Averages

Key point

The average is the best estimate for the quantity x based on the N measurements
- Also referred to as the mean

In an experiment, measurements are repeated many times. To find a single value, an average must be taken.
- These are the values used in graphing.
Averages are also used to estimate the uncertainty
- i.e. half the difference between the smallest and largest value (range).
  - This is called data uncertainty, and used to calculate the vertical error bars.
- Uncertainties are generally expressed in one significant figure
  - Having more significant figures show the level of confidence of an experimenter

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