To reject the null hypothesis at α = 5% with 9 degrees of freedom, one must reference a chi-square distribution table to find the critical value. The discussion clarifies the need to understand whether the question pertains to the inverse chi-square distribution or the standard chi-square statistic. It emphasizes the importance of knowing the probability density function (PDF) of the distribution being analyzed. A numerical routine may be necessary to solve for the cumulative probability associated with the chi-square statistic. Ultimately, access to a table of chi-square statistics and their probabilities is essential for determining the critical value needed for hypothesis testing.