The F- Distribution

The F-distribution is named in honour of Fisher who first studied it. When we want to test the equality of variances of two normal Populations , we make use of F-test. Step1 In such situation, the null hypothesis happens to be Ho: 12= 22 Where 1=s.d. of population 1 2 =s.d. of population 2 The hypothesis will be tested on the basis of sample data and F value will be calculated. Step2: calculate F F= S12 Where S1=s.d. of sample1 S2=s.d. of sample 2 S22

While calculating F, S12 > S22 which means that the numerator is always the greater variance. Step3 Compare calculated value of F with the tabulated value of F v1 ,v2 at certain level of significance. V1 = (n1-1)= degree of freedom for greater variance. V2 = (n2-1)= degree of freedom for smaller variance.

Step4 If calculated value is less than tabulated value then accept null hypothesis.