Math Problem Statement

The rectangle below is labeled with its measured dimensions. Taking measurement error into account, what are the minimum and maximum possible areas? 6.9x3.1

Solution

To calculate the minimum and maximum possible areas of the rectangle given the dimensions 6.9 and 3.1, we need to take measurement errors into account. Assuming the error margin is around ±0.1 for each dimension (based on the number of decimal places given), the dimensions could range as follows:

  • Length (6.9) could vary between 6.86.8 and 7.07.0.
  • Width (3.1) could vary between 3.03.0 and 3.23.2.

Step 1: Calculate the minimum area

The minimum area occurs when both the length and width are at their smallest values.

  • Minimum Length = 6.8
  • Minimum Width = 3.0

Minimum Area=6.8×3.0=20.4square units\text{Minimum Area} = 6.8 \times 3.0 = 20.4 \, \text{square units}

Step 2: Calculate the maximum area

The maximum area occurs when both the length and width are at their largest values.

  • Maximum Length = 7.0
  • Maximum Width = 3.2

Maximum Area=7.0×3.2=22.4square units\text{Maximum Area} = 7.0 \times 3.2 = 22.4 \, \text{square units}

Conclusion:

  • Minimum Area: 20.4square units20.4 \, \text{square units}
  • Maximum Area: 22.4square units22.4 \, \text{square units}

Would you like a more detailed explanation of how measurement error affects the result, or do you have any other questions? Here are some related questions for further exploration:

  1. How does a different margin of error (e.g., ±0.2) affect the area calculation?
  2. What happens if the dimensions are given with different precision (e.g., 6.90 instead of 6.9)?
  3. How would you calculate the possible area if the error margins were asymmetrical for each dimension?
  4. How do rounding errors impact practical measurements and calculations?
  5. What are the implications of measurement uncertainty in real-world applications?

Tip: When dealing with measurement errors, always use the most conservative estimates for both minimum and maximum values to ensure the range is adequately represented.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Measurement
Area of a Rectangle
Error Analysis

Formulas

Area of Rectangle = Length x Width

Theorems

Error Propagation
Measurement Uncertainty

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8