Chebyshev's theorem (statistics)

[staples82]

Homework Statement

If 100 students take a quiz, use chebyshev's theorem to predict the number of students plus and minus 2 standard deviations from the mean.

Homework Equations

1-1/k^2 where k is standard deviations

The Attempt at a Solution

I think its 75, but I'm not sure...I'm just trying to get this concept down

 

[HallsofIvy]

Homework Statement

If 100 students take a quiz, use chebyshev's theorem to predict the number of students plus and minus 2 standard deviations from the mean.

Homework Equations

1-1/k^2 where k is standard deviations

Don't just memorize formulas, learn what they say! Did you notice that "1- 1/k²" is not even an equation? What is equal to 1- 1/k²?

The Attempt at a Solution

I think its 75, but I'm not sure...I'm just trying to get this concept down

1- 1/2²= 1- 1/4= 3/4. 3/4 of 100= 75. Now, if "the fraction of trials within k standard deviations of the mean" is what 1- 1/k² gives, you are completely correct!

 

[statdad]

Chebyshev's Theorem does indeed state give the percentage data you can expect to find within \pm k standard deviations of the mean, as long as k > 1 (and it is here.
However, remember that technically the answer is a lower bound, so you the proper response not that the percentage is 75\%, but that it is at least 75\%.