Answer:
To find the margin of error at a 98% confidence level, we can use the formula:
Margin of Error = Critical Value * Standard Deviation
1. Find the critical value: Since the confidence level is 98%, we need to find the z-score corresponding to that confidence level. The z-score can be found using a z-table or a statistical calculator. For a 98% confidence level, the critical value (z-score) is approximately 2.33.
2. Calculate the margin of error: Multiply the critical value by the standard deviation. In this case, the standard deviation is $5. Therefore, the margin of error is:
Margin of Error = 2.33 * $5 = $11.65
So, at a 98% confidence level, the margin of error is approximately $11.65.
This means that if we were to repeat the survey multiple times, about 98% of the time, the true average amount spent on a child's last birthday gift would fall within $11.65 of the mean ($45).