Answer :
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