AFA.DSR.8.4

Explain how the sample size impacts the precision with which estimates of the population parameters can be made.

Example Problems
A university dean wants to estimate the mean GPA of graduating seniors. They'll sample students to build a 95% confidence interval for the mean with a margin of error of no more than . Prior data suggests that the standard deviation of GPAs is .

Which of these is the smallest approximate
sample size required to obtain the desired margin of error?
A construction lab wants to estimate the mean slump in centimeters for a concrete mix. They'll sample batches to build a 90% confidence interval for the mean with a margin of error of no more than . Test records indicate that the standard deviation is .

Which of these is the smallest approximate
sample size required to obtain the desired margin of error?
An e-commerce warehouse wants to estimate the mean weight in kilograms of packages prepared for shipping. They'll sample packages to build a 90% confidence interval for the mean with a margin of error of no more than 0.5 kg. Suppose that the standard deviation of package weights is .

What is the smallest approximate
sample size required to obtain the desired margin of error?
Goblins

1-on-1 AI tutoring aligned to AFA.DSR.8.4. Instant help for students, real-time insights for teachers.

Used in classrooms by 100,000+ students at Baltimore County, Plano ISD, Deer Valley USD, KIPP, and districts nationwide.

Free for teachers, forever →