Precision

Definition

Precision refers to the degree of exactness or the fineness of measurement. It is a measure of how close a series of measurements are to one another, without regard to how close they are to the true value.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Precision is important in both decimal representations and systems of measurement, as it determines the level of detail and reliability of the values reported.
2. In decimal representations, the number of decimal places indicates the precision of the measurement, with more decimal places representing greater precision.
3. In systems of measurement, the smallest unit of the measurement system determines the precision, with smaller units allowing for more precise measurements.
4. Precise measurements are essential for scientific and engineering applications, where small differences can have significant impacts on outcomes.
5. Improving the precision of measurements often requires using more advanced equipment or techniques, which can increase the cost and complexity of the measurement process.

Review Questions

• Explain how the concept of precision relates to decimal representations.
  • The precision of a decimal representation is determined by the number of decimal places. The more decimal places a number has, the more precise the measurement. For example, a measurement of 5.7 has less precision than a measurement of 5.72, as the latter provides more detailed information about the value. Precision in decimal representations is important because it allows for more accurate calculations and comparisons between different measurements.
• Describe the relationship between the precision of a measurement and the system of measurement used.
  • The precision of a measurement is directly related to the system of measurement and the smallest unit of that system. Measurements made using a system with smaller units, such as the metric system, will generally be more precise than measurements made using a system with larger units, such as the imperial system. For example, a measurement of 5.2 cm is more precise than a measurement of 2 inches, as the centimeter unit is smaller than the inch unit, allowing for a more detailed representation of the value.
• Evaluate the importance of precision in scientific and engineering applications, and discuss the potential trade-offs involved in achieving higher levels of precision.
  • Precision is crucial in scientific and engineering applications, as small differences in measurements can have significant impacts on outcomes and conclusions. Highly precise measurements are essential for tasks such as designing complex machinery, conducting accurate experiments, and making informed decisions. However, achieving greater precision often requires the use of more advanced and expensive equipment, as well as more complex measurement techniques. This can increase the cost and complexity of the measurement process, which may not always be feasible or practical. Therefore, there is often a trade-off between the desired level of precision and the resources available, and researchers and engineers must carefully balance these factors to ensure the most effective and reliable results.

Related terms

Accuracy:

Accuracy is the degree of closeness of a measurement to the true or accepted value.

Significant Figures:

Significant figures are the meaningful digits in a number, including the first non-zero digit, that indicate the precision of a measurement.

Rounding:

Rounding is the process of reducing the number of digits in a measurement to match the appropriate level of precision.