The spelling of the phrase "numeric error" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The initial sound is "nju-" (/njuː/), which is pronounced like "new" without the "w". The following sound is "m" (/m/), which is pronounced by pressing the lips together and exhaling. The third sound is "er" (/ɛr/), which is pronounced like the word "air". Finally, the word ends with "ic" (/ɪk/), which is pronounced like "ick". So "numeric error" is pronounced /njuː.mɛr.ɪk ɛrər/.
A numeric error refers to a mistake or inaccuracy that occurs in numerical calculations or computations. It commonly arises in the fields of mathematics, statistics, engineering, and computer science, where precise and accurate numerical analysis is crucial. Numeric errors can manifest in various ways and are typically divided into two broad categories: absolute errors and relative errors.
Absolute errors represent the discrepancy between the actual or exact numerical value and the calculated or estimated value. This type of error highlights the difference between the precise outcome and the measured or computed result. In contrast, relative errors provide a measure of the error with respect to the relative size or scale of the values being considered. This type of error is often expressed as a percentage or a proportion.
Numeric errors can be attributed to a range of factors, such as round-off errors, truncation errors, approximation errors, and limitations of numerical algorithms or methods. Round-off errors occur due to the finite precision of numerical representations, especially in floating-point arithmetic, resulting in small discrepancies between the real value and its approximation. Truncation errors arise when approximations are made by neglecting higher-order terms in computations, leading to incomplete or truncated calculations. Approximation errors occur when simplified models or assumptions are used instead of precise values or exact formulas. Additionally, numerical algorithms and methods may introduce errors due to convergence issues, iterative processes, or limitations in computational resources.
Efforts to minimize numeric errors include employing more accurate numerical methods, using higher precision arithmetic, carefully managing approximations or assumptions, and validating calculations through cross-checking or benchmarking techniques.
The word "numeric error" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two terms: "numeric" and "error".
"Numeric" is derived from the Latin word "numerus" which means "number". It entered English through the Middle French word "numérique" and has been in use since the early 17th century.
"Error" comes from the Latin word "error" which means "wandering" or "straying from the right path". It has been used in English since the 14th century.
When combined, "numeric error" refers to a mistake or discrepancy in numerical or numeric-based calculations or data.