Question

In preparing a certain ointment, a pharmacist used 28.35 g of zinc oxide instead of the 31.1 g called for. Calculate the percentage of error on the basis of the desired quantity.

Answer 1

Answer: 9.70%

Explanation:

The formula to find the percentage error is given by :-

`\%\text{ error}=\frac{|\text{Estimate-Actual}|}{\text{Actual}}*100`

Given : Actual mass of zinc oxide used by pharmacist = 28.35 g

Estimated mass of zinc oxide used by pharmacist =31.1 g

Now,
`\%\text{ error}=(|31.1-28.35|)/(28.35)*100`

i.e.
`\%\text{ error}=(2.75)/(28.35)*100`

i.e.
`\%\text{ error}=9.70017636684\approx9.70\%`

Hence, the percentage of error on the basis of the desired quantity.= 9.70%