Question

error and percent error
by tiffany duda
multiple - choice question
percent error can only be calculated if the error is positive. if the error is negative, we forget about this measurement.
true
false

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the formula for percent error

The formula for percent error is \( \text{Percent Error}=\frac{\vert\text{Error}\vert}{\text{Actual Value}}\times 100\% \). The absolute - value operation ensures that the value used in the calculation of percent error is non - negative, regardless of whether the original error is positive or negative.

Step2: Analyze the statement

The statement says "Percent error can only be calculated if the error is positive. If the error is negative, we forget about this measurement." But according to the formula \( \text{Percent Error}=\frac{\vert\text{Error}\vert}{\text{Actual Value}}\times 100\% \), we take the absolute value of the error. So, we do not "forget about" a measurement with a negative error. We use its absolute value in the percent - error formula.

Answer:

B. False