Percent error

key notes :

Percent error equation:

percent error = greatest possible error/ measurement

Learn with an example

🎯 What is the percent error for a measurement of 25 milligrams?

🎯 Write your answer using a percent sign (%). For example, 0.5%, 12.7%, or 56%.

  • First find the greatest possible error. The measurement of 25 milligrams was
    made to the nearest whole milligram. The greatest possible error is half of 1
    milligram, which is 0.5 milligrams.
    Now find the percent error.
    percent error = greatest possible error/ measurement
  • 0.5/25 = 0.02
    Write the number as a percent.
    0.02 → 2%
  • The percent error is 2%.

🎯 What is the percent error for a measurement of 5 litres?

🎯 Write your answer using a percent sign (%). For example, 0.5%, 12.7%, or 56%.

  • First find the greatest possible error. The measurement of 5 litres was made to
    the nearest whole litre. The greatest possible error is half of 1 litre, which is
    0.5 litres.
    Now find the percent error.
    percent error = greatest possible error/measurement
  • 0.5/5 = 0.1
    Write the number as a percent.
    0.1 → 10%
  • The percent error is 10%.

🎯 What is the percent error for a measurement of 25 millimetres?

🎯 Write your answer using a percent sign (%). For example, 0.5%, 12.7%, or 56%.

  • First find the greatest possible error. The measurement of 25 millimetres was
    made to the nearest whole millimetre. The greatest possible error is half of 1
    millimetre, which is 0.5 millimetres.
    Now find the percent error.
    percent error = greatest possible error/measurement
  • 0.5/25 = 0.02
    Write the number as a percent.
    0.02 → 2%
  • The percent error is 25%

Let’s practice!🖊️