Chapter 6.4, Problem 4GP

To determine

To find: Percent error.

Answer to Problem 4GP

Percent error is $-20\%$

Explanation of Solution

Given information:

Estimated distance $=60$ miles

Actual distance $=75$ miles.

Percent error $=\frac{A}{O}\times 100$

Where

  $A=$ Absolute value.

  $O=$ Actual value.

From given information

Estimated distance $=60$ miles

Actual distance $=75$ miles.

Absolute value = Estimated value $-$ Actual value.

  $\begin{array}{l}\Rightarrow A=60-75\\ \Rightarrow A=-15\end{array}$

Therefore,

Percent error $=\frac{-15}{75}\times 100$

  $\Rightarrow$ Percent error $=\frac{-1500}{75}$

  $\Rightarrow$ Percent error $=-20$

So, Percent error is $-20\%$ .