JNCM2E QB 2A01L2 e

New Century Mathematics (Second Edition)
S2 Question Bank
2A Chapter 1 Approximation and Errors
Level 2
<bk=2A><ch=1><ex=1A><type=L2><mark=3>
[10102418]
Convert each of the following fractions into a decimal, correct to 3 significant figures.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(3 marks)
Solution:
(a) = 0.166 6…
= 0.167, cor. to 3 sig. fig. 1A
(b) = 4.727 2…
= 4.73, cor. to 3 sig. fig. 1A
(c) = 1.004
= 1.00, cor. to 3 sig. fig. 1A
[10102461]
In each of the following expressions, round off each number involved to 1 significant figure.
Then, estimate the value of the expression.
(a) 329.83 + 43.95
(b) 16.58  27.09
(7 marks)
Solution:
(a) 329.83 = 300, cor. to 1 sig. fig. 1A
43.95 = 40, cor. to 1 sig. fig. 1A
∴ 329.83 + 43.95  300 + 40 1M
= 340 1A
© OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 2016 2A Chapter 1 Level 2 P.27

(b) 16.58 = 20, cor. to 1 sig. fig. 1A
27.09 = 30, cor. to 1 sig. fig. 1A
∴ 16.58  27.09  20  30
= 10 1A
[10102476]
In each of the following expressions, round off each number involved to 2 significant figures.
(a) 30.42  15.069
(b) 104.25  1.578
(7 marks)
Solution:
(a) 30.42 = 30, cor. to 2 sig. fig. 1A
15.069 = 15, cor. to 2 sig. fig. 1A
∴ 30.42  15.069  30  15 1M
= 450 1A
(b) 104.25 = 100, cor. to 2 sig. fig. 1A

1.578 = 1.6, cor. to 2 sig. fig. 1A
∴ 104.25  1.578  100  1.6
= 62.5 1A
[10102550]
In each of the following expressions, round off each number involved to 1 significant figure. Then,
estimate the value of the expression.
(a) 10.212  4.724 5
(b) 99.75  9.97  24.8
(7 marks)
Solution:
(a) 10.21 = 10, cor. to 1 sig. fig. 1A
4.724 5 = 5, cor. to 1 sig. fig. 1A
∴ 10.212  4.724 5  102  5 1M
= 500 1A
(b) 99.75 = 100, cor. to 1 sig. fig. 1A+1A

9.97 = 10, cor. to 1 sig. fig.
24.8 = 20, cor. to 1 sig. fig.

∴ 99.75  9.97  24.8  100  10  20
= 50 1A
[10102561]
In each of the following expressions, round off each number involved to 3 significant figures.
(a) 4 503  0.199 68  795.52
(b) 749.38 + 6 398.4  25.57
(7 marks)
Solution:
(a) 4 503 = 4 500, cor. to 3 sig. fig. 1A+1A
0.199 68 = 0.200, cor. to 3 sig. fig.
795.52 = 796, cor. to 3 sig. fig.
∴ 4 503  0.199 68  795.52  4 500  0.200  796 1M
= 104 1A
(b) 749.38 = 749, cor. to 3 sig. fig. 1A+1A

6 398.4 = 6 400, cor. to 3 sig. fig.
25.57 = 25.6, cor. to 3 sig. fig.
∴ 749.38 + 6 398.4  25.57  749 + 6 400  25.6
= 999 1A
[10102602]
Consider the expression 46 973  121  345.
(a) Estimate the value of the expression by rounding off each number involved to 2 significant
figures.
(b) Jenny claims that if the expression is estimated by rounding off each number involved to the
nearest hundred, the approximate value obtained will be the same as that in (a). Do you agree?
Explain your answer.
(9 marks)
Solution:
(a) 46 973 = 47 000, cor. to 2 sig. fig. 1A+1A
121 = 120, cor. to 2 sig. fig.
345 = 350, cor. to 2 sig. fig.
∴ 46 973  121  345  47 000  120  350 1M
= 5 000 1A
(b) 46 973 = 47 000, cor. to the nearest hundred 1A+1A

121 = 100, cor. to the nearest hundred
345 = 300, cor. to the nearest hundred
∴ 46 973  121  345  47 000  100  300
= 17 000 1A
∵ 17 000  5 000 1M
∴ The claim is disagreed. 1A
[10102677]
Consider the expression .
(a) Convert each fraction involved into a decimal, correct to 2 significant figures. Then, estimate
the value of the expression.
(b) David claims that if we evaluate the expression correct to 2 significant figures directly, the
approximate value obtained will be the same as that in (a). Do you agree? Explain your
answer.
(8 marks)
Solution:
1A+1A
(a) = 0.266 6…
= 0.27, cor. to 2 sig. fig.
= 0.333…
= 1.125
∴  0.27 + 0.33  1.1
1M
= 0.57 1A
(b) =
= 1A
= 0.56, cor. to 2 sig. fig. 1A

