Question

Simon is expecting a new baby sitter. Simon predicts the baby will weigh 6 and one-half pounds at birth. Calculate the percent error of Simon estimate if the baby’s weight at birth is 8 and one-quarter pound

Answer 1

To calculate the percent error of Simon's estimate, we can use the formula for percent error:

\[
\text{Percent Error} = \frac{\left| \text{Estimated Value} - \text{Actual Value} \right|}{\text{Actual Value}} \times 100
\]

In your case:

- Estimated Value = 6.5 pounds
- Actual Value = 8.25 pounds

Now, we will plug these values into the formula:

1. Calculate the absolute error:
\[
|\text{Estimated Value} - \text{Actual Value}| = |6.5 - 8.25| = |-1.75| = 1.75
\]

2. Now, substitute the values into the percent error formula:
\[
\text{Percent Error} = \frac{1.75}{8.25} \times 100
\]

3. Calculate the fraction:
\[
\frac{1.75}{8.25} \approx 0.2121
\]

4. Now convert this to a percentage:
\[
0.2121 \times 100 \approx 21.21\%
\]

Therefore, the percent error of Simon's estimate is approximately **21.21%**.