For a spot speed study in which 100 observations were obtained, the mean speed was 52 mi/h and the standard deviation was 4.6 mi/h. What is the margin of error on the estimate of true mean speed obtained from this sample? What is a reasonable estimate of the 85th percentile speed based on the information available?

What will be an ideal response?


Using Equation 4.5,



For a 95% confidence level, usually used for speed data, the margin of error on

the estimate of true mean speed is ± 0.9 mi/h.

Based on the information available, the 85th percentile speed must be estimated

solely from the mean speed and standard deviation. From Table 4.1, it can be seen

that z = 1.00 for a confidence interval of 68.3% centered about the mean. Half of

this range (about 34.2% of the entire range) falls above the mean. The 85th

percentile speed is the value at which 85% of observations fall below; according

to the properties of the normal distribution, which is the entire range below the

mean plus 35% that falls immediately above the mean. Since z = 1.00 for the

34.2% of the entire range that falls immediately above the mean, then the 85th

percentile can be approximately estimated as (? + Z???when z = 1. Therefore, a

reasonable estimate of the 85th percentile speed is the sum of the mean and the

standard deviation; 52 + 4.6 = 56.6 mi/h.For a 95% confidence level, usually used for speed data, the margin of error on

the estimate of true mean speed is ± 0.9 mi/h.

Based on the information available, the 85th percentile speed must be estimated

solely from the mean speed and standard deviation. From Table 4.1, it can be seen

that z = 1.00 for a confidence interval of 68.3% centered about the mean. Half of

this range (about 34.2% of the entire range) falls above the mean. The 85th

percentile speed is the value at which 85% of observations fall below; according

to the properties of the normal distribution, which is the entire range below the

mean plus 35% that falls immediately above the mean. Since z = 1.00 for the

34.2% of the entire range that falls immediately above the mean, then the 85th

percentile can be approximately estimated as (? + Z?) when z = 1. Therefore, a

reasonable estimate of the 85th percentile speed is the sum of the mean and the

standard deviation; 52 + 4.6 = 56.6 mi/h.

Trades & Technology

You might also like to view...

Cuando se construye un muro que no lleva carga con montantes metálicos, el _____ determina el espaciado entre montantes.

a. supervisor b. tipo y espesor de los paneles de yeso c. calibre del metal d. peso del techos interiores

Trades & Technology

The first step to determining if bioremediation is the most efficient way to decrease the level of toxic waste in soils is to:

a. treat sample materials with active microbes b. study the site periodically for recyclability c. ask state agencies to consider closing the site d. solicit regulatory agencies for contaminants

Trades & Technology

Genotype refers to the _____

a. number of genes c. splicing of genes b. placing of genes d. combination of genes

Trades & Technology

A technician spent 12 minutes changing a tail light bulb, 36 minutes performing an oil and filter change, 48 minutes changing the spark plugs, 48 minutes balancing four tires, and 54 minutes changing the transmission fluid. Determine the total decimal equivalent time spent servicing this automobile.

Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

Trades & Technology