∵ 0.56  0.57 1M

[10102681]
The height of a bookshelf is 7 ft and 5 in. It is known that 1 ft is equivalent to 12 in. Convert this
height to ft, correct to 3 significant figures.
(2 marks)
Solution:
7 ft 5 in = ft 1M
= 7.416 6… ft
= 7.42 ft, cor. to 3 sig. fig. 1A
[10102816]
The Mercury takes 87 days 23 hours 15 minutes and 22 seconds to complete a full revolution
around the Sun. Convert this time to
(a) days, correct to 4 significant figures.
(b) minutes, correct to 5 significant figures.
(4 marks)
Solution:
(a) 87 days 23 hours 15 minutes 22 seconds
= days 1M
= 87.969… days
= 87.97 days, cor. to 4 sig. fig. 1A
(b) 87 days 23 hours 15 minutes 22 seconds
= minutes 1M
= 126 675.36… minutes

= 126 680 minutes, cor. to 5 sig. fig. 1A
[10102939]
The weights of 5 oranges are 171 g, 226 g, 237 g, 243 g and 184 g. Find the total weight of the
5 oranges, correct to 2 significant figures.
(2 marks)

Solution:
Total weight
= (171 + 226 + 237 + 243 + 184) g 1M
= 1 061 g
= 1 100 g, cor. to 2 sig. fig. 1A
[10102967]
The table below shows the selling prices of three items A, B and C.
Item A B C
Selling price ($) 74.6 158.2 100.9
Dennis has $1 265.3. He buys 5 items A, 2 items B and 3 items C. Find the amount of money left,
correct to 3 significant figures.
(2 marks)
Solution:
Amount left = $[1 265.3  (74.6  5 + 158.2  2 + 100.9  3)] 1M
= $273.2
= $273, cor. to 3 sig. fig. 1A
[10103002]
It is given that the total water consumption in a district is 3 461 587 m3 in a year and the
population in the district is 56 294. Round off the water consumption and the population to
2 significant figures. Then, estimate the average water consumption of each person.
(4 marks)
Solution:
3 461 587 m3 = 3 500 000 m3, cor. to 2 sig. fig. 1A
56 294 = 56 000, cor. to 2 sig. fig. 1A
Average water consumption
 m3 1M
= 62.5 m3 1A

[10103020]
The length, width and height of a rectangular tank are 125.268 cm, 80.459 cm and 64.832 cm
respectively.
(a) Round off the length, width and height to 1 significant figure. Then, estimate the volume of
the tank.
(b) Round off the length, width and height to 2 significant figures. Then, estimate the volume of
the tank.
(c) Which estimation is more accurate, the one in (a) or the one in (b)? Explain your answer.
(9 marks)
Solution:
(a) 125.268 cm = 100 cm, cor. to 1 sig. fig. 1A+1A
80.459 cm = 80 cm, cor. to 1 sig. fig.
Volume  100  80  60 cm3 1M
= 480 000 cm3 1A
(b) 125.268 cm = 130 cm, cor. to 2 sig. fig. 1A+1A

Volume  130  80  65 cm3
= 676 000 cm3 1A
(c) Since the estimation in (b) involves more significant figures than that in (a), the estimation in
(b) is more accurate. 1M+1A
[10103026]
The weights of 5 crystal balls are 6.241 g, 3.897 g, 7.541 g, 4.391 g and 5.533 g.
(a) Round off each weight to 1 significant figure. Then, estimate the total weight of the 5 crystal
balls.
(b) Round off each weight to 2 significant figures. Then, estimate the total weight of the 5 crystal
balls.
(c) Which estimation is more accurate, the one in (a) or the one in (b)? Explain your answer.
(9 marks)

Solution:
(a) 6.241 g = 6 g, cor. to 1 sig. fig. 1A+1A
3.897 g = 4 g, cor. to 1 sig. fig.
7.541 g = 8 g, cor. to 1 sig. fig.
4.391 g = 4 g, cor. to 1 sig. fig.
5.533 g = 6 g, cor. to 1 sig. fig.
Total weight = (6 + 4 + 8 + 4 + 6) g 1M
= 28 g 1A
(b) 6.241 g = 6.2 g, cor. to 2 sig. fig. 1A+1A

3.897 g = 3.9 g, cor. to 2 sig. fig.
7.541 g = 7.5 g, cor. to 2 sig. fig.
4.391 g = 4.4 g, cor. to 2 sig. fig.
5.533 g = 5.5 g, cor. to 2 sig. fig.
Total weight = (6.2 + 3.9 + 7.5 + 4.4 + 5.5) g
= 27.5 g 1A
(c) Since the estimation in (b) involves more significant figures than that in (a), the estimation in
(b) is more accurate. 1M+1A
<bk=2A><ch=1><ex=1B><type=L2><mark=5>
[10103086]
Alex buys 2 dozens apples for $39.0.
(a) Find the price of each apple, correct to 2 significant figures.
(b) Find the absolute error of the approximate value in (a).
(5 marks)
Solution:
(a) Price of each apple
=$ 1M
= $1.625 1A
= $1.6, cor. to 2 sig. fig. 1A
(b) Absolute error

