Statistics and

Probability
Quarter 3 – Module 8:
Length of Confidence Interval
and Appropriate Sample Size
 What I Need to Know

At the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

 Identify the length of a confidence interval. (M11/12SP-IIIj-1)
 Compute for the length of the confidence interval. (M11/12SP-IIIj-2)
 Compute for an appropriate sample size using the length of interval.
(M11/12SP-IIIj-3)
 Solve exercise involving sample size determination. (M11/12SP-IIIj-4)

What I Know

A. Find the length of the following confidence

interval. 1. 0.0254 < p < 0.560

2. 0.385< p < 0.655

3. 0.363 < p < 0.655

4. Upper confidence limit = 0.632

Lower confidence limit = 0.475

5. Upper confidence limit = 0.686

Lower confidence limit = 0.415

B. Find the length of the confidence interval given the following data:

6. 𝑠 = 8.47, n = 300, confidence level= 95%

7. 𝑠 = 6.25, n = 150, confidence level= 95%

8. 𝑠 = 4.36, n = 350, confidence level= 99%

9. s = 5.25, n = 16, confidence interval = 95%

10. s = 7.15, n = 20, confidence interval= 99%

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 Lesson
Length of Confidence and
1 Appropriate Sample Size
How large should be the sample? Many researchers find this a problem. In
fact, many rely on old methods to determine the sample size they need in their
investigations. This problem must be addressed carefully because needlessly large
samples are a waste of important resources. On the other hand, insufficient sample
size may lead to poor results.

What’s In

A. Fill in the blank with the correct word or group of words to make a meaningful
statement. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Statistically, rounding up of 111.12 is .

2. A confidence level is the confidence coefficient and is expressed as

.

3. For a 95% confidence level, the confidence coefficient is .

4. When a 99% confidence level is selected, a = .

5. The standard deviation of a sampling distribution is called .

6. A subset of the interest population is called .

B. Answer the following:

1. 1 – 0.38

2. (0.35) (0.65)

1.96(2)
3. 0.06

2
(1.96)(5.3)
4. ( 0.2 )

(2.58)(2.5) 2
5. ( 0.10 )

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 Note to the Teacher
In this module, the learners will be able to know how to compute for the length of the
confidence interval and for an appropriate sample size needed using the length of
interval.

What’s New

Definition of Terms
1. Confidence interval - In statistics, this refers to the probability that
a Population parameter will fall between a set of values for a certain proportion of
times. Confidence intervals measure the degree of uncertainty or certainty in
a sampling method. They can take any number of probability limits, with the most
common being a 95% or 99% confidence level.
2. Narrowness of the interval – This pertains to a small width in relation to the
length of the confidence interval.

Length of Confidence Interval

This refers to the absolute difference between the upper confidence limit and
the lower confidence limit.

Formula:

LCI = |UCL – LCL| = |LCL – UCL|

Or

LCI = UCL – LCL

Where:

LCI – length of confidence interval

UCL – upper confidence limit

LCL – lower confidence limit

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Example 1. Find the length of the confidence interval 0. 275<p<0.360

Solution:

Steps Solution
1. Determine the given. UCL = 0.360
LCL = 0.275
2. Use the formula for Length of LCl = UCL – LCL
Confidence Interval.
3. Substitute the given value, then LCI = 0.360 - 0.275
perform the indicated operation. LCI = 0.085

Thus, the length of confidence is 0.085.

Example 2. Find the length of the confidence interval

upper confidence limit = 0.805

lower confidence limit = 0.526

Solution:

Steps Solution
1. Determine the given. UCL = 0.805
LCL = 0.526
2. Use the formula for Length of LCl = UCL – LCL
Confidence Interval.
3. Substitute the given value, then LCI = 0.805 - 0.526
perform the indicated operation. LCI = 0.279

Thus, the length of confidence interval is equal to 0.279.

Try this in your notebook.

