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| Math Central | Quandaries & Queries |
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Question from Craig, a student: Given that these numbers are only accurate to 2 decimal places, how accurate is the following calculation? 1.73 - 2.16 + 0.08 + 1.00 - 2.23 - 0.97 + 3.02 = 0.47 How do I work out the accuracy? |
Hi Craig,
When you add (or subtract), you keep as many decimal places as there are in the least accurate number so your calculation is accurate to 2 decimal places.
There is a nice explanation on the Dr Math section of the Math Forum site.
Harley
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