QQuestionAccounting
QuestionAccounting
When you calculate percent error and get the value, do you account for significant figures, or do you always do it to one decimal place?
12 months agoReport content
Answer
Full Solution Locked
Sign in to view the complete step-by-step solution and unlock all study resources.
Step 1:When calculating percent error, the number of significant figures should be consistent with the precision of the measured and accepted values.
Here's a detailed approach:
Step 2:: Determine Significant Figures
- Count the significant figures in both the experimental (measured) and accepted values - The percent error should be reported to the same number of significant figures as the least precise measurement
Step 3:: Percent Error Calculation
\text{Percent Error} = \left|\frac{\text{Experimental Value} - \text{Accepted Value}}{\text{Accepted Value}}\right| \times 100\%
The formula for percent error is:
Step 4:: Significant Figure Considerations
- If the measured value is $$5.23$$ and accepted value is $$5.0$$, the result would be reported to two significant figures
- If the measured value is 5.230 and accepted value is 5.0, the result would be reported to three significant figures
Step 5:: Rounding
- Round the final percent error to match the significant figures of the least precise measurement - Do NOT always default to one decimal place
Final Answer
The percent error should be calculated and reported using the significant figures consistent with the input measurements, not arbitrarily to one decimal place.
Need Help with Homework?
Stuck on a difficult problem? We've got you covered:
- Post your question or upload an image
- Get instant step-by-step solutions
- Learn from our AI and community of students