Mean Absolute Error – Rankers Physics

Error Analysis: Practice Problem & Solution

Weight measured by a spring balance gives following readings: 40 N, 42 N, 44 N, 39 N, 45 N. What is the mean absolute error of the observations?
2 N
0.2 N
3 N
0.3 N

Solution Explained:

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Error Analysis. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

Mean value is \(42\text{ N}\). Absolute errors are \(|40-42|=2\), \(|42-42|=0\), \(|44-42|=2\), \(|39-42|=3\), \(|45-42|=3\). Mean absolute error is \(\frac{2+0+2+3+3}{5} = 2\text{ N}\).

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