Math Reflection

In math this semester we worked on many things but what I felt like I did the best in and
was able to understand the most was when we worked with Chi Squared. The purpose for Chi
Squared is to decide whether the difference between observed and expected values is actually
significant. This problem frames my work in math looking forward, both towards next semester
and beyond by getting me excited for what more stats has planned in the future and helping me
understand that math is truly in our everyday lives. This semester I have found that my biggest
gift I have is being able to comprehend the problems and understand what needs to be done. I
think I can maximize this talent by continuing to practice solving a vast amount of problems.
Though I believe a challenge I continually face in math is being able to remember and learn new
concepts that I have not been introduced to yet. Though I dont think this disadvantage will stop
me from succeeding in my class, I just have to continue practicing and getting better so that I can
account for it.
Example of a problem using Chi Squared:
Question: Does a higher tax rate on alcohol discourage consumption? To study it, you
look at data from two states, California that has a tax rate of 8% and Arizona that has a tax rate
of 4%.
Step 1) Create a Null Hypothesis:
Taxes dont make a difference in sales.
Step 2) Find raw data that supports what your trying to find:
Example would be a survey stating the following, Out of 158 people in CA, 85 purchased
alcohol. While 37 people purchased alcohol in AZ from a total of 76.
Step 3) Construct a chart for this data:
CA

AZ

Total

No

(Actual) 73
(expected) 75.84

(Actual) 39
(expected) 36.48

112

Yes

(actual)85
(expected)82.16

(Actual)37
(expected) 39.52

122

Total

158

76

234

Explanation on how I filled the chart out:

Numbers I had due to research:
158
76
85
37
How I found the number of people who said no:
158-85=73
76-37=39

How I found the total number of people who said no and yes:
73+39=112
85+37=122
How I found Expected Numbers:
122/234=.52
.52 multiplied by 76= 39.52
.52 multiplied by 158= 82.16
158-82.16= 75.84
76-39.52= 36.48
Step 4) Calculate the Chi Square value using, his formula:

(73-75.84)2/75.84=0.10
(85-82.16)2/82.16=0.098
(39-36.48)2/36.48=0.17
(37-39.52)2/39.52=0.16
0.10+0.098+0.17+0.16=0.53
Step 5) Interpret the answer to the Chi Square value.
The probability that higher tax rate on alcohol discourages consumption is 53%.
Therefore I will accept the Null Hypothesis.
I conclude that a higher tax rate on alcohol does not affect consumption.