= $(1.625  1.6) 1M
= $0.025 1A

[10103136]
The population of a city is exactly 481 769.
(a) Find the absolute error after rounding off the population to
(i) 3 significant figures,
(ii) the nearest ten thousand.
(b) Which approximate value obtained in (a) is more accurate? Explain your answer.
(7 marks)
Solution:
(a) (i) 481 769 = 482 000, cor. to 3 sig. fig. 1A
Absolute error = 482 000  481 769 1M
= 231 1A
(ii) 481 769 = 480 000, cor. to the nearest ten thousand 1A
Absolute error = 481 769  480 000
= 1 769 1A
(b) ∵ 231 < 1 769 1M

i.e. The absolute error of (a)(i) is less than that of (a)(ii).
∴ The approximate value obtained in (a)(i) is more accurate. 1A
[10103216]
It is known that the actual number of trees in a park is 2 560. Susan rounds off the number of trees
to 2 significant figures.
(a) Find the absolute error of Susan’s approximate value.
(b) Calvin rounds off the number of trees to the nearest thousand. Whose approximate value is
more accurate? Explain your answer.
(7 marks)
Solution:
(a) 2 560 = 2 600, cor. to 2 sig. fig. 1A
Absolute error of Susan’s approximate value
= 2 600  2 560 1M
= 40 1A
(b) 2 560 = 3 000, cor. to the nearest thousand 1A

Absolute error of Calvin’s approximate value
= 3 000  2 560
= 440 1A
∵ 40 < 440 1M

∴ Susan’s approximate value is more accurate. 1A

[10103224]
Perry estimates the attendance of a concert. The absolute error of his estimated value is 5 000. It is
known that his estimated value is 1.4 times the actual value.
(a) What is the actual attendance of the concert?
(b) Daisy estimates the attendance of the concert and her estimated value is half of Perry’s. Find
the absolute error of her estimation.
(6 marks)
Solution:
(a) Let x be the actual attendance of the concert.
1.4x  x = 5 000 1M
0.4x = 5 000
x = 12 500
∴ The actual attendance of the concert is 12 500. 1A
(b) Perry’s estimated value = 12 500 + 5 000 1M

= 17 500 1A
Daisy’s estimated value =
= 8 750 1A
Absolute error of Daisy’s estimation = 12 500  8 750
= 3 750 1A
[10103260]
The actual weight of a box of biscuits is 64.15 g. Carmen measures the weight of the box of
biscuits correct to the nearest g.
(a) Find the absolute error of Carmen’s measured value.
(b) Peter weighs the box and the maximum error of the measurement is 5 g. Whose measured
value is more accurate? Explain your answer.
(9 marks)
Solution:
(a) Carmen’s measured value = 64 g, cor. to the nearest g 1A
Absolute error = (64.15  64) g 1M
= 0.15 g 1A

(b) Scale interval of Peter’s measuring tool = 2  5 g 1M
= 10 g 1A
∴ Peter’s measured value = 60 g, cor. to the nearest 10 g 1A
Absolute error = (64.15  60) g
= 4.15 g 1A
∵ 0.15 g < 4.15 g 1M
∴ Carmen’s measured value is more accurate. 1A
[10103284]
In the figure, the size of POQ is measured by the given protractor.

(a) Find the reading on the protractor.
(b) Find the maximum error of the measurement.
(c) Find the minimum possible size of POQ.
(d) Can the actual size of POQ be 127.3? Explain your answer.
(8 marks)
Solution:
(a) The reading on the protractor is 128. 1A
(b) Scale interval on the protractor = 1 1A

∴ Maximum error = 1M
= 0.5 1A
(c) Minimum possible size of POQ

= (128  0.5) 1M
= 127.5 1A
(d) ∵ 127.3 < 127.5 1M

∴ The actual size of POQ cannot be 127.3. 1A

[10103304]
Cindy uses a thermometer to measure the temperature of a cup of cold water. The result is shown
in the figure.
(a) Find the reading on the thermometer and the maximum error.
(b) If the actual temperature is xC, find the possible range of x.
(c) Can the actual temperature of the cup of cold water be 4.345C? Explain your answer.
(10 marks)
Solution:
(a) The reading on the thermometer is 4.3C. 1A
Scale interval on the thermometer = 0.1C 1A
Maximum error = C 1M
= 0.05C 1A
(b) Lower limit = (4.3  0.05)C 1M

= 4.25C
Upper limit = (4.3 + 0.05)C 1M
= 4.35C
∴ The possible range of x is 4.25  x < 4.35. 2A
(c) ∵ 4.25C  4.345C < 4.35C 1M

∴ The actual temperature of the cup of cold water can be 4.345C. 1A

[10103310]
In the figure, the lengths of the sides of △PQR are measured correct to the nearest 0.1 cm.
(a) Find the maximum error of each measurement.
(b) Find the least possible perimeter of the triangle.
(6 marks)
Solution:
(a) Maximum error = 1M
= 0.05 cm 1A
(b) Lower limit of the actual length of PQ 1M+1A

