Math Problem Statement

Three drivers competed in the same fifteen drag races. The mean and standard deviation for the race times of each of the drivers are given. Driver A had a mean race time of 4.01 seconds and a standard deviation of 0.05 seconds. Driver B had a mean race time of 3.96 seconds and a standard deviation of 0.12 seconds. Driver C had a mean race time of 3.99 seconds and a standard deviation of 0.19 seconds. a) Which driver had the fastest typical race time? b) Which driver's race times were the most variable? c) Which driver do you predict will win the next drag race? Support your prediction using the mean and standard deviation.

Solution

Let's break down and solve the questions based on the given dataLet's break down and solve the questions based on the given

**Given dataLet's break down and solve the questions based on the given

**Given **

  1. Driver A:
    • Mean race time = 4.01 seconds
    • Standard deviation = 0.05 seconds
  2. Driver B:
    • Mean race time = 3.96 seconds
    • Standard deviation = 0.12 seconds
  3. Driver C:
    • Mean race time = 3.99 seconds
    • Standard deviation = 0.19 seconds

(a) Which driver had the fastest typical race time?

The fastest typical race time is indicated by the smallest mean race time. Among the drivers:

  • Driver A: 4.01 seconds
  • Driver B: 3.96 seconds
  • Driver C: 3.99 seconds

Answer: Driver B had the fastest typical race time with a mean of 3.96 seconds.


(b) Which driver's race times were the most variable?

The variability of race times is measured by the standard deviation. A higher standard deviation means more variability. Among the drivers:

  • Driver A: 0.05 seconds
  • Driver B: 0.12 seconds
  • Driver C: 0.19 seconds

Answer: Driver C had the most variable race times with a standard deviation of 0.19 seconds.


(c) Which driver do you predict will win the next drag race? Support your prediction using the mean and standard deviation.

To predict the winner, we should consider both the mean and standard deviation:

  • Driver B has the fastest average time (3.96 seconds), but also a moderate variability (0.12 seconds).
  • Driver C is faster than Driver A, but their times are less consistent (0.19 seconds standard deviation).
  • Driver A, although consistent (0.05 seconds standard deviation), has a slower average time (4.01 seconds).

Since Driver B has both the fastest mean and a relatively small standard deviation, they are more likely to have a fast time consistently, making them the best prediction for winning the next race.

Answer: Driver B is predicted to win the next drag race.


Would you like more details on any part of this?

Here are 5 related questions you can explore:

  1. How would the results change if we had additional data on the drivers' performances?
  2. Can we calculate the probability of each driver winning based on their mean and standard deviation?
  3. What is the significance of using both mean and standard deviation in predictions?
  4. How could external factors affect the variability of the race times?
  5. What statistical test could be used to compare the drivers' race times?

Tip: Standard deviation is a measure of how spread out the times are, while the mean gives the typical or central value. Both are essential in evaluating performance consistency.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Statistics
Mean
Standard Deviation

Formulas

Mean = Σx / n
Standard Deviation = √(Σ(xi - μ)^2 / n)

Theorems

Law of Large Numbers
Chebyshev's Inequality

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12