To calculate the required sample size, we can use the formula:
n = \frac{{Z^2 \cdot \sigma^2}}{{E^2}}
Where:
- \(n\) is the required sample size
- \(Z\) is the z-score corresponding to the desired confidence level (in this case, for 95%, \(Z = 1.96\))
- \(\sigma\) is the population standard deviation
- \(E\) is the margin of error
Plugging in the given values:
n = \frac{{1.96^2 \cdot 2.5^2}}{{0.3^2}}
Simplifying the equation:
n = \frac{{3.8416 \cdot 6.25}}{{0.09}}
n = \frac{{24.01}}{{0.09}}
n \approx 266.778
Rounding up to the nearest whole number, the required sample size is:
Answer: The required sample size is 267.