What is the Coefficient of Variation for this Calculation?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the Coefficient of Variation (CV) for the expression 18.97(+/-0.04) + 0.0025(+/-0.0001) + 2.29(+/-0.08), resulting in a total of 21.2625. The user successfully determined the overall standard deviation but struggled with the next steps to compute the CV. The correct method involves dividing the overall standard deviation by the total sum of the measurements, which is essential for accurately determining the CV in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of standard deviation and its calculation
  • Familiarity with the concept of Coefficient of Variation (CV)
  • Basic knowledge of arithmetic operations involving measurements with uncertainties
  • Ability to interpret and manipulate scientific notation
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to calculate the Coefficient of Variation in complex expressions
  • Study the propagation of uncertainty in measurements
  • Explore examples of CV calculations in scientific literature
  • Review statistical methods for combining measurements with uncertainties
USEFUL FOR

Students in statistics or physics, researchers dealing with measurement uncertainties, and anyone interested in understanding the Coefficient of Variation in practical applications.

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.



Homework Equations





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.

[itex]18.97\pm 0.04+ 0.0025\pm 0.0001+ 2.29\pm 0.08= 21.2525\pm 0.1201[/itex].
 

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