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A student multiplied a number by 3/8 instead of 8/3 . what is the percentage error in the calculation

User Nick Vasic
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Final answer:

To find the percentage error in the calculation, compare the correct calculation to the incorrect one by using the formula for percentage error.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the percentage error in the calculation, we need to compare the correct calculation to the incorrect one. Let's say the original number is 'x'. The correct calculation would be multiplying 'x' by 8/3, and the incorrect calculation would be multiplying 'x' by 3/8. The percentage error is then given by:

Percentage Error = |(correct calculation - incorrect calculation) / correct calculation| * 100%

Substituting the values, we get:

Percentage Error = |(8/3 * x - 3/8 * x) / (8/3 * x)| * 100%

Simplifying further, we get:

Percentage Error = |65/64| * 100% ≈ 101.56%

User Todd Pierce
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