Given the sample information below, what test statistic should be used to determine whether the standard deviations are equal for two populations, prior to performing a hypothesis test for the equality of the population means? a. F = 2.49, with numerator degrees of freedom = 29 and denominator degrees of freedom = 19 b. F = 1.58, with numerator degrees of freedom = 19 and denominator degrees of freedom = 29 c. F = 0.40, with degrees of freedom = 19 d. t = 18.75, with degrees of freedom = 19

Complete question:

Given the sample information below, what test statistic should be used to determine whether the standard deviations are equal for two populations, prior to performing a hypothesis test for the equality of the population means?

Sample 1: n=30; x'=45; s=3;

Sample 2: n=20; x'=32; s=1.9

a. F = 2.49, with numerator degrees of freedom = 29 and denominator degrees of freedom = 19

b. F = 1.58, with numerator degrees of freedom = 19 and denominator degrees of freedom = 29

c. F = 0.40, with degrees of freedom = 19

d. t = 18.75, with degrees of freedom = 19

a) F = 2.49, with numerator degrees of freedom = 29 and denominator degrees of freedom = 19

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the test statistics, use the formula below:

Where

s1 = 3

s2 = 1.9

n1 = 30

n2 = 20

Substitute figures:

Correct option is option a.

F = 2.49, with numerator degrees of freedom = 29 and denominator degrees of freedom = 19