When is percent error negative

Also notice that it doesn't matter which order the two values are in, because the difference is an absolute value. When calculating percent error, what does it mean if I get a negative number for mass? Chemistry Matter What is Matter? Oct 1, Explanation: It means that the experimental mass is greater than the accepted mass.

Related questions Can matter be destroyed? What are the properties of matter? How does matter differ from weight? Example: I thought 70 people would turn up to the concert, but in fact 80 did! Example: The report said the carpark held cars, but we counted only parking spaces. Example: Sam does an experiment to find how long it takes an apple to drop 2 meters. The theoretical value using physics formulas is 0. But Sam measures 0. Example: They forecast 20 mm of rain, but we really got 25 mm.

Example: You measure the plant to be 80 cm high to the nearest cm This means you could be up to 0. Percent error is part of a comprehensive error analysis. The keys to reporting percent error correctly are to know whether or not to drop the sign positive or negative on the calculation and to report the value using the correct number of significant figures.

Featured Video. Cite this Article Format. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph. How to Calculate Percent Error. Using Percents - Calculating Commissions. How to Calculate Experimental Error in Chemistry. Calculating the Concentration of a Chemical Solution.

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