%98\% confidence interval for the mean distance travelled, to 1 decimal place?

A(321.8, 378.2)(321.8,\ 378.2), using the value of zz that belongs to a 99%99\% confidence interval
B(328.5, 371.5)(328.5,\ 371.5), using the value of zz that belongs to a 95%95\% confidence interval
C(324.5, 375.5)(324.5,\ 375.5), using z=2.326z = 2.326 and the standard error 6030\dfrac{60}{\sqrt{30}}
D(210.4, 489.6)(210.4,\ 489.6), using the population standard deviation 6060 in place of the standard error

Explanation

Because the population standard deviation is known, a zz interval is used. The standard error is 6030=10.9545\dfrac{60}{\sqrt{30}} = 10.9545, and for 98%98\% confidence z=2.326z = 2.326, so the margin of error is 2.326×10.9545=25.482.326 \times 10.9545 = 25.48. The interval is 350±25.48=(324.5, 375.5)350 \pm 25.48 = (324.5,\ 375.5). Dividing by n\sqrt{n} 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

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