A local company makes snack-size bags of potato chips. The company produces batches of 400 snack-size bags using a process designed to fill each bag with an average of 2 ounces of potato chips. However, due to imperfect technology, the actual amount placed in a given bag varies. Assume the population of filling weights is normally distributed with a standard deviation of 0.1 ounce. The company periodically weighs samples of 10 bags to ensure the proper filling process. The last five sample means, in ounces, were 1.99, 2.02, 2.07, 1.96, and 2.01. Is the production process under control?
A) No, because the sample means show a downward trend.
B) Yes, because the sample means show a downward trend.
C) No, because the sample means fall within the upper and lower control limits.
D) Yes, because the sample means fall within the upper and lower control limits.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sample means are close to the target mean of 2 ounces and do not show any consistent or extreme deviation from it, indicating that the production process is under control. Control limits typically account for natural variations in the process, and these sample means falling within such limits suggest the process is operating as expected.

A Local Company Makes Snack-Size Bags of Potato Chips