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?

Answer 1

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

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

Where the absolute error is the difference between the estimated value and the actual value.

1. Determine the absolute error:

   • Estimated amount: 3 milliliters
   • Actual amount: 7 milliliters
   • Absolute error = |Estimated - Actual| = |3 - 7| = 4 milliliters

2. Calculate the percent error:

   • Percent Error = \(\left( \frac{4 \text{ ml}}{7 \text{ ml}} \right) \times 100\)

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

Therefore, the percent error of the scientist's estimation is approximately 57.14%.