The Report of the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle

question 13

Essay

The Report of the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident in
1986 shows a plot of the calculated joint temperature in Fahrenheit and the number of O-
rings that had some thermal distress.You collect the data for the seven flights for which
thermal distress was identified before the fatal flight and produce the accompanying plot. (a)Do you see any relationship between the temperature and the number of O-ring failures?
If you fitted a linear regression line through these seven observations, do you think the
slope would be positive or negative? Significantly different from zero? Do you see any
problems other than the sample size in your procedure?

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Definitions:

Retaining Walls

Structures designed to restrain soil to unnatural slopes, preventing erosion and providing support.

Terraced Gardens

A series of graduated terraces providing flat areas for agriculture or aesthetic purposes on steep landscapes.

Doctrine of Part Performance

This doctrine refers to a legal principle that allows for the enforcement of an oral contract related to real property, provided there has been substantial performance by one party based on the agreement.

Hunting Cabin

A small, often rustic dwelling used as a base by hunters during hunting season.