Question

Masses of three babies was stated as a=12.7kg, b=9.8 kg and c=3.20kg. find the relative error in the following expressions:

1. a+b-c
2. c÷ab 

Answer 1

1. Absolute error = 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.005 = 0.105
   Working (a+b-c)= 12.7+9.8 − 3.2 = 19.3
   Relative error =   ^0.105/_19.3 = 0.005440
                                    
2. Relative error = ^0.05/_12.7 + ^0.05/_9.8  + ^0.005/ _3.2 = 0.01060