Question Detail
Question
A student measures the length of a nail five times, obtaining values of 2.85 cm, 2.84 cm, 2.86 cm, 2.85 cm, and 2.86 cm. What is the estimated value for the length?
Correct Answer
Option B is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
To reduce the effect of random errors, the estimated value is taken as the average (mean) of the repeated measurements. The average is (2.85 + 2.84 + 2.86 + 2.85 + 2.86) / 5 = 14.26 / 5 = 2.852 cm, which rounds to 2.85 cm based on the precision of the readings.
Hint
Repeating measurements and calculating the mean helps to minimize the impact of random errors.