Chapter One, Section 4: Mathematics and Science

1
Chapter One, Section 4 Mathematics and Science

• What math skills do scientists use in collecting
  data and making measurements?

2
Estimation

• An approximation of a number based on known/
  reasonable information
• Scientists cannot always obtain EXACT numbers
• Example measuring distances between stars

3
Accuracy and Reproducibility

• Accuracy

• Reproducibility

• How close a group of measurements are to each
  other
• Example Reproducible throws land close to one
  another

• How close a measurement is to the true value
• Example If you were playing darts, accurate
  throws land close to the bulls-eye

Scientists aim for both accuracy and
reproducibility in their measurements.
4
Significant Figures

• A measurement should contain only those numbers
  that are significant.
• A measurement that includes all the digits that
  have been measured plus one estimated digit.

5
Precision

• Scientists use significant figures to express
  precision.
• Precision is the measure of exactness.
• 5.3 cm is more precise than 5 cm.
• Who can explain why?