Final answer:
The idea that an equation predicting RMR within 10 percent is not acceptable is false; a 10 percent margin is often sufficient for practical use in scientific contexts, considering individual variability and potential statistical errors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that it is not considered acceptable for an equation to predict Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) within 10 percent of the exact answer is False. Equations used in scientific work, including those for predicting RMR, often strive for high accuracy, but given variables in human physiology and diet, a prediction within a 10 percent margin is usually considered acceptable for practical purposes. For instance, when considering individual dietary variation, an exact calculation of energy output as 96.85 W based on a 2,000 kcal diet might not be as meaningful given that daily caloric intake can vary significantly, thus making a rounded figure like 100 W a sufficient approximation.
Accuracy in scientific measurements often depends on the ability of an equation to predict values within the domain of observed data. If the value to be predicted lies outside the observed range, as with predicting a final exam score for an x value not within the data's domain, the result may not be reliable. Furthermore, scientific studies, such as those estimating body fat percentage in populations, must consider variability and the potential for statistical errors like Type I and II errors, which can influence the accuracy of conclusions.
Therefore, while exactness is valued in scientific computations, a degree of approximation is often necessary and acceptable depending on the context and the precision required for the estimate or prediction being made.