Final answer:
The absolute error in the engineer's estimate is 14 pounds, and the percent error is approximately 2.6% after rounding to the nearest tenth.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the absolute error and the percent error of the engineer's estimate of the weight of the steel beam, we first calculate the absolute error by subtracting the actual weight of the beam from the estimated weight:
Absolute Error = |Estimated Weight - Actual Weight| = |550 pounds - 536 pounds| = 14 pounds
Next, to find the percent error, we divide the absolute error by the actual weight and then multiply the result by 100 to get a percentage:
Percent Error = (Absolute Error / Actual Weight) × 100% = (14 pounds / 536 pounds) × 100% ≈ 2.6%
If necessary, round the answer to the nearest tenth, so the percent error is 2.6%.