Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisHardInterpreting a margin of error
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question
A random sample of city residents gives an estimate that 62% support a new park, with a margin of error of 3 percentage points. Which statement is the best interpretation?
- A. It is plausible that between 59% and 65% of all city residents support the park.Correct
- B. Exactly 62% of all city residents support the park.
- C. 3% of the residents surveyed changed their minds.
- D. The estimate is wrong by exactly 3 percentage points.
Answer: A. It is plausible that between 59% and 65% of all city residents support the park.
The margin gives a plausible range around the estimate.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. Exactly 62% of all city residents support the park.
- The estimate is not exact.
- C. 3% of the residents surveyed changed their minds.
- The margin is not about changed minds.
- D. The estimate is wrong by exactly 3 percentage points.
- The margin bounds the likely error; it is not the error itself.
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