11 Example 2.11

Error Propagation in Complex Formulas

This simulation demonstrates how to calculate relative error in complex formulas with exponents, based on Example 2.11 from your Physics textbook.

Z = A⁴ B^1/3 / (C D^3/2)

Value of A:

Error in A (±):

Value of B:

Error in B (±):

Value of C:

Error in C (±):

Value of D:

Error in D (±):

ΔZ/Z = 4(ΔA/A) + (1/3)(ΔB/B) + (ΔC/C) + (3/2)(ΔD/D)

Z = 1.0

Example 2.11 Solution:

For Z = A⁴ B^1/3 / (C D^3/2):

The relative error in Z is:

ΔZ/Z = 4(ΔA/A) + (1/3)(ΔB/B) + (ΔC/C) + (3/2)(ΔD/D)

Each term's coefficient comes from the exponent of that variable in the formula.

Error Propagation in Complex Formulas