Math Problem Statement

Patrick estimated he would need 45 minutes to get ready for the first day of school, but he only needed 40 minutes. What is the percent error for his estimate? If necessary, round your answer to the nearest tenth of a percent.

Solution

To find the percent error in Patrick's estimate, we use the formula:

Percent Error=(Estimated ValueActual ValueActual Value)×100%\text{Percent Error} = \left( \frac{|\text{Estimated Value} - \text{Actual Value}|}{\text{Actual Value}} \right) \times 100\%

Given:

  • Estimated Value = 45 minutes
  • Actual Value = 40 minutes

Substitute these values into the formula:

Percent Error=(454040)×100%=(540)×100%\text{Percent Error} = \left( \frac{|45 - 40|}{40} \right) \times 100\% = \left( \frac{5}{40} \right) \times 100\%

Percent Error=12.5%\text{Percent Error} = 12.5\%

Thus, the percent error in Patrick's estimate is 12.5%.

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are five related questions to explore further:

  1. How would the percent error change if Patrick took 50 minutes instead?
  2. What is the importance of calculating percent error in real-life situations?
  3. Can percent error be negative? Why or why not?
  4. How do you calculate percent error if the actual value is zero?
  5. If Patrick's estimated time was closer to the actual time, how would it affect the percent error?

Tip: Always take the absolute value when calculating percent error to ensure the result is positive.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Percent Error
Estimation

Formulas

Percent Error = (|Estimated Value - Actual Value| / Actual Value) * 100%

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8