Accuracy
Accuracy refers to how close a measured value or result is to the true or actual value. In other words, accuracy is a measure of how correct or precise a measurement or calculation is. It is typically expressed as a percentage or a decimal that represents the percentage of error or deviation from the true value.
For example, if a thermometer measures the temperature of a substance as 25°C, and the actual temperature is 24°C, then the thermometer has an accuracy of 96% (or 0.96) because it is within 1 degree of the true value.
Accuracy is an important concept in various fields such as science, engineering, and statistics, where precise measurements and calculations are necessary for reliable and valid results. In scientific experiments, for instance, accurate measurements are crucial to ensure that the data obtained is reliable and can be used to draw valid conclusions.
It's worth noting that accuracy is different from precision. While accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true value, precision refers to how consistent or reproducible a measurement is. A measurement can be precise but not accurate, meaning that the results are consistent but not necessarily close to the true value. Conversely, a measurement can be accurate but not precise, meaning that it may not be consistent but is close to the true value. Ultimately, a measurement or result that is both accurate and precise is ideal.