= (3.2  0.05) cm
= 3.15 cm
Lower limit of the actual length of QR
= (7.5  0.05) cm
= 7.45 cm
Lower limit of the actual length of PR
= (6.8  0.05) cm
= 6.75 cm
∴ Least possible perimeter
= (3.15 + 7.45 + 6.75) cm 1M
= 17.35 cm 1A
[10103328]
In the figure, the lengths of the sides of the rectangle ABCD are measured correct to the nearest
0.05 cm.
(a) Find the maximum error of each measurement.
(b) If the actual perimeter of the rectangle is x cm, find the possible range of x.
(9 marks)

Solution:
= 0.025 cm 1A
(b) Lower limit of the actual length of AB 1M+1A

= (4.95  0.025) cm
= 4.925 cm
Lower limit of the actual length of AD
= (7.60  0.025) cm
= 7.575 cm
Upper limit of the actual length of AB 1M+1A
= (4.95 + 0.025) cm
= 4.975 cm
Upper limit of the actual length of AD
= (7.60 + 0.025) cm
= 7.625 cm
∴ The possible range of x:
2  (4.925 + 7.575) ≤ x < 2  (4.975 + 7.625) 1M
i.e. 25  x < 25.2 2A
[10103383]
In the figure, the height of a pot of cactus is measured by the given ruler.
(a) What is the reading on the ruler?
(b) What is the maximum error of this reading?
(c) What is the relative error of this reading?
(6 marks)

Solution:
(a) The reading on the ruler is 6.4 cm. 1A
(b) Scale interval on the ruler = 0.2 cm 1A

= 0.1 cm 1A
(c) Relative error = 1M
= 1A
[10103413]
In the figure, a stopwatch recorded the time taken by a runner to finish a 200 m race. Find the
relative error of the recorded time.
(6 marks)
Solution:
From the figure, the recorded time is 22 s and the scale interval is 1 s. 1A+1A
Maximum error = s 1M
= 0.5 s 1A
Relative error = 1M
= 1A
[10103490]
Calvin measures the height of a bookshelf to be 1.25 m, correct to the nearest 0.01 m.
(a) Find the maximum error. Hence, find the relative error.
(b) Find the upper limit of the actual height of the bookshelf.
(c) Can the actual height of the bookshelf be 1.258 m? Explain your answer.
(8 marks)

Solution:
= 0.005 m 1A
Relative error = 1M
= 1A
(b) Upper limit = (1.25 + 0.005) m 1M

= 1.255 m 1A
(c) ∵ 1.258 m > 1.255 m 1M

∴ The actual height of the bookshelf cannot be 1.258 cm. 1A
[10103503]
The time taken by a team to finish a 4  200 m relay race is measured by a stopwatch to be
8 minutes and 20.0 seconds, correct to the nearest 0.5 second.
(a) Find the relative error of this measurement.
(b) The same stopwatch is used to measure the time taken by a swimmer to finish another race.
The relative error is 8 times that of the measurement in (a). Find the measured time for the
swimmer.
(9 marks)
Solution:
(a) 8 minutes and 20.0 seconds = (8  60 + 20) s 1M
= 500 s 1A
Maximum error =  0.5 s 1M
= 0.25 s 1A
Relative error = 1M
= 1A

(b) Relative error of the measurement for the swimmer
= 1M
= 1A
Let t s be the measured time for the swimmer to finish the race.
∴ =
t = 62.5
∴ The measured time for the swimmer is 62.5 s. 1A
[10103565]
The speed of a bicycle is measured as 25.0 m/s and the percentage error is 2%.
(a) Find the maximum error of the measurement.
(b) If the actual speed of the bicycle is u m/s, find the possible range of u.
(6 marks)
Solution:
(a) Let x m/s be the maximum error.
∴ = 2%
1M
x = 0.5
∴ The maximum error is 0.5 m/s. 1A
(b) Lower limit of the actual speed

= (25.0  0.5) m/s 1M
= 24.5 m/s
Upper limit of the actual speed
= (25.0 + 0.5) m/s 1M
= 25.5 m/s
∴ The possible range of u is 24.5  u < 25.5. 2A
[10103578]
The weight of a golden ball is measured as 3 kg and the percentage error is 5%.
(b) Find the upper limit of the actual weight of the golden ball.
(c) Is it possible that the actual weight of the golden ball is 3.18 kg? Explain your answer.
(6 marks)

Solution:
(a) Let w kg be the maximum error.
∴ = 5%
1M
w = 0.15
∴ The maximum error is 0.15 kg. 1A
(b) Upper limit of the actual weight of the golden ball

= (3 + 0.15) kg 1M
= 3.15 kg 1A
(c) ∵ 3.15 kg < 3.18 kg 1M

i.e. The upper limit of the actual weight of the golden ball is less than 3.18 kg.
∴ It is not possible that the actual weight of the golden ball is 3.18 kg. 1A
[10103598]
The volume of water in a cup is measured using the measuring cylinder in the figure. The
percentage error of the measurement is .
(a) Find the maximum error.

(b) Find the measured volume of the water.
(5 marks)
Solution:
(a) Scale interval of the measuring cylinder = 2 mL 1A
= 1 mL 1A
(b) Let x mL be the measured volume.

