The "equals" sign (=) is included in which hypothesis?

The "equals" sign (=) is included in which hypothesis? Options: (a) Null (b) Alternative (c) It can appear in both the null and the (d) alternative hypothesis ✅ Correct Option: (a) Null Explanation (200+ words): In hypothesis testing, the null hypothesis (H₀) always contains the equals sign (=). This is because the null hypothesis represents a statement of no difference, no effect, or equality. The alternative hypothesis (H₁) represents a deviation from this equality and therefore does not include the equals sign. For example: H₀: μ = 50 H₁: μ ≠ 50 This structure is essential for determining rejection regions and calculating p-values. Hence, the equals sign is a defining feature of the null hypothesis. 10 PPSC-Related Facts: 1. Null hypothesis includes = 2. Alternative excludes = 3. H₀ states equality 4. H₁ states difference 5. Basis of hypothesis testing 6. Helps define test type 7. Used in decision rules 8. Exam-tested concept 9. Applies to all tests 10. Fundamental statistics rule