Calculating Average Error Uncertainty from a Large Set of Data

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the average error uncertainty from a large set of data points, each associated with its own unique error uncertainty. Participants are exploring methods to derive an average from these uncertainties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand if they can simply apply a specific equation for combining errors and then average them. Some participants suggest considering the standard deviation as a potential method for calculating average error. Others clarify that the average error could be computed by summing the errors and dividing by the number of values.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active with various interpretations being explored. Participants are questioning the original poster's understanding of averaging errors and providing different perspectives on how to approach the calculation. No explicit consensus has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of different error uncertainties for each data point, which may complicate the averaging process. The original poster's question implies a need for clarity on how to handle these varying uncertainties.

hhhmortal
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Homework Statement



Hi, I have this question that is bothering me. If I have a large set of data, each with its unique error uncertainty. How do I get the average error uncertainty from all the data points? Do I simply use the equation below:

(∆ Z) ² = (∆A)² + (∆B)²

And divide the error obtained from this by the total number of errors combined?

Thanks.
 
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As in you want to find the standard deviation for a sample?


[tex]s^2=\frac{\sum_{i=0} ^N (x_i -\bar{x})^2}{N-1}[/tex]
 
rock.freak667 said:
As in you want to find the standard deviation for a sample?


[tex]s^2=\frac{\sum_{i=0} ^N (x_i -\bar{x})^2}{N-1}[/tex]


I want to find the average error of the sample, given that every value has its own different error uncertainty.
 
The average error is just the average of the errors.
Add all the errors together ignoring the minus signs, and divide by the number of values.
Is that what you mean?
http://www.rit.edu/cos/uphysics/uncertainties/Uncertaintiespart1.html#estimate
 
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