Chapter 2.10, Problem 4STP

For Exercises $1-5,$ choose the correct letter.

You estimate the height of the flagpole to be $16\text{ft}$ tall. The actual height of the flagpole is $18\text{ft}$.

Which equation can be used to determine your percent error in the estimated height?

F. $\frac{16-18}{18}$

G. $\frac{16-18}{18}$

H. $\frac{16-18}{16}$

I. $\frac{16-18}{16}$

To determine

To find : the equation that can be used to determine percent error.

F. $\frac{16-18}{18}$   G. $\frac{\left|16-18\right|}{18}$   H. $\frac{\left|16-18\right|}{16}$   I. $\frac{16-18}{16}$

Answer to Problem 4STP

G. $\frac{\left|16-18\right|}{18}$

Explanation of Solution

Given information: It is estimated that the height of the flag pole is 16 ft tall. The actual height of the flagpole is 18 ft.

Calculation:

The actual height of the flagpole is 18 ft.

Estimated height of the flagpole is 16 ft.

We know that

  $\%error=\frac{\left|estimatedvalue-actualvalue\right|}{actualvalue}\times 100$

Therefore, $\frac{\left|16-18\right|}{18}$ is used to determine the percent error.