Statisticsdrill

Level 2: Probability Problem 30 of 87

Standard deviation of a sum

A statistics problem from Statisticsdrill. Solve it with one answer box, with a fresh sample on every attempt and the worked steps and spreadsheet function in the answer, and it is checked the moment you submit.

The task

A job has 2 stages done one after another. Their durations are independent, with standard deviations of 2 and 12 days. What is the standard deviation of the total time? Round to 2 decimal places.

What this problem teaches

The formula: Var(X + Y) = Var(X) + Var(Y) for independent X and Y.

A hint if you get stuck

For independent quantities the variances add, not the standard deviations. Square each SD, add them, then take the square root.

Try it now, free, no account needed

The first 15 tasks on Statisticsdrill are free. Open it on the practice page, solve it, and get instant feedback with a hint. A free account adds the worked solution; Pro unlocks every task, timed mode and the certificate.

Open this problem

More problems in Probability