Skip to main content
Ch. 2 - Descriptive Statistics
Larson - Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World 8th Edition
Larson8th EditionElementary Statistics: Picturing the WorldISBN: 9780137493470Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 2, Problem 2.5.10

True or False? In Exercises 7–10, determine whether the statement is true or false. If it is false, rewrite it as a true statement.


It is impossible to have a z-score of 0.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of a z-score: A z-score represents the number of standard deviations a data point is from the mean. It is calculated using the formula: z=x-μσ, where x is the data point, μ is the mean, and σ is the standard deviation.
Analyze the meaning of a z-score of 0: A z-score of 0 indicates that the data point is exactly equal to the mean of the distribution.
Determine if it is possible to have a z-score of 0: Since a z-score of 0 simply means the data point equals the mean, it is indeed possible to have a z-score of 0.
Rewrite the statement if it is false: The original statement, 'It is impossible to have a z-score of 0,' is false. A true statement would be: 'It is possible to have a z-score of 0 when the data point equals the mean.'
Conclude the reasoning: The statement is false because a z-score of 0 is a valid and meaningful value in statistics, representing a data point that is exactly at the mean.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
3m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Z-Score

A z-score is a statistical measurement that describes a value's relationship to the mean of a group of values. It indicates how many standard deviations an element is from the mean. A z-score of 0 means the value is exactly equal to the mean, which is a common occurrence in a normal distribution.
Recommended video:
Guided course
06:31
Z-Scores From Given Probability - TI-84 (CE) Calculator

Standard Normal Distribution

The standard normal distribution is a special case of the normal distribution where the mean is 0 and the standard deviation is 1. In this distribution, z-scores can take any real number value, including 0, which represents the mean of the distribution. Understanding this concept is crucial for interpreting z-scores correctly.
Recommended video:
Guided course
09:47
Finding Standard Normal Probabilities using z-Table

True/False Statements in Statistics

In statistics, true/false statements often require a clear understanding of definitions and properties of statistical measures. Evaluating such statements involves critical thinking and knowledge of statistical concepts, such as z-scores, to determine their validity. If a statement is false, it is important to rephrase it accurately based on statistical principles.
Recommended video:
Guided course
06:34
Step 2: Calculate Test Statistic
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Building Basic Skills and Vocabulary


True or False? In Exercises 1–4, determine whether the statement is true or false. If it is false, rewrite it as a true statement.


A data set can have the same mean, median, and mode.

103
views
Textbook Question

Using Chebychev’s Theorem Old Faithful is a famous geyser at Yellowstone National Park. From a sample with n = 100, the mean interval between Old Faithful’s eruptions is 101.56 minutes and the standard deviation is 42.69 minutes. Using Chebychev’s Theorem, determine at least how many of the intervals lasted between 16.18 minutes and 186.94 minutes. (Adapted from Geyser Times)

278
views
Textbook Question

Using and Interpreting Concepts


Finding and Discussing the Mean, Median, and Mode In Exercises 17–34, find the mean, the median, and the mode of the data, if possible. If any measure cannot be found or does not represent the center of the data, explain why.


Cholesterol The cholesterol levels of a sample of 10 female employees

154 240 171 188 235 203 184 173 181 275

129
views
Textbook Question

Using Technology to Find Quartiles and Draw Graphs In Exercises 23–26, use technology to draw a box-and-whisker plot that represents the data set.


Vacation Days The number of vacation days used by a sample of 20 employees in a recent year

3 9 2 1 7 5 3 2 2 6

4 0 10 0 3 5 7 8 6 5

150
views
Textbook Question

Estimating Standard Deviation Both data sets shown in the stem-and-leaf plots have a mean of 165. One has a standard deviation of 16, and the other has a standard deviation of 24. By looking at the stem-and-leaf plots, which is which? Explain your reasoning.


129
views
Textbook Question

Finding a Percentile In Exercises 33–36, use the data set, which represents the ages of 30 executives.

43 57 65 47 57 41 56 53 61 54

56 50 66 56 50 61 47 40 50 43

54 41 48 45 28 35 38 43 42 44


Which ages are above the 75th percentile?

420
views