The following information is obtained from two independent samples selected from two normally distributed populations.
n1 = 18 x1 = 7.82 σ1 = 2.35
n2 =15 x2 =5.99 σ2 =3.17
a. what is the point estimate of μ1 − μ2? round to two decimal places.
b. construct a 99% confidence interval for μ1 − μ2. find the margin of error for this estimate.
round to two decimal places.

A. The point estimate of μ1 − μ2 is calculated using the value of x1 - x2, therefore:

μ1 − μ2 = x1 – x2 = 7.82 – 5.99

μ1 − μ2 = 1.83

B. The formula for confidence interval is given as:

Confidence interval = (x1 –x2) ± z σ

where z is a value taken from the standard distribution tables at 99% confidence interval, z = 2.58

and σ is calculated using the formula:

σ = sqrt [(σ1^2 / n1) + (σ2^2 / n2)]

σ = sqrt [(2.35^2 / 18) + (3.17^2 / 15)]

σ = 0.988297

Going back to the confidence interval:

Confidence interval = 1.83 ± (2.58) (0.988297)

Confidence interval = 1.83 ± 2.55

Confidence interval = -0.72, 4.38