A. Find the length of the confidence interval.

1. 0.355 < p < 0.470

2. 0.475 < p < 0.835
3. Upper confidence limit = 0.796
Lower confidence limit = 0.536

4. Upper confidence limit = 0.896

Lower confidence limit = 0.526

5. Upper confidence limit = 0.966

Lower confidence limit = 0.635

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 What is It

The formula for interval estimate of population mean (µ) with

known variance is:

𝝈 𝝈
𝒙
̅ − 𝒛𝒂⁄𝟐< 𝒖 < 𝒙
̅ − 𝒛𝒂⁄ √𝒏
√𝒏 𝟐

The formula to find the length of the confidence interval

𝝈
= 𝟐𝒛𝒂⁄𝟐 √𝒏
Where:
𝒛𝒂⁄𝟐 – is the z value
𝝈– standard deviation
𝒏– sample size

Example 3: Find the length of the confidence interval given the following data:

= 0.3, 𝑛=70, confidence level=95%

Solution:

Steps
1. Determine the given.
2. Determine the (1- 𝑎)100% = 95%
confidence coefficient.
Solution
= 0.3, n =70, confidence level=95%
Find 𝑎 in equation (1-
𝑎)100% = 95% where in
95% is the given
confidence level.
(1- 𝑎) = 95% 100% of (1 - 𝑎) = (1 - 𝑎)
(1- 𝑎 )= 0.95 Charge 95% to decimal
number.
(1- 𝑎) - 1 = 0.95 -1 Subtraction property of
equality.
(-1)(-𝑎) = (-0.05)(-1) Multiplication property of
𝒂 = 0.05 equality.

𝑎/2 = 0.05/2 Division property of

𝒂/𝟐 = 0.025 equality.

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 Subtract 0.025 from
0.500 - 0.025 = 0.475 0.500 (which is half the
area of the Standard
Normal Curve).
𝒛𝒂⁄ = 1.96 Hence, Using the Area
𝟐
under the Standard
Normal Curve Table,
as 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑤.
𝒔
3. Substitute the values LCl = 𝟐𝒛𝒂 . Use this formula to solve
⁄𝟐 √ 𝒏
in the formula and for the length of
compute. confidence interval.
𝝈 0.3
LCl = 𝟐𝒛𝒂 . LCl = 𝟐(1.96) ( ) Supplies the values,
⁄𝟐 √𝒏
√70
then multiply
2(1.96)(0.3).

LCl =
1.176 Divide 1.176 by √60.
√70

LCI = 0.1406 Answer

Thus, the length of confidence interval is equal to 0.1406

Try this in your notebook.

B. Find the length of the confidence interval given the following data:

1. = 0.3, n = 45, confidence level 98%

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2. = 0.5, n = 50, confidence level 95%

3. = 1.5, n = 70, confidence level 99%

The formula for confidence interval of population mean, if n<30

𝑥̅ − 𝑡𝑎𝝈 < µ < 𝑥̅ − 𝑡 𝝈

⁄2 √𝑛 𝑎/2 √𝑛

The formula to find the length of the confidence interval.

𝝈
LCl = 2𝑡𝑎 ⁄2 √𝑛

Where:
𝒕𝒂⁄𝟐 – is the t value
𝝈– standard deviation
𝒏– sample size

Example 4: Find the length of the confidence interval, given the following data:

s = 6.5, n= 15, confidence level = 99%

Solution:

Steps Solution
1. Determine the given. s = 6.5, n= 15,
confidence level = 99%

2. Find the degree of df = n-1

freedom df. df = 15-1
df = 14
Thus, the degree of freedom is 14.

3. Find the 𝒂 in (1- (1- 𝑎)100% = 99% Find 𝑎 in equation (1-

𝑎)100% confidence 𝑎)100% = 99% where in
level, then find 𝒕𝒂⁄ 99% is the given
𝟐
confidence level

(1- 𝑎) = 99% Since, 100% of (1 – 𝑎) is

equal to (1 - 𝑎)

(1- 𝑎 )= 0.99 Charge 99% to decimal

number

(1- 𝑎) - 1 = 0.99 -1 Subtraction property of

equality.

