Question

It is assumed that the probable random error in taping 100 ft is `0.020 ft. Two distances are measured with this tape with the following results: 1527.44 and 1812.37 ft. Determine the probable total error in measuring each of the lines and then the total probable error for the two sides together.

Answer 1

first distance
`(1527.44)/(100) =15.2744 X 0.020= 0.305488 ft`

second distance
`(1812.37)/(100) =18.1237X0.020=0.362474ft`

combined error=
`1527.44+1812.37=3339.81\\therefor (3339.81)/(100) =33.3981X 0.020=0.667962ft`

Explanation:

step 1: we divide the distance by the tapping distance error

step 2: we multiply the result in step 1 by the error which is 0.020, the result is our probable error