Question

A zookeeper predicted that the weight of a newborn lion would be 2.8 pounds.
When the zoo’s lion gave birth, the newborn weighed 3.5 pounds.
What is the zookeeper’s percent error? Round to the nearest percent.

%

Answer 1

To calculate the percent error, you can use the following formula:

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

In this case:

- Actual Value = 3.5 pounds (the weight of the newborn lion)
- Predicted Value = 2.8 pounds (the zookeeper's prediction)

Now, plug in the values:

\[
\text{Percent Error} = \left( \frac{3.5 - 2.8}{2.8} \right) \times 100\%
\]

Calculating the difference:

\[
3.5 - 2.8 = 0.7
\]

Now, divide by the predicted value:

\[
\frac{0.7}{2.8} = 0.25
\]

Finally, multiply by 100 to get the percent:

\[
0.25 \times 100\% = 25\%
\]

Thus, the zookeeper's percent error is **25%**.