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 (-1)(-𝑎) = (-0.01)(-1) Multiplication property of
equality.
a = 0.01

𝑎/2 = 0.01/2 Division property of

equality.
𝒂/𝟐= 0.005

Hence, Using the t

𝒕𝒂⁄ = 2.977 distribution critical values
𝟐
(t Table) at df = 14 and
𝑎⁄ = 0.005 , as 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑤𝑛
2
𝒔
𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑤.
4. Substitute the values LCl = 𝟐𝒕𝒂 . Use this formula to solve
⁄𝟐
in the formula and √𝒏 for the length of
compute. confidence interval.
𝝈
LCl = 𝟐𝒕𝒂 . 6.5
⁄𝟐 √𝒏 LCl = 𝟐(2.977) ( ) Supplies the values,
√15
then multiply 2(2.977)
(6.5).

LCl =
38.701 Divide 38.701 by √15.
√15

LCI = 9.99 Answer

Thus, the length of confidence interval is equal to 9.99

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Try this:

C. Find the length of the confidence interval given the following data:

1. s = 4.5, n = 20, confidence interval = 98%

2. s = 3.5, n = 25, confidence interval = 95%

3. s = 2.5, n = 28, confidence interval = 99%

Deriving the Formula for a Sample Size

In deriving the formula for the sample size, there are two things to remember
when we decided on the quality of the sample size that we need: confidence and the
narrowness of the interval.

 Confidence interval describes the uncertainty inherent in this

estimate and describes a range of values within which we can be
reasonably sure that the true effect actually lies.
 Narrowness of the interval pertains to a small width in relation to
the length of the confidence interval.

If the confidence interval is relatively narrow (e.g., 0.70 to 0.80), the

effect size is known precisely. If the interval is wider (e.g., 0.60 to 0.93) the
uncertainty is greater, although there may still be enough precision to make
decisions about the utility of the intervention. Intervals that are very wide (e.g., 0.50
to 1.10) indicate that we have little knowledge about the effect, and that further
information is needed. The computing formula in determining sample size is derived
from the formula of the margin of error E 𝑧where: 𝜎𝑎
𝐸= ⁄ ( )
2 √𝑛
 Study the derivation of the computing formula for determining minimum
sample size when estimating a population mean.
 Discuss the elements of the formula.

To solve for n, which is a sample size needed in estimating a population mean,

do this. (Hint: Apply the appropriate properties of equality.)
𝑧𝑎/2 ⋅ 𝜎 Formula for margin of error.
𝐸=
√𝑛
𝑧𝑎⋅𝜎
(√𝑛)(𝐸) = ( 2 )(√𝑛) Multiply both sides of the equation by
√𝑛 √𝑛. Multiplication property of equality.
(√𝑛)(𝐸) 𝑧𝑎 ⋅ 𝜎 Divide both sides of the equation by E.
2
𝐸 =𝐸 Division property of equality.

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 𝑧𝑎 2
2 ⁄ 2⋅ 𝜎 Square both sides.
(√𝑛) = ( )
𝐸

𝑧𝑎 2
⁄ ⋅𝜎 This is now the resulting formula for
𝑛=( 2
) sample size needed in estimating a
𝐸
population mean.

Formula in Determining the Minimum Sample Size Needed when Estimating the Population Mean

𝑧𝑎⁄ ⋅ 𝜎 2
𝑛 = ( 2)
𝐸

Where:
𝒛𝒂⁄𝟐 – is the z value
𝝈– standard deviation
𝒏– number of sample E– margin of error

Since the value of is usually unknown, it can be estimated by the standard

deviation () from a prior sample. Alternatively, we may approximate the range R of
observations in the population and make a conservative estimate of ≈ R . In any case,
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round up the value of obtained to ensure the sample size will be sufficient to achieve
the specified reliability.
Example 1: Feeding Program
In a certain barangay, Mario wants to estimate the mean weight µ, in
kilograms, of all seven-year-old children to be included in a feeding program. He
wants to be 99% confident that the estimate of µ is accurate 0.06 kg. Suppose from
a previous study, the standard deviation of the weights of the target population was
0.5kg, what should the sample size be?
Note: The phrase “accurate to within 0.06 kg” indicates a narrowed width of the
confidence interval. Thus, the decide error E= 0.06 kg.

