ERRORS
Machine epsilon
We know that a computer has a finite word length, so only a fixed number of digits is stored
and used during computation. Hence, even in storing an exact decimal number in its
converted form in the computer memory, an error is introduced. This error is machine
dependant and is called machine epsilon.
Error = True value – Approximate value
In any numerical computation, we come across the following types of errors:
(1) Inherent errors: Errors which are already present in the statement of a problem before its
solution are called inherent errors. Such errors arise either due to the fact that the given data
is approximate or due to limitations of mathematical tables, calculators, or the digital
computer.
Inherent errors can be minimized by taking better data or by using high precision computing
aids. Accuracy refers to the number of significant digits in a value, for example, 53.965 is
accurate to 5 significant digits. Precision refers to the number of decimal positions or order of
magnitude of the last digit in the value. For example, in 53.965, precision is 10–3.
Example. Which of the following numbers has the greatest precision? 4.3201, 4.32,
4.320106.
Sol. In 4.3201, precision is 10–4
In 4.32, precision is 10–2
In 4.320106, precision is 10–6.
Hence, the number 4.320106 has the greatest precision.
