Limitations On Precision Of Data - HP 35s User Manual

What if 70 kg of nitrogen fertilizer were applied to the rice field? Predict the grain
yield based on the above statistics.
Keys:
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Limitations on Precision of Data

Since the calculator uses finite precision, it follows that there are limitations to
calculations due to rounding. Here are two examples:
Normalizing Close, Large Numbers
The calculator might be unable to correctly calculate the standard deviation and
linear regression for a variable whose data values differ by a relatively small
amount. To avoid this, normalize the data by entering each value as the difference
from one central value (such as the mean). For normalized x–values, this difference
must then be added back to the calculation of
be adjusted. For example, if your x–values were 7776999, 7777000, and
7777001, you should enter the data as –1, 0, and 1; then add 7777000 back to
x ˆ
x
and . For b, add back 7777000
x–value that is less 7777000.
Similar inaccuracies can result if your x and y values have greatly different
magnitudes. Again, scaling the data can avoid this problem.
Effect of Deleted Data
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Executing
generated in the statistics registers by the original data values. This difference is not
serious unless the incorrect data have a magnitude that is enormous compared with
the correct data; in such a case, it would be wise to clear and reenter all the data.
12-10
Statistical Operations
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does not delete any rounding errors that might have been
Description:
Enters hypothetical x–value.
The predicted yield in tons per
hectare.
x ˆ
x
and , and
y ˆ
m. To calculate
y ˆ
and b must also
, be sure to supply an