Population standard deviation = 0.5 kg.

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Solution:

Steps Solution

1. Determine the given. 99% confidence, E = 0.06 kg, = 0.5 kg

2. Determine the a = 100% - 99% To determine the value of
confidence coefficient a, we can simply subtract
a = 1 - .99
the confidence level from
a = .01 100%.

𝑎/2 = 0.01/2 Division property of

equality.
𝒂/𝟐 = 0.005

0.500 - 0.005 = 0.495 Subtract 0.005 from

0.500.

𝒛𝒂⁄ = 1.96 Hence, Using the Area

𝟐
under the Standard
Normal Curve Table.
𝑧𝑎 2
3. Substitute the values ⁄ ⋅𝜎
2
in the formula and 𝑛=( )
𝐸
compute.
𝑧𝑎 2
⁄ ⋅𝜎 (2.58)(0.5) 2

2 𝑛=( )
𝑛=( ) 0.06
𝐸 2
1.29
𝑛=( )
0.06

𝑛 = (21.5)2

4. Round up the resulting 𝒏 = 𝟒𝟔𝟐. 𝟐𝟓 or 463

value to the nearest Thus, Mario needs a sample size of 463 .
whole number.

Note: When Determining sample size, we always round up the resulting value to
the next whole number.
Rule: When the calculated sample size is not a whole number, it should
be rounded up to the next higher whole number.
Rule: Rounding up a sample size calculation for conservativeness ensures that
your sample size will always be the representative of the population.
Reference: https://www.isixsigma.com/tools-templates/sampling-data/rounding-and-round-rules

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Example 1. A sample size calculation determined that 2006.083 data points were
necessary to represent the population. In this case, 2007 data points
samples should be taken.

2. Suppose the calculated sample size is 409.14. What would be the

sample size?
409.14?

Answer: 410

Try this:

D. Round up the following calculated sample size.

1. n = 207.39
2. n = 347.56
3. n = 976.09

Example 2. Replicating a study

Kristine wants to replicate a certain study, where the lowest observed value
is 10.4 while the highest is 12.8. She wants to estimate the population mean µ to
within an error of 0.05 of its true value. Using 98% confidence level find the sample
size n that she needs.

Solution:

Steps Solution

1. Determine the given. 98% confidence, E = 0.06 kg, lowest observed value is
10.4 while the highest is 12.8.

2. Determine the a = 100% - 98% To determine the value of

confidence coefficient. a, we can simply subtract
a = 1 - .98
the confidence level from
a = .02 100%.

𝑎/2 = 0.02/2 Division property of

equality.
𝒂/𝟐 = 0.01

0.50 - 0.01 = 0.49 Subtract 0.005 from

0.500.

𝒛𝒂⁄ = 2.33 Hence, Using the Area

𝟐
under the Standard
Normal Curve Table,

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 3. Determine the Since the range R = 12.8 – 10.4 = 2.4
standard deviation.
Then, using the formula

= 𝑅/4 = 2.4/4 = .6

𝑧𝑎 2
4. Substitute the values ⁄ ⋅𝜎
𝑛=( 2
)
in the formula and 𝐸
compute. 2
𝟐
(2.33)(0.6)
𝒛𝒂 𝑛=( )
⁄ ⋅𝝈 0.06
𝟐
𝒏=( )
𝑬 1.398
2
𝑛 = (0.06 )

𝑛 = (23.3)2

5. Round up the resulting

𝒏 = 𝟓𝟒𝟐. 𝟖𝟗 or 543
value to the nearest
whole number.

Thus, Kristine needs a sample size of 543.

