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-   -   Explain why. (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=176982)

  • Jan 26, 2008, 03:12 PM
    thegirl
    Explain why.
    Explain why highly precise measurment does not always mean a highly accurate one. :confused:
  • Jan 26, 2008, 04:46 PM
    Capuchin
    let's say we measure the constant g, the acceleration due to gravity. Let's say that the exact value of this constant is 9.8123456789 m/s/s.

    If we measure a value of 9.6738273m/s/s, this is a very precise measurement, however it is not very accurate.

    If we measure a value of 9.8 m/s/s, this is not very precise, but is accurate.

    A measured value of 9.81234568 m/s/s would be both highly precise and accurate.

    A value of 9.5 would be neither precise or accurate.

    Accuracy is to do with how close results are to the true value, and precision is to do with how repeatable your result is. If you reliably get a result which is not near the true value, but your resulats are all close to each other, then you have a high precision and low accuracy.

    I hope these examples have helped to clear this up, and I hope you will now be able to answer your question in your own words.
  • Jan 27, 2008, 07:37 PM
    PolluxCastor
    The answer Capuchin gave is correct, study it carefully.

    Another example, target shooting. If all your hits fall in a 2 inch circle, 3 feet to the side of the bulls eye, your pattern is precise but inaccurate.

    I'll leave it at that, any more and I just be repeating what has been well stated already.

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