Ashley measured the dimensions of a rectangular prism to be 6 cm by 10 cm by 1.5 cm. The actual

dimensions are 5.9 cm by 10.3 cm by 1.7 cm. Determine the relative error, to the nearest thousandth,

in calculating the volume of the prism.

Relative error = 0.129

Volume of a rectangular prism is computed by multiplying its length, width, and height.

V = lwh

Measured Volume = 6 x 10 x 1.5 = 90 cm

Actual Volume = 5.9 x 10.3 x 1.7 = 103.31 cm

Absolute deviation = True value - measured value = 103.31 cm - 90 cm = 13.31 cm

Relative error = Absolute deviation : true value = 13.31 : 103.31 = 0.1288 or 0.129 rounded up to the nearest thousandths.

Relative error in percentage = 0.129 x 100% = 12.90%