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Understanding Math Errors

Errors in mathematics refer to the difference between the true value and the calculated value, arising from measurement limitations, rounding, or approximation. The document outlines various types of errors including absolute error, relative error, percentage error, round-off error, approximation error, and truncation error, along with their formulas. An example illustrates how to calculate absolute, relative, and percentage errors based on a given true value and measured value.

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64 views2 pages

Understanding Math Errors

Errors in mathematics refer to the difference between the true value and the calculated value, arising from measurement limitations, rounding, or approximation. The document outlines various types of errors including absolute error, relative error, percentage error, round-off error, approximation error, and truncation error, along with their formulas. An example illustrates how to calculate absolute, relative, and percentage errors based on a given true value and measured value.

Uploaded by

jyotishmitagoswami199
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Errors in Mathematics

In mathematics, an error refers to the difference between the exact (true) value and the
approximate (calculated) value. Errors occur due to limitations in measurement, rounding, or
approximation.

Types of Errors in Mathematics

1. Absolute Error

The absolute difference between the true value and the measured value.​
Formula:

Absolute Error=∣True Value−Measured Value∣\text{Absolute Error} = |\text{True Value} -


\text{Measured Value}|

2. Relative Error

The ratio of the absolute error to the true value, often expressed as a percentage.​
Formula:

Relative Error=Absolute ErrorTrue Value\text{Relative Error} = \frac{\text{Absolute


Error}}{\text{True Value}}

3. Percentage Error

Relative error expressed as a percentage.​


Formula:

Percentage Error=(Absolute ErrorTrue Value)×100%\text{Percentage Error} = \left(


\frac{\text{Absolute Error}}{\text{True Value}} \right) \times 100\%

4. Round-off Error

Errors caused by rounding a number to a certain number of decimal places or significant


figures.

5. Approximation Error

Occurs when an exact value is replaced by an estimate, often seen in numerical methods.

6. Truncation Error

Happens when a mathematical process is cut short, like stopping a decimal expansion or a
series at a certain point.
Example

If the true value of a length is 50 cm, but it is measured as 49.8 cm, then:

●​ Absolute Error = |50 - 49.8| = 0.2 cm


●​ Relative Error = 0.2 / 50 = 0.004
●​ Percentage Error = (0.2 / 50) × 100 = 0.4%

Would you like help with specific error-related problems in math? 😊

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