SAN AGUSTIN INTEGRATED SCHOOL

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

San Agustin Libon, Albay STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY

Topic 14: Length of Confidence Interval and Appropriate Sample Size

Definition of Terms
1. Confidence interval - In statistics, this refers to the probability that a Population parameter will fall between a
set of values for a certain proportion of times. Confidence intervals measure the degree of uncertainty or certainty
in a sampling method. They can take any number of probability limits, with the most common being a 95% or 99%
confidence level.
2. Narrowness of the interval – This pertains to a small width in relation to the length of the confidence interval.

Length of Confidence Interval

This refers to the absolute difference between the upper confidence limit and the lower confidence limit.

Formula:
LCI = |UCL – LCL| = |LCL – UCL|
Or LCI = UCL – LCL
Where:
LCI – length of confidence interval
UCL – upper confidence limit
LCL – lower confidence limit

Example 1. Find the length of the confidence interval 0. 275<p<0.360 Solution:

Steps Solution
1. Determine the given. UCL = 0.360
LCL = 0.275
2. Use the formula for Length of Confidence Interval. LCl = UCL – LCL
3. Substitute the given value, then perform the LCI = 0.360 - 0.275
indicated operation. LCI = 0.085
Thus, the length of confidence is 0.085.

Example 2. Find the length of the confidence interval upper confidence

limit = 0.805 lower confidence limit = 0.526 Solution:
Steps Solution
1. Determine the given. UCL = 0.805
LCL = 0.526
2. Use the formula for Length of Confidence Interval. LCl = UCL – LCL
3. Substitute the given value, then perform the LCI = 0.805 - 0.526
indicated operation. LCI = 0.279
Thus, the length of confidence interval is equal to 0.279.

The formula for interval estimate of population mean (µ) with known variance is:
𝜎 𝜎
𝑥̅ − (𝑧𝛼⁄2) ( ) < 𝜇 < 𝑥̅ + (𝑧𝛼⁄2 ) ( )
√𝑛 √𝑛
𝜎
The formula to find the length of the confidence interval is 𝑳𝑪𝑰 = 𝟐 (𝑧𝛼⁄ ) ( )
√𝑛
2
Where: 𝑧𝛼⁄2 – is the z – value
𝝈 – standard deviation
𝒏 – sample size

Example 3: Find the length of the confidence interval given the following data:
𝝈 = 0.3, 𝑛=70, confidence level = 95%
Solution:
Steps Solution
1. Determine the given. 𝝈 = 0.3, n =70, confidence level ( c )=95%
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 2. Determine the confidence (1- 𝑎)100% = 95% Find 𝑎 in equation (1-
coefficient. 𝑎)100% = 95% where in 95%
is the given confidence level.

(1- 𝑎) = 95% 100% of (1 - 𝑎) = (1 - 𝑎)

(1- 𝑎 )= 0.95 Charge 95% to decimal number.

(1- 𝑎) - 1 = 0.95 -1 Subtraction property of

equality.
(-1)(-𝑎) = (-0.05)(-1) Multiplication property of
𝒂 = 0.05 equality.

𝑎/2 = 0.05/2 Division property of equality.

𝒂/𝟐 = 0.025
Subtract 0.025 from 0.500
0.500 - 0.025 = 0.475 (which is half the area of the
Standard Normal Curve).
𝒛𝒂⁄𝟐 = 1.96 Hence, Using the Area under
the Standard
Normal Curve Table, as
𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑤.
3. Substitute the values in the 𝒔 Use this formula to solve for
formula and compute. LCl = 𝟐𝒛𝒂⁄𝟐 . the length of confidence
𝝈 interval.
LCl = 𝟐𝒛𝒂⁄𝟐 . Supplies the values, then
LCl = 𝟐
multiply 2(1.96)(0.3).

