Chapter 14, Problem 8E

a)

To determine

To explain about the travel agent’s suggestion.

Explanation of Solution

Given:

A travel agent suggests that since the law of averages makes it highly unlikely to have two plane crashes within a few weeks of each other, flying soon after a crash is the safest time.

This is not correct. Because there is possibility that two plane crashes within one week and it has even happened in the past that two plane crashes happen within a few weeks of each other.

b)

To determine

To explain whether the airlines due to have a crash.

Explanation of Solution

Given:

If the airline industry proudly announces that it has set a new record for the longest period of safe flights

This is not correct. I would not be reluctant to fly, because the long period of safe flights could indicate that these planes have a very good maintenance and more importantly a long safe period does not indicate that a plane crash will happen soon.