There are rules of thumb also regarding the Alternative Hypothesis formulation.

• The Alternative Hypothesis *never* contains the ‘=’ (equals) sign as part of its relational operator.

In this example: If it is hypothesized that the average springtime temperature in Hawaii is 72 degrees; Then the Alternative Hypothesis is that Ha: µ ≠ 72 degrees, and the corresponding Null Hypothesis is: Ho: µ = 72 degrees.

The relation ‘≠’ (not equals) is understood to mean simultaneously ‘<‘ (less than) and

‘>’ (greater than).

In your consideration, is it easier or harder to reject the null hypothesis when the temperature is “different” than a single number? Why?