Math Problem Statement

Based on a smartphone​ survey, assume that 52​% of adults with smartphones use them in theaters. In a separate survey of 264 adults with​ smartphones, it is found that 134 use them in theaters. a. If the 52​% rate is​ correct, find the probability of getting 134 or fewer smartphone owners who use them in theaters. b. Is the result of 134 significantly​ low? Question content area bottom Part 1

Solution

This problem involves calculating the probability of observing 134 or fewer adults using smartphones in theaters given that the true population proportion is 52%. We will solve it using the normal approximation to the binomial distribution.


Part (a): Find the Probability of Getting 134 or Fewer Smartphone Users

1. Define the variables

  • Sample size: n=264n = 264
  • Proportion of smartphone users who use them in theaters: p=0.52p = 0.52
  • Complement: q=1p=0.48q = 1 - p = 0.48
  • Observed number: X=134X = 134

2. Find the mean and standard deviation

Using the formulas for the mean μ\mu and standard deviation σ\sigma of a binomial distribution:

μ=np=2640.52=137.28\mu = n \cdot p = 264 \cdot 0.52 = 137.28

σ=npq=2640.520.48=65.89448.12\sigma = \sqrt{n \cdot p \cdot q} = \sqrt{264 \cdot 0.52 \cdot 0.48} = \sqrt{65.8944} \approx 8.12

3. Apply the normal approximation to the binomial distribution

We can approximate the binomial distribution using a normal distribution with mean μ\mu and standard deviation σ\sigma. We also apply the continuity correction by subtracting 0.5 from 134 to account for the discrete nature of the binomial distribution.

Thus, we need to find:

P(X134)=P(Z134μσ)P(X \leq 134) = P\left(Z \leq \frac{134 - \mu}{\sigma}\right)

4. Standardize the value using the Z-score formula

Z=134137.288.12=3.288.120.40Z = \frac{134 - 137.28}{8.12} = \frac{-3.28}{8.12} \approx -0.40

5. Find the probability from the Z-table

Using a Z-table, we look up the probability corresponding to Z=0.40Z = -0.40.

P(Z0.40)0.3446P(Z \leq -0.40) \approx 0.3446

So, the probability of getting 134 or fewer smartphone users who use them in theaters is approximately:

P(X134)0.3446P(X \leq 134) \approx 0.3446


Part (b): Is the result of 134 significantly low?

To determine if 134 is significantly low, we compare its Z-score with typical significance levels. Common thresholds are Z = -1.96 for a 5% significance level (two-tailed) or Z = -1.645 for a 5% significance level (one-tailed).

  • Z-score we found: Z0.40Z \approx -0.40

Since 0.40-0.40 is not below these critical Z-scores, 134 is not significantly low. There is a reasonable chance (34.46%) of getting 134 or fewer smartphone users, assuming the true proportion is 52%.


Final Answer

(a) The probability of getting 134 or fewer smartphone users who use them in theaters is approximately 0.3446.
(b) No, the result of 134 is not significantly low.


Would you like more details or have any follow-up questions?


Here are 5 related questions you might find interesting:

  1. How does the continuity correction affect normal approximation in binomial distributions?
  2. What is the difference between a one-tailed and two-tailed Z-test?
  3. How would the answer change if the proportion was 60% instead of 52%?
  4. When should we use the normal approximation to the binomial distribution?
  5. How do changes in sample size affect the mean and standard deviation in binomial distributions?

Tip: If the sample size is large and the success probability is close to 0.5, the normal approximation becomes more accurate.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Binomial Distribution
Normal Approximation
Z-score
Probability

Formulas

Mean (μ) = n * p
Standard Deviation (σ) = sqrt(n * p * (1 - p))
Z = (X - μ) / σ

Theorems

Central Limit Theorem
Normal Approximation to Binomial Distribution

Suitable Grade Level

College Statistics