what does the author achieve by mixing exact and approximatee numbers in a contribution to statistics?
By mixing exact and approximate numbers in a contribution to statistics, the author can achieve several things:
1. Enhance credibility: Including exact numbers can give the impression that the author has done rigorous research and has access to accurate data. This can help build trust in the author's claims and make their argument more persuasive.
2. Provide precision: Exact numbers convey a sense of accuracy and precision. They offer concrete and specific information that can be easily understood by the readers, making the statistics more impactful.
3. Incorporate general trends or estimates: Approximate numbers can be used to represent overall patterns or general estimates when specific data is not available. This allows the author to still provide some statistical evidence or support their claims, even if precise values are not obtainable.
4. Highlight uncertainty: Mixing exact and approximate numbers can also help the author acknowledge the limitations of the data or statistical analysis. It suggests that not all information is exact, and there may be some level of uncertainty or variability in the statistics being presented.
5. Simplify complex information: Using a combination of exact and approximate numbers can make the statistical information more accessible to a wider audience. It allows the author to present key findings or trends without overwhelming readers with excessive details or technical complexities.
Overall, mixing exact and approximate numbers in a contribution to statistics can effectively balance precision, credibility, and accessibility while acknowledging the limitations of the data.