Divide 1.176 by .
LCl =

LCI = 0.1406 Answer

Thus, the length of confidence interval is equal to 0.1406

The formula for confidence interval of population mean, if n<30

𝜎 𝜎
𝑥̅ − (𝑡𝛼⁄2) ( ) < 𝜇 < 𝑥̅ + (𝑡𝛼⁄2 ) ( )
√𝑛 √𝑛
𝜎
The formula to find the length of the confidence interval is 𝑳𝑪𝑰 = 𝟐 (𝑡𝛼⁄ ) ( )
2 √𝑛
Where: 𝒕𝒂⁄𝟐 – is the t value
2

𝝈 – standard deviation
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𝒏 – sample size
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Example 4: Find the length of the confidence interval, given the following data: s = 6.5, n= 15, confidence level = 99%
Solution:
Steps Solution
1. Determine the given. s = 6.5, n= 15, confidence level = 99%

2. Find the degree of freedom df = n-1 df =

df. 15-1 df = 14
Thus, the degree of freedom is 14.
3. Find the 𝒂 in (1- (1- 𝑎)100% = 99% Find 𝑎 in equation (1-
𝑎)100% confidence 𝑎)100% = 99% where in 99% is the
level, then find 𝒕𝒂⁄𝟐 given confidence level
(1- 𝑎) = 99% Since, 100% of (1 – 𝑎) is
equal to (1 - 𝑎)
(1- 𝑎 )= 0.99 Charge 99% to decimal number
(1- 𝑎) - 1 = 0.99 -1 Subtraction property of equality.

(-1)(-𝑎) = (-0.01)(-1) Multiplication property of

a = 0.01 equality.

𝑎/2 = 0.01/2 Division property of equality.

𝒂/𝟐= 0.005

𝒕𝒂⁄𝟐 = 2.977 Hence, Using the t distribution

critical values
(t Table) at df = 14 and
𝑎⁄2 = 0.005 , as 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑤.

4. Substitute the values in the 𝒔 Use this formula to solve for

formula and compute. LCl = 𝟐𝒕𝒂⁄𝟐 . the length of confidence
𝝈 interval.
LCl = 𝟐𝒕𝒂⁄𝟐 . Supplies the values, then
LCl = 𝟐 multiply 2(2.977) (6.5).

LCl = Divide .

LCI = 9.99 Answer

Thus, the length of confidence interval is equal to 9.99

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Deriving the Formula for a Sample Size
In deriving the formula for the sample size, there are two things to remember when we decided on the quality
of the sample size that we need: confidence and the narrowness of the interval.

 Confidence interval describes the uncertainty inherent in this estimate and describes a range of values within
which we can be reasonably sure that the true effect actually lies.
 Narrowness of the interval pertains to a small width in relation to the length of the confidence interval.

If the confidence interval is relatively narrow (e.g., 0.70 to 0.80), the effect size is known precisely. If the
interval is wider (e.g., 0.60 to 0.93) the uncertainty is greater, although there may still be enough precision to make
decisions about the utility of the intervention. Intervals that are very wide (e.g., 0.50 to 1.10) indicate that we have little
knowledge about the effect, and that further information is needed. The computing formula in determining sample size
is derived from the formula of the margin of error E where:
𝜎
𝐸 = (𝑧𝛼⁄ ) ( )
2 √𝑛
• Study the derivation of the computing formula for determining minimum sample size when estimating a
population mean.
• Discuss the elements of the formula.

To solve for n, which is a sample size needed in estimating a population mean, do this. (Hint: Apply the appropriate
properties of equality.)

𝜎 Formula for margin of error.

𝐸 = (𝑧𝛼⁄ ) ( )
2 √𝑛
𝜎 Multiply both sides of the equation by .Multiplication property of
√𝑛(𝐸) = √𝑛 [(𝑧𝛼⁄ ) ( )]
2 √𝑛 equality.
√𝑛(𝐸) = (𝑧𝛼⁄ ) (𝜎)
2
√𝑛(𝐸) (𝑡𝑧 )(𝜎) Divide both sides of the equation by E. Division property of equality.
=
𝐸 𝐸

2
Square both sides.
(𝑧𝛼⁄ ) (𝜎)
2 2
(√𝑛) = ( )
𝐸
2 This is now the resulting formula for sample size needed in estimating
(𝑧𝛼⁄ ) (𝜎)
2 a population mean.
𝑛=[ ]
𝐸

Formula in Determining the Minimum Sample Size Needed when Estimating the Population Mean
2
(𝑧𝛼⁄ ) (𝜎)
𝑛=[ 2 ]
𝐸

Where: 𝒛𝒂⁄𝟐 – is the z value

𝝈 – standard deviation
𝒏 – number of sample
E – margin of error

Since the value of 𝜎 is usually unknown, it can be estimated by the standard deviation ( 𝜎 ) from a prior sample.
Alternatively, we may approximate the range R of observations in the population and make a conservative estimate of
𝑹
= . In any case, round up the value of obtained to ensure the sample size will be sufficient to achieve the specified
𝟒
reliability.

