Error estimation using differentials

In summary, the largest possible error in the component force is approximately 4.28N, calculated by differentiating incorrectly and plugging in values for the given errors and angle. The correct differentiation is obtained as $$\frac{dF_x}{F_x} = \frac{dF}{F} + \frac{d\theta}{\cos\theta}(-\sin\theta).$$
  • #1
bawbag
13
1

Homework Statement



A force of 500N is measured with a possible error of 1N. Its component in a direction 60° away from its line of action is required, where the angle is subject to an error of 0.5°. What (approximately) is the largest possible error in the component?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



The component force is [tex] F_x = F cos \theta [/tex]

so [tex] lnF_x~=~lnF~+~lncos\theta[/tex]

applying differentials: [tex]\frac{dF_x}{F_x} = \frac{dF}{F} + \frac{d~cos\theta}{cos\theta} (-sin\theta) [/tex][tex] =\frac{dF}{F} + \frac{sin^{2} \theta}{cos\theta}d\theta[/tex]

plugging in values [tex] \frac{dF_x}{F_x} = \frac{1}{500} + \frac{3}{4} \frac{2}{1} \frac{1}{2} \frac{\pi}{180} = 0.002 + 0.013 = 0.015[/tex]
so the error is [itex] (0.015)(500)cos(60) = 3.75N[/itex]

The solution says 4.28N, however, which I confirmed by checking each error combination. Where am I going wrong here?

Thanks in advance.
 
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  • #2
You differentiated incorrectly. You should have
$$\frac{dF_x}{F_x} = \frac{dF}{F} + \frac{d\theta}{\cos\theta}(-\sin\theta).$$
 
  • #3
vela said:
You differentiated incorrectly. You should have
$$\frac{dF_x}{F_x} = \frac{dF}{F} + \frac{d\theta}{\cos\theta}(-\sin\theta).$$


Gotcha, I figured it would be something simple like that! Thanks a lot!
 

Related to Error estimation using differentials

1. What is error estimation using differentials?

Error estimation using differentials is a mathematical method used to approximate the error or uncertainty in a calculated value. It involves using differentials, which are infinitesimal changes in a function, to determine the maximum possible error in a given calculation.

2. How is error estimation using differentials different from other methods?

Unlike other methods of error estimation, such as propagation of errors or Monte Carlo simulation, error estimation using differentials provides a maximum possible error value rather than a range of potential errors. This makes it a more conservative estimate of error.

3. What is the formula for error estimation using differentials?

The formula for error estimation using differentials is: Δf ≈ |f'(x)|Δx, where Δf is the error in the calculated value f(x), f'(x) is the derivative of the function at the point x, and Δx is the error in the input value x.

4. Can error estimation using differentials be used for any type of calculation?

Error estimation using differentials can be used for any calculation that involves a function and its derivative. This includes both single variable and multivariable functions.

5. How accurate is error estimation using differentials?

The accuracy of error estimation using differentials depends on the accuracy of the input values and the smoothness of the function being used. Generally, it provides a conservative estimate of error and can be improved upon by using more advanced methods of error estimation.

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