Question
The average normal human body temperature falls within the range of 37 $\pm 0.5^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ or $98.6 \pm 0.9^{\circ} \mathrm{F}$. Discuss (a) the difficulties in determining an exact value for normal body temperature and (b) why there is a range of values.
Step 1
The main difficulty lies in the accuracy of the measuring devices, such as thermometers. Different thermometers used in different places or hospitals may have varying levels of accuracy, which can affect the measurement of body temperature. Show more…
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$\cdot$ Normal body temperature for humans is $98.6^{\circ} \mathrm{F} .$ What is the corresponding temperature in (a) degrees Celsius and (b) kelvins?
Most people think that the “normal” adult body temperature is $98.6^{\circ} \mathrm{F}$ . That figure, based on a 19 th-century study, has recently been challenged. In a 1992 article in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers reported that a more accurate figure may be $98.2^{\circ} \mathrm{F}$ . Furthermore, the standard deviation appeared to be around $0.7^{\circ} \mathrm{F}$ . Assume that a Normal model is appropriate. a) In what interval would you expect most people's body temperatures to be? Explain. b) What fraction of people would be expected to have body temperatures above $98.6^{\circ} \mathrm{F}$ ? c) Below what body temperature are the coolest 20$\%$ of all people?
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The Standard Deviation as a Ruler and the Normal Model
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