Cindy measured and recorded the temperature of a liquid for an experiment. She used a poorly calibrated thermometer and noted the temperature as 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit. The actual temperature of the liquid was 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The percent error in her calculation is __________.

A. 5.79%
B. 4.08%
C. -5.79%
D. -4.08%

The percent error in Cindy's temperature measurement is calculated using the formula (|Approximate Value - Actual Value| / Actual Value) x 100%, which results in 5.79%. Hence the correct option would be option a.

Explanation:

The question pertains to the calculation of percent error in a temperature measurement. To calculate the percent error, the absolute value of the error is divided by the actual value and then multiplied by 100. The formula is: Percent Error = (|Approximate Value - Actual Value| / Actual Value) x 100%. Cindy's recorded temperature is 100.5 °F, and the actual temperature is 95 °F.

The calculation for Cindy's measurement is:

Percent Error = (|100.5 - 95| / 95) x 100%

Percent Error = (5.5 / 95) x 100%

Percent Error = 0.05789 x 100%

Percent Error = 5.79%

Therefore, the percent error in Cindy's calculation is 5.79%.