error types (systematic vs random)

Question

A scale consistently reads 0.5 cm more than actual length. This is an example of?

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

1. **Systematic Error**: These are errors that tend to be in one direction (either positive or negative) and are reproduced consistently when the measurement is repeated under the same conditions.
2. **Source**: Often arises from faulty calibration of an instrument (zero error), a defect in the measurement technique, or environmental factors.
3. **Analysis**: Since the scale **consistently** overestimates by exactly $0.5$ cm, the error is predictable and non-random.
4. **Prevention**: Such errors can be minimized by calibrating the instrument or applying a correction factor.

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error types (systematic vs random)

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