Calculating Percent Error and Change
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Objective
I can calculate percent error or percent change to describe the accuracy of estimates or measurements.
Part 1 of 4
Warm-up video
OkCalculator.com · 2:42
We don't generate video — this one is by OkCalculator.com on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.
Part 2 of 4
Key concepts
3 concepts
- 1
Percent error is used to show how close you are to being right when your values don't meet the mark in an experiment.
- 2
To calculate percent error, first subtract the measured value from the exact known value, then divide by the exact known value.
- 3
After dividing, the final step to find percent error is to multiply by 100.
Part 3 of 4
Practice
4 questions
What is the first step in calculating percent error?
A student measures the boiling point of water to be 98°C. The actual boiling point of water is 100°C. What is the percent error in the student's measurement?
Part 4 of 4
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“A student measures the temperature of boiling water and gets 95°C. The actual boiling point at that altitude is 100°C. What is the percent error in the student's measurement? Show your work.”
Sample answer included in the free materials
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Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format
Teacher Guide
Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities
Student Handout
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