Step 1 :The problem is asking for the probability that a randomly selected pregnancy lasts less than 260 days. This is a problem of normal distribution. We know that the mean (μ) is 266 days and the standard deviation (σ) is 16 days.
Step 2 :We can use the Z-score formula to find the Z-score for 260 days, which is \((X - μ) / σ\).
Step 3 :Substituting the given values into the formula, we get \(Z = (260 - 266) / 16 = -0.375\).
Step 4 :We can then use the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the standard normal distribution to find the probability that a randomly selected pregnancy lasts less than 260 days.
Step 5 :The probability is approximately 0.3538.
Step 6 :Final Answer: The probability that a randomly selected pregnancy lasts less than 260 days is approximately \(\boxed{0.3538}\).