∴ =
1M
x = 24
∴ The measured volume is 24 mL. 1A

[10103652]
In the figure, the length of a side of a square ABCD is measured by the given ruler.
(a) What is the maximum error of the measurement?
(b) Find the minimum possible area of the square.
(c) Can the actual area of the square be 5.5 cm2? Explain your answer.
(10 marks)
Solution:
(a) Scale interval of the ruler = 0.1 cm 1A
Maximum error = cm 1M
= 0.05 cm 1A
(b) The reading on the ruler is 2.4 cm. 1A

Lower limit of the actual length of a side
= (2.4  0.05) cm 1M
= 2.35 cm 1A
∴ Minimum possible area of the square
= 2.352 cm2 1M
= 5.522 5 cm2 1A
(c) ∵ 5.5 cm2 < 5.522 5 cm2 1M

∴ The actual area cannot be 5.5 cm2. 1A

[10103664]
The figure shows a trapezium. All the lengths are correct to the nearest 0.1 cm.
(a) Find the least possible area of the trapezium.
(b) David estimates the area of the trapezium to be 9.8 cm2. Can the absolute error be less than
0.25 cm2? Explain your answer.
(10 marks)
Solution:
(a) Maximum error = cm 1M
= 0.05 cm 1A
Lower limit of the actual length of RS
= (2.4  0.05) cm
= 2.35 cm
Lower limit of the actual length of PS
= (3.2  0.05) cm 1M+1A
= 3.15 cm
Lower limit of the actual length of PQ
= (4.1  0.05) cm
= 4.05 cm
∴ Least possible area of the trapezium
= cm2 1M
= 10.08 cm2 1A
(b) Least possible absolute error = (10.08  9.8) cm2 1M

= 0.28 cm2 1A
∵ 0.28 cm2 > 0.25 cm2 1M
∴ The absolute error cannot be less than 0.25 cm2. 1A

[10103693]
The figure shows a piece of metal plate ABCDEF. It is known that CEF is a straight line. All
measured lengths are correct to the nearest cm.
(a) If the actual area of the plate is x cm2, find the possible range of x.
(b) Can the actual area of the plate be 77 cm2? Explain your answer.
(11 marks)
Solution:
(a) Maximum error = cm 1M
= 0.5 cm 1A
Lower limit of the actual length of AB 1M+1A
= (10  0.5) cm
= 9.5 cm
Lower limit of the actual length of AF
= (6  0.5) cm
= 5.5 cm
Lower limit of the actual length of CE
= (4  0.5) cm
= 3.5 cm
Lower limit of the actual length of DE
= (3  0.5) cm
= 2.5 cm
Upper limit of the actual length of AB 1M+1A
= (10 + 0.5) cm
= 10.5 cm
Upper limit of the actual length of AF
= (6 + 0.5) cm
= 6.5 cm
Upper limit of the actual length of CE
= (4 + 0.5) cm
= 4.5 cm
Upper limit of the actual length of DE
= (3 + 0.5) cm

= 3.5 cm

The possible range of x:
1M
i.e. 56.625  x < 76.125 2A
(b) ∵ 77 cm2 > 76.125 cm2 1M

∴ The actual area cannot be 77 cm2. 1A
[10103730]
The temperature inside a room is measured by a thermometer as 31.5C. The scale interval of the
thermometer is 0.5C.
(b) If the actual temperature in the room is xC, find the possible range of x.
(c) After turning on the air-conditioner, the actual temperature becomes 26.8C. Tony claims that
the temperature is lowered by 5C. Do you agree? Explain your answer.
(10 marks)
Solution:
= 0.25C 1A
(b) Lower limit = (31.5  0.25)C 1M

= 31.25C
Upper limit = (31.5 + 0.25)C 1M
= 31.75C
(c) Maximum decrease in temperature

< (31.75  26.8)C 1M
= 4.95C 1A
∵ 4.95C < 5C 1M

[10103744]
Calvin has 6 identical metal blocks. He weighs one of them with a weighing device whose scale
interval is 5 g. The measured weight of the metal block is 225 g.
(a) If the actual weight of the metal block is x g, find the possible range of x.
(b) Is it possible that the total weight of the 6 blocks is 1 320 g, correct to the nearest 10 g?
Explain your answer.
(10 marks)
Solution:
= 2.5 g 1A
Lower limit = (225  2.5) g 1M
= 222.5 g
Upper limit = (225 + 2.5) g 1M
= 227.5 g
(b) The least possible total weight of 6 metal blocks

= 6  222.5 g 1M
= 1 335 g
= 1 340 g, cor. to the nearest 10 g 1A
∵ 1 340 g  1 320 g 1M
∴ It is not possible that the total weight of 6 metal blocks is 1 320 g, correct to the nearest
10 g. 1A
[10103769]
A screw is termed as ‘regular’ if its weight is measured as 1.6 g, correct to the nearest 0.05 g.
(a) Find the least possible weight of a ‘regular’ screw.
(b) Is it possible that the total weight of 600 ‘regular’ screws is measured as 920 g, correct to the
nearest 10 g? Explain your answer.
(8 marks)
Solution:
= 0.025 g 1A
Least possible weight of a ‘regular’ screw
= (1.6  0.025) g 1M
= 1.575 g 1A

