To find the 95% confidence interval for the population mean, we need to follow these steps:
Calculate the sample mean (\(\bar{x}\)).
Calculate the sample standard deviation (s).
Determine the sample size (n).
Use the t-distribution to find the critical value for a 95% confidence level.
Calculate the margin of error using the formula: \( \text{Margin of Error} = t \times \frac{s}{\sqrt{n}} \).
Determine the confidence interval using the formula: \( \bar{x} \pm \text{Margin of Error} \).
Step 1: Calculate the Sample Mean
The sample mean (\(\bar{x}\)) is calculated as:
\[
\bar{x} = 42.2770
\]
Step 2: Calculate the Sample Standard Deviation
The sample standard deviation (\(s\)) is calculated as:
\[
s = 16.0547
\]
Step 3: Determine the Sample Size
The sample size (\(n\)) is:
\[
n = 61
\]
Step 4: Determine the t-Critical Value
For a 95% confidence level and \(n-1\) degrees of freedom, the t-critical value (\(t\)) is:
\[
t = 2.0003
\]
Step 5: Calculate the Margin of Error
The margin of error (ME) is calculated using the formula:
\[
\text{ME} = t \times \frac{s}{\sqrt{n}} = 2.0003 \times \frac{16.0547}{\sqrt{61}} = 4.1118
\]
Step 6: Determine the Confidence Interval
The 95% confidence interval for the population mean (\(\mu\)) is:
\[
\bar{x} \pm \text{ME} = 42.2770 \pm 4.1118
\]
Thus, the confidence interval is:
\[
(38.1653, 46.3888)
\]