The Mathematics of

Measurement
Or, What Your Math Teachers
Probably Didnt Tell You.
The Mathematics of
Measurement
Every measuring
instrument is made by
people, and so is
inherently imperfect,
or at least limited in
the degree to which it
can measure.
Our classroom meter
sticks have divisions
down to the
millimeter.
The Mathematics of
Measurement
Because no measuring
device is perfect,
there is a degree of
uncertainty in every
measurement.
This uncertainty
causes some
interesting
mathematical
problems.
The Mathematics of
Measurement
Essentially, every measurement is an
estimate of the true value of what is being
measured.
The basic rule to follow is that one cannot
gain accuracy when doing mathematics
with measurements.
Accuracy vs. Precision
Accuracy
What is accuracy?
Scientists say that
accuracy is how close
a measurement is to
the real or true value
being sought.
Precision
Is precision different
from accuracy?
If so, how?
Precision
The first component of precision is
repeatability.
If the same measurement is taken several
times in a row, is the result always the
same?
If the instrument consistently gives the
same result, it is precise.
Precision
The second part of
precision is sensitivity.
Sensitivity is the degree to
which the instrument is
capable of measuring.
For example, an electronic
balance used in an
elementary school might
measure mass to the
nearest 0.1 gram.
Precision
However, an
analytical balance
used in a college or
professional
laboratory can
measure mass to the
nearest 0.0001g! It is
much more precise.
Accuracy vs. Precision
Here is an example question to see if you
understand the difference between
accuracy and precision.
My bathroom scale measures to the nearest
0.1 pound. I used it this morning 3 times
in a row, and these were the results.
326.4 lb., 326.3 lb. And 326.4 lb.
Is the scale accurate? Is it precise?
What Next?
What does a scientist do if an instrument is
not accurate?
The instrument must be calibrated, or
compared to a correctly known standard to
make sure it is measuring accurately.
If it does not measure the calibration
standard correctly, it must be adjusted.
Using Measuring Instruments
Some things to remember when taking scientific
measurements include:
When using an analog instrument, always
estimate the last digit of a measurement.
An estimated digit puts the measurement closer
to the true value and counts as a significant
figure.
Record this estimated digit, even if it is a zero.
Be as precise as possible with the instrument you
are using.
Digital Instruments
A meter stick or thermometer are analog
instruments with a readable scale.
However many modern instruments are
digital.
When measuring with a digital instrument
like the balances in our lab, write down all
of the digits reported by the instrument.
Take advantage of all the precision the
instrument can give.