Estimating Mean Weight of Turkeys: Calculating Probability of Error

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves estimating the mean weight of turkeys, which are normally distributed with a known standard deviation. The original poster is trying to determine the probability that the sampling error will not exceed 2 pounds based on a sample of 25 turkeys.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the formula for standard error of the mean and is seeking clarification on how to use it to find the probability of exceeding a certain error margin. Some participants question the implications of the normal distribution in relation to the sample variance.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants expressing confusion about the problem's requirements and seeking guidance. Some hints have been offered regarding the relationship between standard deviation and variance, but there is no clear consensus or resolution yet.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the use of the normal distribution due to the unknown mean, and participants are grappling with how to apply the standard deviation in this context.

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Weight of turkeys is normally distributed with a standard deviation of 9 pounds. Farmer Jones samples 25 turkeys from his farm in order to estimate their mean weight. What is the probability that his sampling error will not exceed 2 pounds?

I hate this because I can't figure out what formula to use? I found one for the standard error of the mean where

[tex]SE = \frac{s}{\sqrt{n}}[/tex]

This gives me the answer of 1.8. Now if I figure out the probability of exceeding 2 lbs how do I determine this with my given answer?
 
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You know the weights are normally distributed, correct? You know the value of [tex]\sigma[/tex] but not [tex]\mu[/tex], so using the normal distribution is out of the question.

Here's a hint masquerading as a question: what do you know about the distribution of the sample variance when you sample from a normal distribution?
 
I am not sure if I am answering exactly what you are looking for, but if you know the standard deviation you will know the standard variance since it is sd squared. What this exactly tells me about the distribution I am unsure.
 
Ok...sorry, but I am still not understanding what exactly I am supposed to see with this problem. Any help?
 
Any help, anybody? More than happy to figure it out if just given a push in right direction.
 

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