(b) Least possible total weight of 600 ‘regular’ screws
= 600  1.575 g 1M
= 945 g
= 950 g, cor. to the nearest 10 g 1A
∵ 950 g  920 g 1M
∴ It is not possible that the total weight of 600 ‘regular’ screws is measured as 920 g,
correct to the nearest 10 g. 1A
[10103813]
The volume of tea in a bottle is measured as (2.78  0.01) L.
(a) Find the percentage error of the measurement.
(Give the answer correct to 3 significant figures.)
(b) There are some tea cups of capacity 100 mL each, correct to the nearest 10 mL.
(i) Find the upper limit of the capacity of a tea cup.
(ii) Ken claims that the tea in the bottle is enough to fill up 26 cups. Do you agree with Ken’s
claim? Explain your answer.
(12 marks)
Solution:
(a) Percentage error
= 1M
= 0.360%, cor. to 3 sig. fig. 1A
(b) (i) Maximum error = 1M

= 5 mL 1A
Upper limit of the capacity of a tea cup
= (100 + 5) mL 1M
= 105 mL 1A
(ii) Lower limit of the volume of tea in the bottle

= (2.78  0.01) L 1M
= 2.77 L 1A
= 2 770 mL
Upper limit of the total capacity of 26 tea cups
= 26  105 mL 1M
= 2 730 mL 1A
∵ 2 730 mL < 2 770 mL 1M
∴ The claim is agreed. 1A

[10103867]
In the figure, 30 identical iron blocks are weighed using a mechanical scale.
(a) If the actual weight of the 30 iron blocks is w kg, find the possible range of w.
(b) An iron block is regarded as ‘standard’ if it weighs 98 g, correct to the nearest 2 g. Danny
claims that each of the 30 identical iron blocks is ‘standard’. Do you agree? Explain your
answer.
(14 marks)
Solution:
(a) Scale interval of the mechanical scale = 0.25 kg 1A
Maximum error = kg 1M
= 0.125 kg 1A
The reading on the scale is 2.75 kg. 1A
Lower limit = (2.75  0.125) kg 1M
= 2.625 kg
Upper limit = (2.75 + 0.125) kg 1M
= 2.875 kg
∴ The possible range of w is 2.625  w < 2.875. 2A
(b) Upper limit of the weight of each of the 30 identical iron blocks
= g 1M
= 95 g 1A
Consider a ‘standard’ iron block.
Maximum error = 2g
=1g 1A
Lower limit of the weight of a ‘standard’ iron block
= (98  1) g
= 97 g 1A
∵ 95 g < 97 g 1M

[10103868]
Andy uses an electrical scale to measure the total weight of 2 000 identical needles. The result is
15.0 g, correct to the nearest 0.1 g.
(a) (i) Find the maximum error of the weight of a needle.
(ii) Find the approximate weight of a needle.
(iii) Find the relative error in calculating the weight in (a)(ii).
(b) Andy claims that if 400 needles are weighed instead, the relative error in (a)(iii) will increase.
Do you agree? Explain your answer.
(13 marks)
Solution:
(a) (i) Maximum error of the weight of 2 000 needles
= g 1M
= 0.05 g 1A
∴ Maximum error of the weight of a needle
= g 1M
= 1A
(ii) Approximate weight of a needle

= g 1M
= 0.007 5 g 1A
(iii) Relative error in calculating the weight in (a)(ii)
= 1M
= 1A
(b) Let y g be the measured weight of 400 needles.
∴ Relative error = = =  = ........... (*) 1A
∵ The measured weight of 400 needles must be less than that of 2 000 needles. 1M
∴ y < 15.0
i.e. Relative error of (*) = 1M+1A

∴ The relative error in (a)(iii) will increase if 400 needles are weighed.
∴ The claim is agreed. 1A
[10103887]
In a 4  400 m relay race, the four members of a team take 50.01 s, 63.14 s, 57.63 s and 48.82 s
respectively to complete one section of the race.
(a) Calculate the time taken by the whole team, correct to 3 significant figures.
(b) Round off each recorded time to 2 significant figures and then estimate the time taken by the
whole team.
(5 marks)
Solution:
(a) The time taken by the whole team
= (50.01 + 63.14 + 57.63 + 48.82) s 1M
= 219.6 s
= 220 s, cor. to 3 sig. fig. 1A
(b) 50.01 s = 50 s, cor. to 2 sig. fig. 1A+1A

63.14 s = 63 s, cor. to 2 sig. fig.
57.63 s = 58 s, cor. to 2 sig. fig.
48.82 s = 49 s, cor. to 2 sig. fig.
The time taken by the whole team
 (50 + 63 + 58 + 49) s
= 220 s 1A
[10103893]
In each of the following expressions, round off each number involved to the specified number of
significant figures stated in the brackets. Then, estimate the value of the expression.
(a) 733.51 + 31.84 [2 sig. fig.]
(b) 82.17  21.66 [2 sig. fig.]
(c) 433  5.11 [1 sig. fig.]
(d) 289.01  5.54 [1 sig. fig.]
(13 marks)
Solution:
(a) 733.51 = 730, cor. to 2 sig. fig. 1A
31.84 = 32, cor. to 2 sig. fig. 1A
∴ 733.51 + 31.84  730 + 32 1M
= 762 1A

