Precision Question for Algebra 1

Question

A baker uses a measuring cup to measure the amount of water needed for a recipe.

Using the markings (Goes up to 16 oz) on the measuring cup, what is the greatest level of precision possible for the measurement of the water?

A. The nearest half ounce

B. The nearest ounce

C. The nearest two ounces

Answer 1

This question is interesting because the question is not completely objective, meaning that there is not a 100% right answer in all cases. It is likely your textbook and/or teach has a preferred answer that is presented to you and you will need to lookup and memorize that choice to get top marks in your class. Depending on that preferred answer you should select either A) or B). If I was on a test and I did not know, I would select A) as it is most likely.

Lets look at this in more detail. On the type of measuring cup described we will have a set of markings that look kind of like | | | | |. with each vertical line corresponding to a number between 1 and 16. Lets assume our water level is somewhere between two of those markings, something like | | W | | |. If we were to say this water measured 2.3 we would only be guessing at the digit "3" since there are not markings for 2.2, 2.3, or 2.4. We then have a choice, we can round our estimate to to have our significant digit in the ones column by selecting either 2 or 3 as our measurement, whichever is closer. This would be measuring to the nearest ounce, choice B). We could also choose to "eyeball" a spot halfway between the two marks... and choose either 2, 2.5, or 3 depending on which is closest.

Different scientific areas of expertise (e.g. chemistry, biology, medicine, etc.) follow different conventions. I recommend looking back through your course materials or asking your instructor which should be used for this course.