Question

If x = 9.6, y= 3.60 and z = 5, Find the percentage error in the calculation of ^(x+y)/_z, giving your answer to three significant figures.

Answer 1

maximum value = ^{(9.65 + 3.605)}/_4.5 = 2.9456
minimum value = ^{(9.55 + 3.595)}/_5.5   = 2.39
actual value = ^{(9.6 + 3.60)}/₅ = 2.64
absolute error = ^{(2.9456 - 2.39)}/₂ = 0.2778                                  
percentage error = ^0.2778/_2.64 x 100% = 10.5%