Greatest Possible Error

Definition of Greatest Possible Error

• The greatest possible error of a measurement is one half of the unit of measure to which the measure is being rounded.

Examples of Greatest Possible Error

• For example, the measurement 50g has been rounded to the nearest ten grams.

So, the greatest possible error is , because the actual measurement 'm' could vary as .

Solved Example on Greatest Possible Error

Find the greatest possible error while rounding a measurement 700 cm to the nearest hundred cm.

Choices:

A. 700 cm

B. 600 cm

C. 50 cm

D. 350 cm

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Step 1: The original value has been rounded to the nearest hundred cm. So, the greatest possible error is .

Related Terms for Greatest Possible Error

• Measure
• Measurement
• Rounding

Additional Links for Greatest Possible Error

• Click here for samples
• Back to Mathematics Dictionary