Suppose we have [itex]x[/itex] plates of wood of thickness [itex] (0.0150 \pm 0.0002) \text{ m}[/itex] and we wish to stack them into a pile of height [itex] (1.000 \pm 0.001) \text{ m}[/itex]. The number of plates [itex]x[/itex] required is then
[itex]x = \dfrac {1.000 \pm 0.001}{0.0150 \pm 0.0002} \, .[/itex]
How many plates will certainly fit in the pile? Well, the minimum value of [itex]x[/itex] is the number of plates we with certainty can claim will fit in the stack of wood-plates. [itex]x[/itex] is minimal when the nominator is at its minimum and denominator at its maximum. Thus
[itex]x_{\text{min.}} = \dfrac { 1.000 - 0.001 }{0.0150 + 0.0002} = \dfrac {0.999}{0.0152} \approx 65.7 \, .[/itex]
So, since [itex]x \geq 65.7[/itex] we can conclude that the least integral value of [itex]x[/itex] is [itex]66[/itex]. Thus the number of wood-plates that we can with certainty claim will fit are [itex]66[/itex] plates. Problem is that my book claims [itex]65[/itex]; please tell me it is wrong? It just cannot be correct; if [itex]x = 65[/itex] then the length of the stack will no longer be as required in the premises.
Note: I was unable to access the homework-section.
[itex]x = \dfrac {1.000 \pm 0.001}{0.0150 \pm 0.0002} \, .[/itex]
How many plates will certainly fit in the pile? Well, the minimum value of [itex]x[/itex] is the number of plates we with certainty can claim will fit in the stack of wood-plates. [itex]x[/itex] is minimal when the nominator is at its minimum and denominator at its maximum. Thus
[itex]x_{\text{min.}} = \dfrac { 1.000 - 0.001 }{0.0150 + 0.0002} = \dfrac {0.999}{0.0152} \approx 65.7 \, .[/itex]
So, since [itex]x \geq 65.7[/itex] we can conclude that the least integral value of [itex]x[/itex] is [itex]66[/itex]. Thus the number of wood-plates that we can with certainty claim will fit are [itex]66[/itex] plates. Problem is that my book claims [itex]65[/itex]; please tell me it is wrong? It just cannot be correct; if [itex]x = 65[/itex] then the length of the stack will no longer be as required in the premises.
Note: I was unable to access the homework-section.