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Ch. 5 - Discrete Probability Distributions
Triola - Elementary Statistics 14th Edition
Triola14th EditionElementary StatisticsISBN: 9780137366446Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 5, Problem 5.2.40a

One of Mendel’s famous experiments with peas resulted in 580 offspring, and 152 of them were yellow peas. Mendel claimed that under the same conditions, 25% of offspring peas would be yellow. Assume that Mendel’s claim of 25% is true, and assume that a sample consists of 580 offspring peas.


a. Use the range rule of thumb to identify the limits separating values that are significantly low and those that are significantly high. Based on the results, is the result of 152 yellow peas either significantly low or significantly high?

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Step 1: Identify the given values and parameters. The sample size (n) is 580, the proportion of yellow peas (p) is 0.25, and the complement proportion (q) is 1 - p = 0.75. These values will be used to calculate the mean and standard deviation of the binomial distribution.
Step 2: Calculate the mean (μ) of the binomial distribution using the formula: μ = n × p. Substitute the values of n and p into the formula.
Step 3: Calculate the standard deviation (σ) of the binomial distribution using the formula: σ = √(n × p × q). Substitute the values of n, p, and q into the formula.
Step 4: Use the range rule of thumb to determine the limits for significantly low and significantly high values. The formula for the lower limit is: μ - 2σ, and the formula for the upper limit is: μ + 2σ. Substitute the calculated values of μ and σ into these formulas.
Step 5: Compare the observed value of 152 yellow peas to the calculated limits. If 152 is below the lower limit, it is significantly low. If it is above the upper limit, it is significantly high. Otherwise, it is not significant.

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Key Concepts

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

Range Rule of Thumb

The Range Rule of Thumb is a statistical guideline that helps identify the limits of typical variation in a dataset. It suggests that the range of values can be estimated by taking the mean and adding or subtracting twice the standard deviation. This rule is useful for determining what constitutes significantly low or high values in a given context, allowing researchers to assess whether observed outcomes deviate from expected results.
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Binomial Distribution

The Binomial Distribution is a probability distribution that describes the number of successes in a fixed number of independent Bernoulli trials, each with the same probability of success. In this case, Mendel's claim of 25% yellow peas implies a binomial scenario where each pea can either be yellow (success) or not (failure). Understanding this distribution is crucial for calculating expected outcomes and assessing the significance of observed results.
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Significance Testing

Significance Testing is a statistical method used to determine if the observed data significantly deviates from a null hypothesis, which typically posits no effect or no difference. In this scenario, it involves comparing the observed number of yellow peas to the expected number based on Mendel's claim. If the observed value falls outside the established limits of typical variation, it may indicate a significant deviation, warranting further investigation.
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Step 2: Calculate Test Statistic
Related Practice
Textbook Question

In Exercises 25–28, find the probabilities and answer the questions.



Too Young to Tat Based on a Harris poll, among adults who regret getting tattoos, 20% say that they were too young when they got their tattoos. Assume that five adults who regret getting tattoos are randomly selected, and find the indicated probability.


a. Find the probability that none of the selected adults say that they were too young to get tattoos.


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Textbook Question

Politics The County Clerk in Essex, New Jersey, was accused of cheating by not using randomness in assigning the order in which candidates’ names appeared on voting ballots. Among 41 different ballots, Democrats were assigned the desirable first line 40 times. Assume that Democrats and Republicans are assigned the first line using a method of random selection so that they are equally likely to get that first line.


a. Use the range rule of thumb to identify the limits separating values that are significantly low and those that are significantly high. Based on the results, is the result of 40 first lines for Democrats significantly high?

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Textbook Question

Binomial Probability Formula. In Exercises 13 and 14, answer the questions designed to help understand the rationale for the binomial probability formula.


Guessing Answers Standard tests, such as the SAT, ACT, or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), typically use multiple choice questions, each with five possible answers (a, b, c, d, e), one of which is correct. Assume that you guess the answers to the first three questions.


a. Use the multiplication rule to find the probability that the first two guesses are wrong and the third is correct. That is, find P(WWC), where W denotes a wrong answer and C denotes a correct answer.

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Textbook Question

In Exercises 25–28, find the probabilities and answer the questions.


Internet Voting Based on a Consumer Reports survey, 39% of likely voters would be willing to vote by Internet instead of the in-person traditional method of voting. For each of the following, assume that 15 likely voters are randomly selected.


a. What is the probability that exactly 12 of those selected would do Internet voting?

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Textbook Question

Expected Value in North Carolina’s Pick 4 Game In North Carolina’s Pick 4 lottery game, you can pay \(1 to select a four-digit number from 0000 through 9999. If you select the same sequence of four digits that are drawn, you win and collect \)5000.


a. How many different selections are possible?


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Textbook Question

In Exercises 29 and 30, assume that different groups of couples use the XSORT method of gender selection and each couple gives birth to one baby. The XSORT method is designed to increase the likelihood that a baby will be a girl, but assume that the method has no effect, so the probability of a girl is 0.5.


Gender Selection Assume that the groups consist of 36 couples.


a. Find the mean and standard deviation for the numbers of girls in groups of 36 births.


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