One important test for kidney disease involves measuring the levels of bicarbonate (HCO−3) in blood. Normal bicarbonate levels for a person ranging in age from 18 to 59 years old is 23–29 mmol/L. A lab purchased a new instrument to measure bicarbonate levels in blood and needs to certify it against their current instrument. The bicarbonate levels in the blood of a 38 year old woman was measured using the old and new instrument. The blood was tested 6 times using each instrument. The mean concentration of bicarbonate using the old instrument was found to be 24.6 mmol/L with a standard deviation of 1.51 mmol/L. The new instrument yielded a mean concentration of 25.5 mmol/L with a standard deviation of 0.54 mmol/L.

Determine if there is a significant difference in the standard deviations of the two sets of measurements made by the two instruments at the 95% confidence level. Determine the value of calc.


Determine the value of table.Refer to the table of critical values of as needed.


Is there is a significant difference in the standard deviations of the two sets of measurements made by the two instruments at the 95% confidence level?