The discussion clarifies the confusion surrounding the calculation of order of magnitude, specifically the thresholds of 3.162 and 5. Both thresholds are valid; 3.162 is based on logarithmic scales while 5 is based on linear scales. The choice of which to use depends on the context, such as classroom exercises where adherence to a professor's guidelines is essential. Ultimately, maintaining consistency in rounding choices is more critical than achieving absolute precision in any single calculation.
PREREQUISITESStudents, educators, and anyone involved in mathematical estimation or scientific calculations will benefit from this discussion.
Either one. 5 is midway between one and ten on a linear scale while 3.162 is midway between one and ten on a logarithmic scale, and you'll get good results either way. If you're doing classroom exercises, do it the way your professor says.Nikhil faraday said:I am confused! . In some books it is written that if the multiplier is less than 3.162 , the order of the magnitude of the number is the power of the ten in scientific notation , while in some books it is written less than 5 . What is right? Help!