Example 5: Feeding Program

In a certain barangay, Mario wants to estimate the mean weight µ, in kilograms, of all seven-year-old children to
be included in a feeding program. He wants to be 99% confident that the estimate of µ is accurate 0.06 kg. Suppose from
a previous study, the standard deviation of the weights of the target population was
0.5kg, what should the sample size be?
4

Note: The phrase “accurate to within 0.06 kg” indicates a narrowed width of the confidence interval. Thus, the
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decide error E= 0.06 kg. Population standard deviation = 0.5 kg.

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Solution:
Steps Solution

1. Determine the given. 99% confidence, E = 0.06 kg, 𝜎= 0.5 kg

2. Determine the confidence a = 100% - 99% a = To determine the value of a, we

coefficient 1 - .99 a = .01 can simply subtract the
confidence level from 100%.
𝑎/2 = 0.01/2 Division property of equality.
𝒂/𝟐 = 0.005
0.500 - 0.005 = 0.495 Subtract 0.005 from 0.500.
𝒛𝒂⁄𝟐 = 1.96 Hence, Using the Area under
the Standard
Normal Curve Table.
3. Substitute the values 2
(𝑧𝛼⁄ ) (𝜎)
in the formula and compute. 2
2 𝑛=[ ]
(𝑧 𝛼 )(𝜎) 𝐸
⁄
𝑛=[ 2 ]
𝐸 (2.58)(0.5) 2
𝑛=[ ]
0.06
2
1.29
𝑛=( )
0.06
2
𝑛 = (21.5)
𝒏 = 𝟒𝟔𝟐. 𝟐𝟓 or 463
4. Round up the resulting Thus, Mario needs a sample size of 463 .
value to the nearest whole
number.

Note: When Determining sample size, we always round up the resulting value to the next whole number.

Rule: When the calculated sample size is not a whole number, it should be rounded up to the next higher whole
number.
Rule: Rounding up a sample size calculation for conservativeness ensures that your sample size will always be the
representative of the population.
Reference: https://www.isixsigma.com/tools-templates/sampling-data/rounding-and-round-rules

Example
1. A sample size calculation determined that 2006.083 data points were necessary to represent the population. In this
case, 2007 data points samples should be taken.
2. Suppose the calculated sample size is 409.14. What would be the sample size?
409.14? ____________ Answer: 410

Example 6. Replicating a study

Kristine wants to replicate a certain study, where the lowest observed value is 10.4 while the highest is 12.8. She
wants to estimate the population mean µ to within an error of 0.05 of its true value. Using 98% confidence level find the
sample size n that she needs.
Solution:
Steps Solution

1. Determine the given. 98% confidence, E = 0.06 kg, lowest observed value is 10.4 while
the highest is 12.8.

2. Determine the confidence a = 100% - 98% a To determine the value of a,

coefficient. = 1 - .98 a = .02 we can simply subtract the
confidence level from 100%.
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 𝑎/2 = 0.02/2 Division property of equality.
𝒂/𝟐 = 0.01

0.50 - 0.01 = 0.49 Subtract 0.005 from 0.500.

𝒛𝒂⁄𝟐 = 2.33 Hence, Using the Area

under the Standard
Normal Curve Table,

3. Determine the standard Since the range R = 12.8 – 10.4 = 2.4

deviation. Then, using the formula
= 𝑅/4 = 2.4/4 = .6
4. Substitute the values 2
(𝑧𝛼⁄ ) (𝜎)
in the formula and compute. 2
2 𝑛=[ ]
(𝑧𝛼⁄ ) (𝜎) 𝐸
𝑛=[ 2 ]
𝐸 2.33(0.06) 2
𝑛=[ ]
0.06
2
1.398
𝑛=( )
0.06
2
𝑛 = (23.3)
𝒏 = 𝟓𝟒𝟐. 𝟖𝟗 or 543

5. Round up the Thus, Kristine needs a sample size of 543.

resulting value to the nearest
whole number.

