A scientist estimated that a mixture would need 3 milliliters of a chemical to balance. The actual amount needed was 7 milliliters. What was the percent error of the scientist's estimation?

Question

A.
133.33%
B.
3%
C.
42.86%
D.
57.14%

Answer 1

To calculate the percent error of the scientist's estimation, you can use the following formula:

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

In this case, the actual amount needed is 7 milliliters (Actual Value), and the estimated amount is 3 milliliters (Estimated Value).

Plugging in the values:

\[ \text{Percent Error} = \left( \frac{7 - 3}{7} \right) \times 100 = \left( \frac{4}{7} \right) \times 100 \approx 57.14% \]

Thus, the correct answer is:

D. 57.14%