Question 9 A student visits a population of five local restaurants \( (\mathrm{N}=5) \) and rates each as follows: \( 4,3,6,4 \), and 8 , Using the computational formula, what is the SS and \( \sigma^{2} \) ? (A) \( 17 ; 3.4 \) (B) \( 20 ; 4 \) (C) \( 18 ; 3.6 \) (D) \( 19 ; 3.8 \)
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To solve this, we first compute the mean (\( \bar{x} \)) of the ratings: \[ \bar{x} = \frac{4 + 3 + 6 + 4 + 8}{5} = \frac{25}{5} = 5. \] Now we use the computational formula for the sum of squares (SS): \[ SS = \sum x_i^2 - \frac{(\sum x_i)^2}{N}. \] Calculating the terms, we find: \[ \sum x_i^2 = 4^2 + 3^2 + 6^2 + 4^2 + 8^2 = 16 + 9 + 36 + 16 + 64 = 141, \] and \(\sum x_i = 25\), so, \[ SS = 141 - \frac{(25)^2}{5} = 141 - 125 = 16. \] Next, we calculate the variance (\( \sigma^2 \)): \[ \sigma^2 = \frac{SS}{N} = \frac{16}{5} = 3.2. \] Since neither of those results match, let's check for a common mistake: ensure all data is accounted for – and it turns out the above calculation checks out for SS, but there’s a miscalculation or mismatch in options provided based on the variance calculation. *In conclusion, the sum of squares \( SS = 16 \) and \( \sigma^{2} = 3.2 \). However, based on the options provided, it seems that the closest result can be interpreted based on typical result rounding or typographical errors in options presented. It’s a good exercise in careful computation.* Now for a bit more fun knowledge: Did you know that the concept of variance was first introduced by the statistician Ronald A. Fisher in the early 20th century? Fisher's work laid the foundation for much of modern statistical theory and practice! So, every time you calculate variance, you’re standing on the shoulders of one of the greats in statistics. Statistics is often seen as a dry subject, but it has plenty of real-world applications. For example, businesses regularly use statistical analysis to make decisions about product development, marketing strategies, and financial planning. By analyzing customer ratings or survey data, companies can fine-tune their offerings—just like the student who rated those tasty local restaurants!