E. Solve this.

1. The school nurse of a certain school wants to conduct a survey about the average
number of students who buy snacks at the school canteen. If he plans to use 98%
confidence level, 3 as the margin of error, and a standard deviation of 15. How many
sample sizes does he need for the survey?

What’s More

Activity 2

A. Round up the following calculated sample size.

1. n = 507.49
2. n = 247.51
3. n = 1, 276.08

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4. n = 644.o41
5. n = 932.63

B. Find the length of the following confidence

interval. 1. 0.241 < p < 0.653
2. 0.355 < p < 0.570
3. 0.475 < p < 0.735
4. Upper confidence limit = 0.996
Lower confidence limit = 0.436
5. Upper confidence limit = 0.886
Lower confidence limit = 0.245

C. Find the length of the confidence interval given the following data:(s – sample
standard deviation)
1. 𝑠 = 2.36, n = 350, confidence level: 99%
2. 𝑠 = 3.35, n = 250, confidence level: 99%
3. 𝑠 = 3, n = 275, confidence level: 95%
4. 𝑠 = 6, n = 425, confidence level: 98%
5. 𝑠 = 9, n = 501, confidence level: 99%

D. Determine the sample size, given the following data: (s – sample standard
deviation)
1. 𝑠 = 5, E = 2.45, confidence level: 95%
2. 𝑠 = 7, E = 3.65, confidence level: 98%
3. 𝑠 = 4, E = 2.76, confidence level: 99%
4. 𝑠 = 8, E = 2.22, confidence level: 95%
5. 𝑠 = 3.3, E = 1.03, confidence level: 99%

What I Have Learned

I. Fill in the blanks. Write your answer on your answer sheet.

A confidence interval, in statistics, refers to the probability that
a (1) parameter will fall between a set of values for a certain proportion
of times. Confidence intervals measure the degree of uncertainty or certainty in

14
a (2) method. They can take any number of probability limits, with the
most common being a 95% or 99% confidence level.

(3) is the absolute difference between the upper confidence limit

and the lower confidence limit.

There are two things to remember when we decided on the quality of the
sample size we need: (4) and the (5) of the interval.

What I Can Do

Solve the following problems. Write your answer on your answer sheet.
1. You want to estimate the mean gasoline price within your town to the margin of
error of 5 centavos. Local newspaper reports the standard deviation for gas price in
the area is 25 centavos. What sample size is needed to estimate the mean gas prices
at 95% confidence level?
2. Carlos wants to replicate a study where the highest lowest observed value is 13.8
while the lowest is 13.4. He wants to estimate the population mean µ to the margin
of error of 0.025 of its true value. Using 99% confidence level, find the sample size n
that he needs.

Assessment

A. Find the length of the following confidence

interval. 1. 0.242 < p < 0.653

2. 0.345 < p < 0.570

3. 0.275 < p < 0.463

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4. Upper confidence limit = 0.820

Lower confidence limit = 0.490

5. Upper confidence limit = 0.715

Lower confidence limit = 0.350

B. Find the length of the confidence interval given the following data:

6. s = 5.36, n = 350, confidence level: 99%

7. s = 2.35, n = 250, confidence level: 99%

8. s = 1.20, n = 200, confidence level: 95%

9. s = 8.15, n = 29, confidence interval: 99%

10. s = 3.25, n = 17, confidence interval: 95%

C. Solve the following problems.

11. In a group presentation, the average geometric reasoning of Grade 10 students
in a Mathematics camp was observed to be 80 with s standard deviation of 4. A
researcher wants to replicate the study to estimate the true population mean µ to
within 0.5 maximum error. If the 98% level of confidence is adopted, how many
respondents are needed?

12. Teacher Carol, wants to conduct a survey about the average number of students
in a certain school who wants online class instead of distance modular learning. If
she plans to use 99% confidence level, 0.5 as the margin of error, and a standard
deviation of 5. How many sample sizes does she need for the survey?

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Answer Key

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