Understand measurement error
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Log in to continueCalculate absolute, relative and percentage error and explain what each measure tells you.
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A reference length is 20 cm and a measured value is 21 cm. Find the absolute error.
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Answer: 1 cm
- Absolute error = |21 − 20|.
- The error is 1 cm.
- 21 − 20 = 1.
- abs(1) = 1.
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Curriculum reference
Victorian Curriculum F–10 Version 2.0
Pi Leo practice scope
Calculate absolute, relative and percentage error and explain what each measure tells you.
Read the official VCAA curriculum description (VC2M9M04)
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Activities to practise beyond the quiz
- Supported by the guided activity; selecting an MCQ does not demonstrate this action.
- VC2M9M04-C01Find the magnitude of the difference from a reference.
- VC2M9M04-C02Scale the absolute error by the size of the reference.
- VC2M9M04-C03Interpret errors and evaluate measurement quality in context.
- VC2M9M04-C04Apply and explain understand measurement error using compare evidence and check a claim.
- VC2M9M04-C05Apply and explain understand measurement error using work backwards from what is known.
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Subskills
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Descriptor-derived subskills
- D01Size of the errorFind the magnitude of the difference from a reference.
- D02Error compared with the referenceScale the absolute error by the size of the reference.
- D03Compare evidence and check a claimApply and explain understand measurement error using compare evidence and check a claim.
- D04Work backwards from what is knownApply and explain understand measurement error using work backwards from what is known.