# calculating total error

by Acuben
Tags: error
 P: 61 1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data First of all, I do not know if I am asking a complex question or easy question... since I haven't covered this in detail, but my physics teacher requires the class to use it in the lab 1. When you have one value value how do you calculate for total error? Here I find the R, the Resistance of Manganin wire with has $$\rho$$=44x10^-8 (neglecting error) l=30.30 $$\pm$$ 0.05 inches r= 0.02185 $$\pm$$ 0.00005 cm R=$$\rho$$l/A A= $$\pi$$$$r^{2}$$ 2. Must this final error be in percentage? 2. Relevant equations R=$$\rho$$l/A A= area so pi times radius squared so... R=$$\frac{\rho l}{\pi r^{2}}$$ $$\Delta$$f = $$\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}$$*$$\Delta$$t + $$\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}$$*$$\Delta$$y I never used this formula and I have no idea how to use it O.o partial x and delta x? 3. The attempt at a solution since for $$\pm$$ errors are multiplied, squared, divided, etc... I can try changing to percent error so.. since R=$$\frac{\rho l}{\pi r^{2}}$$ and let's say I converted to % error a= percent error of l b= percent error of r would total % error be a-2b ? or must I get partial derivatives involved? O_o treat me like I don't know anything xD edit1: give me time to edit my post, the symbols are not coming out as I wanted to it to be edit2: done editing!
 P: 649 Find the % error in each of your measurements. Rule 1 If the quantities are multiplied or divided (as is the case in your equation) add the percentage errors to get the total % error in the answer. Rule 2 If a number is squared take 2 times the % error. (This is the case with the radius) From the total % error, convert this back to an actual error in the final result.

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