How can I analyze soil samples for vanadium content using two different methods?

[oxshannon]

Homework Statement

The following data were obtained for the analysis of soil for vanadium content in mg/g using two different methods. Do the two methods yield essentially the same results?

Method 1 Method 2
26.30 26.22
26.43 26.32
26.28 26.20
26.19 26.11
26.49 26.42

Homework Equations

I'm thinking I find the mean and standard deviation of each, find spooled and from there I'm not sure. So I know those 2 formulas, but I;m not sure on any others..

The Attempt at a Solution

Didn't attempt because I kind of need a push in the right direction, not someone to do out the problem..

 

[Redbelly98]

FYI, I have moved your 2 recent statistics questions to "Precalculus Mathematics".

Looks like a t-test is needed here. There should be something in your textbook or class notes about comparing two sample means.

p.s. welcome to Physics Forums.

 

[oxshannon]

thank you!
i can't really find anything in my textbook, and the only reason I am unsure on how to do this is because i was really sick for the class so i didnt get to go, but I am still required to pass the assignment in, so I am legit lost :(

 

[Redbelly98]

When you know the right search terms, Google gives a lot of hits:

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&sugexp...pw.r_cp.&fp=93057ccd64abdef9&biw=1280&bih=678

Or check this wikipedia page; scroll down to the section titled "Independent two-sample t-test":
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Student's_t-test#Independent_one-sample_t-test

By the way, it's a good idea to ask a classmate if you could copy their class notes whenever you have to miss a class.

EDIT: out of curiosity, is this a statistics or a chemistry class (or something else)?

 

[oxshannon]

Thanks a lot!

It was the second day of classes (terrible time to come down with the flu), and I don't know anyone in the class, the professor just e-mailed me the assignment and still wants me to hand it in on time without notes. That's another story though.

It's an analytical chemistry class, so I guess the introduction is mainly statistics (which I never took, so I'm even more lost). It's a terrible situation really.

EDIT: That wikipedia link looks perfect for what I have to do.. thanks a lot! Also, any idea on the other question I posted? :-)