Final answer:
The combined distance may not be the same as the calculated distance due to measurement errors before and after the collision.
Step-by-step explanation:
In terms of % error calculations, the combined distance may not be the same as the calculated distance. This is because % error is a measure of the accuracy of a measurement compared to the accepted value. If there are errors in the measurements taken before or after the collision, it can affect the calculated value of the combined distance.
For example, if there are errors in the measurements taken after the collision, the speed of the combined carts may be underestimated, resulting in a lower calculated distance. Conversely, if there are errors in the measurements taken before the collision, it can affect the initial speed of cart A and consequently the calculated distance.
Therefore, whether the combined distance is the same as the calculated distance depends on the specific measurement errors and their magnitudes before and after the collision.