Activity 1
A
. Find the length of the confidence interval.
1. 0.355 < p < 0.470
2. 0.475 < p < 0.835 B. Find the length of the confidence interval given the
3. Upper confidence limit = 0.796 following data:
Lower confidence limit = 0.536 1. 𝜎 = 0.3 n = 45, confidence level 98%
4. Upper confidence limit = 0.896 2. 𝜎 = 0.5, n = 50, confidence level 95%
Lower confidence limit = 0.526
5. Upper confidence limit = 0.966 3. 𝜎 = 1.5, n = 70, confidence level 99%
Lower confidence limit = 0.635

C. Find the length of the confidence interval given the D. Round up the following calculated sample size.
following data: 1. n = 207.39
2. s = 4.5, n = 20, confidence interval = 98% 2. n = 347.56
3. s = 3.5, n = 25, confidence interval = 95% 3. n = 976.09
4. s = 2.5, n = 28, confidence interval = 99%

E. Solve this.
1. The school nurse of a certain school wants to conduct a survey about the average number of students who buy
snacks at the school canteen. If he plans to use 98% confidence level, 3 as the margin of error, and a standard deviation
of 15. How many sample sizes does he need for the survey?
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Activity 2
A. Round up the following calculated sample size. B. Find the length of the following confidence interval.
1. n = 507.49 1. 0.241 < p < 0.653
2. n = 247.51 2. 0.355 < p < 0.570
3. n = 1, 276.08 3. 0.475 < p < 0.735
4. n = 644.o41 4. Upper confidence limit = 0.996
5. n = 932.63 Lower confidence limit = 0.436
5. Upper confidence limit = 0.886
Lower confidence limit = 0.245

C. Find the length of the confidence interval given the following data:(s – sample standard deviation)
1. 𝑠 = 2.36, n = 350, confidence level: 99%
2. 𝑠 = 3.35, n = 250, confidence level: 99%
3. 𝑠 = 3, n = 275, confidence level: 95%
4. 𝑠 = 6, n = 425, confidence level: 98%
5. 𝑠 = 9, n = 501, confidence level: 99%

D. Determine the sample size, given the following data: (s – sample standard deviation)
1. 𝑠 = 5, E = 2.45, confidence level: 95%
2. 𝑠 = 7, E = 3.65, confidence level: 98%
3. 𝑠 = 4, E = 2.76, confidence level: 99%
4. 𝑠 = 8, E = 2.22, confidence level: 95%
E = 1.03, confidence level: 99%
5. 𝑠 = 3.3,

Activity 3
I. Fill in the blanks. Write your answer on your answer sheet.
A confidence interval, in statistics, refers to the probability that a _____(1)_______ parameter will fall between
a set of values for a certain proportion of times. Confidence intervals measure the degree of uncertainty or certainty in
a ______(2)______ method. They can take any number of probability limits, with the most common being a 95% or 99%
confidence level.
_____(3)______ is the absolute difference between the upper confidence limit and the lower confidence limit.
There are two things to remember when we decided on the quality of the sample size we need: ____(4)______
and the _____(5)_____ of the interval.

Activity 4
Solve the following problems. Write your answer on your answer sheet.
1. You want to estimate the mean gasoline price within your town to the margin of error of 5 centavos. Local
newspaper reports the standard deviation for gas price in the area is 25 centavos. What sample size is needed to
estimate the mean gas prices at 95% confidence level?
2. Carlos wants to replicate a study where the highest lowest observed value is 13.8 while the lowest is 13.4. He
wants to estimate the population mean µ to the margin of error of 0.025 of its true value. Using 99% confidence level,
find the sample size n that he needs.
3. In a group presentation, the average geometric reasoning of Grade 10 students in a Mathematics camp was
observed to be 80 with s standard deviation of 4. A researcher wants to replicate the study to estimate the true
population mean µ to within 0.5 maximum error. If the 98% level of confidence is adopted, how many respondents
are needed?
4. Teacher Carol, wants to conduct a survey about the average number of students in a certain school who wants
online class instead of distance modular learning. If she plans to use 99% confidence level, 0.5 as the margin of error,
and a standard deviation of 5. How many sample sizes does she need for the survey?
5. A researcher wants to estimate the average number of children with congenital heart disease who are between
the ages of 1–5 years old. How many children should be enrolled in this study, if the researcher plans on using a 95%
confidence level and wants a margin of error of 0.5 and standard deviation 4?
6. Allan, a Grade 12 senior high school student, wants to estimate the average number of students who will pursue
collage degree in a certain school. How many sample sizes does he need, if he plans to use 98% confidence, 0.5 as
the margin of error, and a standard deviation of 5.
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