Probability Question - Nonstandard Normal Distributions

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the probability related to the average weight of eggs produced by a specific type of hen, which follows a normal distribution with a given mean and standard deviation. The original poster is attempting to determine the probability that the average weight of a sample of 25 eggs will be less than a specified value.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses confusion about how to derive the standard deviation for the sample mean from the given data. Some participants prompt the original poster to consider the properties of sample means and distributions, while others provide insights into the relationship between the population parameters and the sample mean.

Discussion Status

The discussion is exploring the relationship between the population distribution and the distribution of sample means. Participants are engaging in clarifying the concepts involved, and some guidance has been offered regarding the calculations needed to find the standard deviation of the sample mean.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions that they are working from a practice exam and already have a known value for sigma, which may influence their understanding of the problem. There is also a reference to the original population being normally distributed, which is a key assumption in this context.

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Homework Statement

The weight of eggs produced by a certain type of hen varies according to a distribution that is approximately normal with mean 6.5 grams and standard deviation 2 grams.

What is the probability that the average of a random sample of the weights of 25 eggs will be less than 6 grams



Homework Equations


P(X<6)=P((6-6.5)/σ)



The Attempt at a Solution

- The part I can't figure out is how to arrive at sigma. This is a problem from a practice exam, so I already know that sigma is 0.40. If I'm understanding correctly, then that would make V(X) = 4/25. I just can't figure out how to arrive at these conclusion from the data that is given. I'm pretty stumped.
 
Last edited:
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your problem asks about the probability the MEAN of a sample will be a certain size. what do you know about distributions of sample means?
 
statdad said:
your problem asks about the probability the MEAN of a sample will be a certain size. what do you know about distributions of sample means?

Not much.

I think I figured out why sigma is what it is though. Since the SD is 2 grams, it follows that V(X) = 4. Since I'm trying to find out what the average of X is, I divide 4 by 25. that is how I get the 4/25. From there sigma is easy. I think that is kind of close anyway.
 
Last edited:
You've essentially got it. If you take a sample of size n from a normally distributed population, then \overline X has a normal distribution. For the
distribution of \overline X,

<br /> \mu = \text{ original population mean}<br />

and

<br /> \sigma = \frac{\text{Original standard deviation}}{\sqrt n}<br />

As long as the original population itself has a normal distribution, this is true
for any sample size.
 

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