1.7

Limits of accuracy

9 flashcards to master Limits of accuracy

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Definition Flip

Answer Flip

Key Concept Flip

A length is measured as 8.3 cm to the nearest 0.1 cm. State the error interval for this measurement.

Answer Flip

The error interval is the range of possible values for the actual length. In this case, the error interval is 8.25 cm ≤ length < 8.35 cm.

Key Concept Flip

The weight of a bag of sugar is given as 500g, correct to the nearest 10g. Calculate the maximum possible weight of 6 bags of sugar.

Answer Flip

First, find the upper bound of a single bag: 505g. Then, multiply by 6: 505g * 6 = 3030g. Therefore, the maximum possible weight is 3030g.

Key Concept Flip

A rectangle has a length of 12 cm and a width of 5 cm, both measured to the nearest cm. Calculate the minimum possible area of the rectangle.

Answer Flip

To find the minimum area, use the lower bounds of both measurements. Lower bound of length = 11.5 cm, Lower bound of width = 4.5 cm. Minimum area = 11.5 cm * 4.5 cm = 51.75 cm².

Definition Flip

Explain the difference between a 'continuous' and a 'discrete' variable in the context of limits of accuracy.

Answer Flip

A continuous variable can take any value within a range (

Example: height). A discrete variable can only take specific, separate values (. number of students). This distinction affects how we determine the bounds.
Key Concept Flip

Answer Flip

Key Concept Flip

The height of a tower is 50m, correct to the nearest meter. A student calculates the volume of a cylinder with this height. What is the implication for the accuracy of the volume calculation?

Answer Flip

The volume calculation will also have a limit of accuracy. The calculated volume will be between a lower and upper bound depending on whether the lower or upper bound of the height measurement is used.

Key Concept Flip

- Topic: 1.7 Limits of accuracy - Question: A student measures the side of a square as 6 cm. What further information is needed to determine the limits of accuracy of the area?

Answer Flip

You need to know the degree of accuracy to which the side length was measured (e.g., to the nearest cm, to the nearest mm). This determines the upper and lower bounds for the side length, and subsequently the area.

Example: If the side is 6 cm to the nearest cm, the side could be between 5.5 cm and 6.5 cm.
Key Concept Flip

Topic: 1.7 Limits of Accuracy. Question: A machine produces bolts with a stated length of 5cm, correct to the nearest millimetre. What are the upper and lower bounds for the actual length of a bolt produced by this machine? Why is understanding these limits important?

Answer Flip

The upper bound is 5.05cm and the lower bound is 4.95cm. These limits are critical because if bolts are consistently too long or too short, they could cause assembly problems, weaken structures, or lead to malfunctions.

Example: if bolts consistently exceeded 5.05cm in a bridge construction, they might not fit properly and compromise the integrity of the structure.

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1.6 Approximation and estimation 1.8 Surds

Key Questions: Limits of accuracy

Explain the difference between a 'continuous' and a 'discrete' variable in the context of limits of accuracy.

A continuous variable can take any value within a range (

Example: height). A discrete variable can only take specific, separate values (. number of students). This distinction affects how we determine the bounds.

About Limits of accuracy (1.7)

These 9 flashcards cover everything you need to know about Limits of accuracy for your Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) exam. Each card is designed based on the official syllabus requirements.

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