Understanding Errors in Measurements: Systematic and Random Errors, Slides of Engineering Mathematics

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Error

Error

 Error is the difference between a measured or calculated (reported) value and the true value.

 Engineers recognize that errors are present in their professional lives and must be able to:

1. Identify types of errors
2. Numerically express the magnitude of errors
3. Recognize the confidence that may be placed in a printed number

Systematic Errors

 Systematic Errors - errors that can be attributed to some regular outside occurrence.

 Engineers must be aware of the presence of systematic errors and eliminate those possible and try to quantify and correct for those remaining.

Systematic Errors

 The error associated with systematic errors can be corrected if the source and magnitude are known.

 Repeating measurements will not eliminate or reduce systematic errors.

Random Errors

 It is impossible to predict the magnitude and sign of the accidental error present in any one measurement.

 Repeating measurements and averaging the results will reduce the random error in the average.

What type of error is it?

The produce scale at the grocery store has water on it. (The water runs off the produce) The timekeeper sneezes at the moment the runners cross the finish line. Gasoline sloshed from your tank prior to the pump shutting off (mpg calculation). Measuring with a 100 ft tape that is actually 99.01 ft. Press the wrong key(s) on a calculator during a long calculation.

An example:

Calculate the true error, fractional error and

percent error for: Reported Value Distance feet

Correct Value Distance feet 109 100 1050 1000 45 50