Formats of Confidence Intervals. In Exercises 9–12, express the confidence interval using the indicated format. (The confidence intervals are based on the proportions of red, orange, yellow, and blue M&Ms in Data Set 38 “Candies” in Appendix B.)


Green M&Ms Express 0.116 < p < 0.192 in the form of p +-E.

Large Data Sets from Appendix B. In Exercises 21 and 22, use the data set in Appendix B. Assume that each sample is a simple random sample obtained from a population with a normal distribution.

Comparing Waiting Lines Refer to Data Set 30 “Queues” in Appendix B. Construct separate 95% confidence interval estimates of using the two-line wait times and the single-line wait times. Do the results support the expectation that the single line has less variation? Do the wait times from both line configurations satisfy the requirements for confidence interval estimates of sigma

In Exercises 5–8, (a) identify the critical value ta/2 used for finding the margin of error, (b) find the margin of error, (c) find the confidence interval estimate of u, and (d) write a brief statement that interprets the confidence interval.

Pepsi Weights Here are summary statistics for the weights of Pepsi in randomly selected cans: n=36, x=0.82410 lb, s=0.00570 lb (based on Data Set 37 “Cola Weights and Volumes” in Appendix B). Use a confidence level of 99%.

Constructing and Interpreting Confidence Intervals. In Exercises 13–16, use the given sample data and confidence level. In each case, (a) find the best point estimate of the population proportion p; (b) identify the value of the margin of error E; (c) construct the confidence interval; (d) write a statement that correctly interprets the confidence interval.

Medical Malpractice In a study of 1228 randomly selected medical malpractice lawsuits, it was found that 856 of them were dropped or dismissed (based on data from the Physicians Insurers Association of America). Construct a 95% confidence interval for the proportion of medical malpractice lawsuits that are dropped or dismissed.

Body Temperature Data Set 5 “Body Temperatures” in Appendix B includes a sample of 106 body temperatures having a mean of and a standard deviation of 0.62F (for day 2 at 12 AM). Construct a 95% confidence interval estimate of the standard deviation of the body temperatures for the entire population.

Mercury in Sushi An FDA guideline is that the mercury in fish should be below 1 part per million (ppm). Listed below are the amounts of mercury (ppm) found in tuna sushi sampled at different stores in New York City. The study was sponsored by the New York Times, and the stores (in order) are D’Agostino, Eli’s Manhattan, Fairway, Food Emporium, Gourmet Garage, Grace’s Marketplace, and Whole Foods. Construct a 98% confidence interval estimate of the mean amount of mercury in the population. Does it appear that there is too much mercury in tuna sushi?

0.56 0.75 0.10 0.95 1.25 0.54 0.88

Atkins Weight Loss Program In a test of weight loss programs, 40 adults used the Atkins weight loss program. After 12 months, their mean weight loss was found to be 2.1 lb, with a standard deviation of 4.8 lb. Construct a 90% confidence interval estimate of the mean weight loss for all such subjects. Does the Atkins program appear to be effective? Does it appear to be practical?