Error Calculation in Large Set of Data

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the error associated with the product of average measurements (x) and their differences (Dx) for various values of another variable (y). The context includes measurement error propagation and the plotting of results with error bars.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a measurement process involving values of x for different y values, each with associated errors.
  • The participant notes that the error in the difference Dx is twice the error of x.
  • The participant seeks guidance on how to calculate the error in the product x.Dx for plotting purposes.
  • Another participant questions the necessity of calculating errors for plotting the average x.Dx, suggesting a possible misunderstanding.
  • A subsequent reply clarifies that the errors are intended for error bars on the plot of average values.
  • A request is made for an example of the data and the method used to construct x.Dx to better understand the situation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains some confusion regarding the need for error calculations in the context of plotting, with differing interpretations of the original question. No consensus has been reached on the best approach to calculate the error for x.Dx.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided specific details on the assumptions or definitions used in their calculations, and the discussion lacks concrete examples of data or methods employed.

Master J
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I perform a set of measurements x. This is performed for different values of y, ie. each value of y has a set of x values. Each measurement has an error associated with it.

There is also the value Dx, which is the difference in 2 x values. This has an error of twice the error of x.

I then need to plot the average value of x.Dx for each y value, against that y value.

My question is, how do I work out the error in this x.Dx that is to be plotted??
 
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Why do you need errors to plot the average xDx? Did you mean "plot the error of xDx"?
 
Sorry, perhaps its confusing. I am plotting that average, but the errors would be for the error bars!
 
Can you post part of your data (or an example that looks like your data), and how you are constructing x.Dx?
 

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