Error and Percent Error 2

Explain why it's important to calculate error when taking measurements. What does error tell us about our measurements?

What is the equation for error?

​ (a)   =​ (b)   − ​ (c)  

• Error
• Measured Value
• Actual Value
• Mistake
• Approximation
• Deviation

Assuming that the trials are listed as first, second and third from top to bottom, what is the error of the first trial?

Assuming that the trials are listed as first, second and third from top to bottom, what is the error of the second trial?

Assuming that the trials are listed as first, second and third from top to bottom, what is the error of the third trial?

Think about why an error of 18.5 mL might be considered a small error in one circumstance but a large error in another circumstance.

A) Provide an example of when it might be considered a SMALL error.

B) Provide an example of when it might be considered a LARGE error.

A common error is to divide the ​absolute error by the ​ (a)   . The equation is really: ∣ (b)   ∣ ÷ ​ (c)  

• measured value
• error
• actual value
• measured error
• approximation

Why is percent error often more useful than just error alone? Provide an example to illustrate your point.

Which of the following are considered appropriate ways to write the equation for percent error?

A student experimentally determine the density copper to be 8.91 g/cm³. What is the percent error to the hundredths place?