As the intensity of wildfires has increased over the last several decades, prescribed burning is being explored to bring forests back to a state where they are less prone to destructive wildfires. Therefore, researchers are interested in learning whether more frequent, low-intensity prescribed fires impact respiratory illnesses more than less frequent higher, intensity wildfires. Levels of smoke exposure can be determined using the Air Quality Index (AQI), which measures the amount of particulate matter in the air and its impact on health outcomes. An AQI greater than 150 is generally considered unhealthy, and an AQI between 101-150 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.

AQI data for a set of two sample scenarios have been provided below. The population variances are unknown, and the two scenarios are independent. Using a significance level of 0.05, test the claim that the population variances are equal.

1. a. Conclude the variances are equal because we fail to reject the null hypothesis since F = 0.02 is less than the critical value of 3.97.
2. b. Conclude the variances are equal because we fail to reject the null hypothesis since F = 0.02 is less than the critical value of 1.96.
3. c. Conclude the variances are not equal because we reject the null hypothesis since F = 42.55 is greater than the critical value of 1.96.
4. d. Conclude the variances are not equal because we reject the null hypothesis since F = 46.91 is greater than the critical value of 3.97.
5. e. There is not enough