Math Problem Statement
n a process for manufacturing glassware, glass stems are sealed by heating them in a flame. The temperature of the flame varies a bit. The following table is the distribution of the temperature X measure in degrees Celsius: Temperature 540 545 550 555 560 Probability 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.25 0.25 What is the standard deviation σX? (Round answer to the nearest thousandth.)
Solution
To calculate the standard deviation of the temperature distribution, we'll use the formula for standard deviation in a discrete probability distribution:
Where:
- are the temperature values
- are the corresponding probabilities
- is the mean (expected value) of the distribution
Step 1: Calculate the Mean
The mean for a discrete probability distribution is calculated as:
Using the given dataTo calculate the standard deviation of the temperature distribution, we'll use the formula for standard deviation in a discrete probability distribution:
Where:
- are the temperature values
- are the corresponding probabilities
- is the mean (expected value) of the distribution
Step 1: Calculate the Mean
The mean for a discrete probability distribution is calculated as:
Using the given
So, the mean is 552.25°C.
Step 2: Calculate the Variance
The variance is:
Now we'll calculate each term in this sum:
-
For : Contribution to variance:
-
For : Contribution to variance:
-
For : Contribution to variance:
-
For : Contribution to variance:
-
For : Contribution to variance:
Now, sum these contributions:
Step 3: Calculate the Standard Deviation
Finally, take the square root of the variance:
So, the standard deviation is 6.220°C (rounded to the nearest thousandth).
Would you like further clarification on any part of this solution?
Here are some related questions you might find helpful:
- How is the mean calculated for discrete probability distributions?
- What is the significance of variance in a data set?
- Can standard deviation be negative?
- How does the shape of the distribution relate to standard deviation?
- What are other ways to measure spread in a data set?
Tip: When interpreting standard deviation, a smaller value indicates that the data points are closer to the mean, while a larger value indicates more spread.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Statistics
Discrete Probability Distribution
Standard Deviation
Formulas
Standard deviation formula for discrete probability distributions: σX = sqrt(Σ(xi - μ)^2 * P(xi))
Mean formula for discrete probability distributions: μ = Σxi * P(xi)
Theorems
Properties of Standard Deviation in Probability Distributions
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 11-12
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