(b) 82.17 = 82, cor. to 2 sig. fig. 1A
21.66 = 22, cor. to 2 sig. fig. 1A
∴ 82.17  21.66  82  22
= 60 1A
(c) 433 = 400, cor. to 1 sig. fig. 1A

5.11 = 5, cor. to 1 sig. fig. 1A
∴ 433  5.11  400  5
= 2 000 1A
(d) 289.01 = 300, cor. to 1 sig. fig. 1A

5.54 = 6, cor. to 1 sig. fig. 1A
∴ 289.01  5.54  300  6
= 50 1A
[10103900]
If Vincent’s weight is measured as 50 kg and the percentage error is 4%, find the lower limit and
upper limit of his actual weight.
(6 marks)
Solution:
Let x kg be the maximum error.
= 4%
1M
x=2
∴ The maximum error is 2 kg. 1A
Lower limit of his actual weight
= (50  2) kg 1M
= 48 kg 1A
Upper limit of his actual weight
= (50 + 2) kg 1M
= 52 kg 1A
[10104019]
For each of the following measurements, find the lower limit and the relative error.
(a) 138 cm, correct to the nearest cm
(b) 36.5 kg, correct to the nearest 0.1 kg
(9 marks)

Solution:
= 0.5 cm 1A
Lower limit = (138  0.5) cm 1M
= 137.5 cm 1A
Relative error = 1M
= 1A
(b) Maximum error =

= 0.05 kg 1A
Lower limit = (36.5  0.05) kg
= 36.45 kg 1A
Relative error =
= 1A
[10104035]
The length of a road is measured as 16 000 m. Write down two possible actual lengths of the road
in each of the following situations.
(a) The measured length has 2 significant figures.
(b) The measured length has 3 significant figures.
(4 marks)
Solution:
(a) Maximum error =  1 000 m
= 500 m
Lower limit of the actual length
= (16 000  500) m
= 15 500 m
Upper limit of the actual length
= (16 000 + 500) m
= 16 500 m
∴ Two possible actual lengths of the road are 15 800 m and 16 200 m (or any other lengths
between 15 500 m and 16 500 m). 1A+1A

(b) Maximum error =  100 m
= 50 m
Lower limit of the actual length
= (16 000  50) m
= 15 950 m
Upper limit of the actual length
= (16 000 + 50) m
= 16 050 m
∴ Two possible actual lengths of the road are 15 980 m and 16 030 m (or any other lengths
between 15 950 m and 16 050 m). 1A+1A
[10104041]
The height of a building is measured as 375 m with percentage error . If the actual height of
the building is x m, find the possible range of x.

(5 marks)
Solution:
Let y m be the maximum error.
=
1M
y = 2.5
∴ The maximum error is 2.5 m. 1A
Lower limit of the actual height
= (375  2.5) m 1M
= 372.5 m
Upper limit of the actual height
= (375 + 2.5) m 1M
= 377.5 m

[10104065]
The speed of a sports car is measured by a radar gun as 231 km/h. The percentage error of the
measured speed is 2%. If the actual speed of the sports car is u km/h, find the possible range of u.
(6 marks)
Solution:
Let x km/h be the maximum error.
= 2%
1M
x = 4.62
∴ The maximum error is 4.62 km/h. 1A
Lower limit of the actual speed
= (231  4.62) km/h 1M
= 226.38 km/h
Upper limit of the actual speed
= (231 + 4.62) km/h 1M
= 235.62 km/h
∴ The possible range of u is 226.38  u < 235.62. 2A
[10104094]
The length of each side of a square is measured as 4.7 cm, correct to the nearest 0.1 cm.
(a) If the actual perimeter of the square is x cm, find the possible range of x.
(b) If the actual area of the square is y cm2, find the possible range of y.
(9 marks)
Solution:
(a) Maximum error of the measured length of each side
= 1M
= 0.05 cm 1A
Lower limit of the actual length of each side
= (4.7  0.05) cm 1M
= 4.65 cm
Upper limit of the actual length of each side
= (4.7 + 0.05) cm 1M
= 4.75 cm
The possible range of x:
4  4.65  x < 4  4.75 1M
i.e. 18.6  x < 19 2A

(b) The possible range of y:
4.652  y < 4.752 1M
i.e. 21.622 5  y < 22.562 5 1A
[10104102]
The actual dimensions of a rectangle are 25.6 cm × 12.5 cm. Donald rounds off the actual length
and width to the nearest cm, and then estimate the area of the rectangle by multiplying the
approximate length and width.
(a) Find the actual area of the rectangle.
(b) Find the approximate area of the rectangle.
(c) Find the percentage error of the estimation.
(9 marks)
Solution:
(a) Actual area of the rectangle
= 25.6  12.5 cm2 1M
= 320 cm2 1A
(b) 25.6 cm = 26 cm, cor. to the nearest cm 1A

