Chapter 1, Problem 3Q

Why is it incorrect to think that the more digits you include in your answer, the more accurate it is?

To determine

Why is it incorrect to think that the more digits you include in your answer is more accurate it is?

Answer to Problem 3Q

Solution:

The accuracy of the answer is determined by the accuracy of the physical measurement on which the answer is based not on a number of digits in the answer . A number of digits indicate the precision of measurement and not accuracy.

Explanation of Solution

Including more digits in an answer does not imply it is more accurate. The accuracy of an answer is determined by the accuracy of physical measurement on which answer is based . A number of digits indicate the precision of measurement and not accuracy.

Ex: Suppose radius of a sphere measured =18 mn

The surface area of sphere =4π r²

The surface area of sphere =4π18² mm²

The surface area of sphere =4071.504079 mm²

Here surface area of sphere includes more digits; it does not mean that it is more accurate it’s more precise.