Calculator Vs computer precision

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Calculators and computers differ in precision, as shown by their values for π, with calculators providing 3.141592654 and computers offering 3.14159265359. The percentage error between these values is approximately 4.1 x 10^-10, which is negligible for most real-life calculations. However, in advanced applications like GPS, higher precision is essential, as even small discrepancies can lead to significant errors. Computers can execute more sophisticated calculation software, allowing for extensive precision, such as programs that compute millions of digits of π. Ultimately, while calculators suffice for everyday use, computers are better suited for complex calculations requiring greater accuracy.
mc2_phy
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Calculator Vs computer...precision

Im doing a simple research to find out which device is better for calculations

Valueof π
On scientific calculator = 3.141592654
on computer calculator = 3.14159265359


How do I find percent error?

And would this difference have any impact on calculations performed in rel life? An example would be nice thanks
 
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Welcome to PF, mc2_phy! :smile:

How about WolframAlpha: http://m.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=pi&x=0&y=0
Not that you can click on More digits if you are not satisfied with the precision.

The percentage error is the error divided by the number.
On your scientific calculator that is ##{3.141592654 - 3.14159265359 \over 3.14159265359} = 4.1 \times 10^{-10}##.

For real life calculations, the difference won't matter.
For more exotic calculations, such as in advanced physics, it does matter.
An example is GPS. For the calculations involved you need more precision than either your scientific or computer calculator gives.
 


What do you mean by "computer calculator" ? Computers have much more power than any calculators so in principle you can write better calculation software even on the worst computers today.
Also there are pi calculating programs out there like y-cruncher with which you can compute million digits of pi for seconds( I think its limited to trillion digits) on the cheapest PC you can buy today.
In real life scenario so many digits would be absolutely useless.
 
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