What is the Coefficient of Variation for this Calculation?

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To find the coefficient of variation (CV) for the calculation 18.97(+/-0.04) + 0.0025(+/-0.0001) + 2.29(+/-0.08), the overall standard deviation must be determined first. The user has calculated the overall standard deviation but is unsure how to proceed with finding the CV. They mention that dividing the overall standard deviation by the total sum seems to yield close results but lacks confirmation from their textbook. The discussion emphasizes the need for clarification on the correct method to calculate the CV in this context. Understanding the relationship between standard deviation and the total sum is crucial for accurately determining the coefficient of variation.
Darsh
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Homework Statement



I'm stuck trying to find the coefficient of variation of this calculation: 18.97(+/-0.04) + 0.0025(+/-0.0001) + 2.29(+/- 0.08)= 21.2625. The numbers in parenthesis are the standard deviations for each value.



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The Attempt at a Solution



I found the overall standard deviation for the equation but now I don't know what to do to go farther. I worked some example problems with the answers in the back of the book and I got close to the correct answer on all three of them by dividing the overall standard deviation by the sum of the problem. However, I don't think this is correct and my book has no examples of finding the CV of a problem like this. Any help would be appreciated!
 
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Think of it this way: if every individual "measurement" were at its largest exteme, we would have 18.97+0.04 + 0.0025+ 0.0001 + 2.29+ 0.08= 21.2625+ (0.04+ 0.0001+ 0.08)= 21.2625+ 0.1201. If each were at it smallest extreme we would have 18.97- 0.04+ 0.0025- 0.001+ 2.29- 0.08= 221.2625- 0.1201.

18.97\pm 0.04+ 0.0025\pm 0.0001+ 2.29\pm 0.08= 21.2525\pm 0.1201.
 

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