Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisEasy–MediumScaling a sample proportion to a population
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question
In a random sample of 250 students at a university of 5,000 students, 32% said they commute by bicycle. Based on the sample, what is the best estimate of the number of students at the university who commute by bicycle?
Answer: 1600
Apply the sample proportion to the whole population: 0.32 × 5,000 = 1,600.
Common wrong answers
- If you answered 32
- 32 is the percentage, not a count of students.
- If you answered 80
- 80 is 32% of the SAMPLE (250), not of the university.
- If you answered 160
- 160 is 32% of 500, a slip in the population size.
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