What happens if percent error is negative

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Classification and Properties of Matter In chemistry and physics, …. Recommended Videos Problem 2. Problem 3. Problem 4.

Problem 5. Problem 6. Problem 7. Problem 8. Generally, the error is calculated as the measure of the absolute difference to avoid the confusion of a negative error. Percent error is the absolute value of the error divided by the accepted value and multiplied by Sometimes, the Experimental value may be a smaller than the accepted value theoretical value , then the error obtained is negative.

If the experimental value is more than the accepted value, then the obtained error is positive. Often, the error is reported as the absolute value of the difference to avoid the confusion of a negative error. Note: Sometimes the experimental value is called the actual value, and the accepted value is called the theoretical value. Notice that in the above formulas, absolute value bars are used to indicate that the difference between the two values is positive.

Also notice that it doesn't matter which order the two values are in, because the difference is an absolute value. When calculating percent error, what does it mean if I get a negative number for mass? Chemistry Matter What is Matter? Oct 1, Explanation: It means that the experimental mass is greater than the accepted mass.

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