Ch. 1 - Introduction to Statistics

Triola - Elementary Statistics 14th Edition

Triola14th EditionElementary StatisticsISBN: 9780137366446Not the one you use?Change textbook

Triola 14th Edition

Ch. 1 - Introduction to Statistics

Problem 1.1.38

Chapter 1, Problem 1.1.38

In Exercises 37–44, answer the given questions, which are related to percentages.
Checking Job Applicants In a study conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management, 347 human resource professionals were surveyed. Of those surveyed, 73% said that their companies conduct criminal background checks on all job applicants.

a. What is the exact value that is 73% of the 347 survey subjects?
b. Could the result from part (a) be the actual number of survey subjects who said that their companies conduct criminal background checks on all job applicants? Why or why not?

Verified step by step guidance

To find the exact value that is 73% of the 347 survey subjects, you need to calculate 73% of 347. This can be done by converting the percentage to a decimal and then multiplying by the total number of subjects. The formula is: \( \text{Value} = 0.73 \times 347 \).

Perform the multiplication to find the exact number of survey subjects who said their companies conduct criminal background checks. This will give you the exact value for part (a).

For part (b), consider whether the result from part (a) can be an actual number of survey subjects. Since the number of people must be a whole number, check if the result from part (a) is an integer.

If the result from part (a) is not an integer, explain why it cannot be the actual number of survey subjects. Discuss the concept of rounding and how percentages can lead to non-integer results when applied to whole numbers.

Conclude by stating whether the result from part (a) could be the actual number of survey subjects, based on whether it is a whole number or not, and provide reasoning for your conclusion.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Percentage Calculation

Percentage calculation involves determining a portion of a whole expressed as a fraction of 100. In this context, to find 73% of 347, you multiply 347 by 0.73. This calculation is essential for quantifying how many survey subjects represent the percentage given.

Rounding and Exact Values

When calculating percentages, the result may not always be a whole number. Understanding how to round numbers appropriately is crucial, as it affects the interpretation of survey results. In this case, the exact value of 73% of 347 may need to be rounded to provide a practical answer.

Survey Interpretation

Interpreting survey results requires understanding the context and methodology of the survey. In this scenario, while 73% indicates a significant majority, the actual number derived from the percentage must be evaluated against the total sample size to assess its validity and implications for the population being studied.

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