12.5 cm = 13 cm, cor. to the nearest cm 1A
Approximate area of the rectangle
= 26  13 cm2
= 338 cm2 1A
(c) Absolute error

= (338  320) cm2 1M
= 18 cm2 1A
Percentage error of the estimation
= 1M
= 5.625% 1A

[10104113]
A drink manufacturer requires that the volume of green tea in each bottled green tea be measured
as 1.25 L, with a percentage error of 3%.
(a) If the actual volume of green tea in a bottled green tea satisfying the requirement is x L, find
the possible range of x.
(b) The actual volumes (in L) of green tea in a pack of 9 bottled green tea are shown below.
1.243 1.231 1.203 1.254 1.266 1.297 1.281 1.278 1.299
If more than 2 bottles of green tea in the pack do not satisfy the requirement, the whole pack
cannot be sold. Can the whole pack of bottled green tea be sold? Explain your answer.
(9 marks)
Solution:
(a) Let y L be the maximum error.
= 3%
1M
y = 0.037 5
∴ The maximum error is 0.037 5 L. 1A
Lower limit of the actual volume
= (1.25  0.037 5) L 1M
= 1.212 5 L
Upper limit of the actual volume
= (1.25 + 0.037 5) L 1M
= 1.287 5 L
∴ The possible range of x is 1.212 5  x < 1.287 5. 2A
(b) From the given data, 1.203, 1.297 and 1.299 do not lie within the range of x. 1A
∴ 3 bottled green tea do not satisfy the requirement. 1M
∴ The whole pack of bottled green tea cannot be sold. 1A

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New Century Mathematics (Second Edition)

© OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 2016 2A Chapter 1 Level 2 P.27

(b) 104.25 = 100, cor. to 2 sig. fig. 1A

(b) 99.75 = 100, cor. to 1 sig. fig. 1A+1A

© OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 2016 2A Chapter 1 Level 2 P.28

(b) 749.38 = 749, cor. to 3 sig. fig. 1A+1A

(b) 46 973 = 47 000, cor. to the nearest hundred 1A+1A

Consider the expression .

∴  0.27 + 0.33  1.1

= 0.56, cor. to 2 sig. fig. 1A

© OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 2016 2A Chapter 1 Level 2 P.30

(b) 87 days 23 hours 15 minutes 22 seconds

= 126 675.36… minutes

© OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 2016 2A Chapter 1 Level 2 P.31

© OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 2016 2A Chapter 1 Level 2 P.32

(b) 125.268 cm = 130 cm, cor. to 2 sig. fig. 1A+1A

© OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 2016 2A Chapter 1 Level 2 P.33

(b) 6.241 g = 6.2 g, cor. to 2 sig. fig. 1A+1A

(b) Absolute error

© OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 2016 2A Chapter 1 Level 2 P.34

(b) ∵ 231 < 1 769 1M

(b) 2 560 = 3 000, cor. to the nearest thousand 1A

© OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 2016 2A Chapter 1 Level 2 P.35

© OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 2016 2A Chapter 1 Level 2 P.36

(b) Perry’s estimated value = 12 500 + 5 000 1M

Daisy’s estimated value =

© OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 2016 2A Chapter 1 Level 2 P.37

In the figure, the size of POQ is measured by the given protractor.

(b) Scale interval on the protractor = 1 1A

(c) Minimum possible size of POQ

(d) ∵ 127.3 < 127.5 1M

© OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 2016 2A Chapter 1 Level 2 P.38

(b) Lower limit = (4.3  0.05)C 1M

(c) ∵ 4.25C  4.345C < 4.35C 1M

© OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 2016 2A Chapter 1 Level 2 P.39

(b) Lower limit of the actual length of PQ 1M+1A

© OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 2016 2A Chapter 1 Level 2 P.40

(b) Lower limit of the actual length of AB 1M+1A

© OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 2016 2A Chapter 1 Level 2 P.41

(b) Scale interval on the ruler = 0.2 cm 1A

(c) Relative error = 1M

© OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 2016 2A Chapter 1 Level 2 P.42

(b) Upper limit = (1.25 + 0.005) m 1M

(c) ∵ 1.258 m > 1.255 m 1M

Maximum error =  0.5 s 1M

© OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 2016 2A Chapter 1 Level 2 P.43

(b) Lower limit of the actual speed

© OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 2016 2A Chapter 1 Level 2 P.44

(b) Upper limit of the actual weight of the golden ball

(c) ∵ 3.15 kg < 3.18 kg 1M

percentage error of the measurement is .

(a) Find the maximum error.

(b) Let x mL be the measured volume.

© OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 2016 2A Chapter 1 Level 2 P.45

(b) The reading on the ruler is 2.4 cm. 1A

(c) ∵ 5.5 cm2 < 5.522 5 cm2 1M

© OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 2016 2A Chapter 1 Level 2 P.46

(b) Least possible absolute error = (10.08  9.8) cm2 1M

© OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 2016 2A Chapter 1 Level 2 P.47

© OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 2016 2A Chapter 1 Level 2 P.48

© OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 2016 2A Chapter 1 Level 2 P.49

i.e. 56.625  x < 76.125 2A