Rounding Errors

One thing that is causing me a major headache currently, is having to handle answers that need to be rounded  to (n) amount of decimal places or significant figures.  The act of rounding these numbers is simplistic its self; however, the trouble comes, when you then need to start using the answers from those calculations, in later parts of the same question.

For example, recently, in my MST121 coursework, there was a question involving vector analysis, to determine the speed and direction of an object that has multiple forces, acting upon it.

The question involves approximately 14 different steps which are formulaic once you know how; however, you need to provide the answers to (n) decimal places.  However, you need to keep the answers in their full unadulterated form, for use in later calculations, as you move through varying component forms of those vectors.

Now, having dyslexia, has caused me a few problems with vectors already; and these rounding issues are no exception.  I do find myself getting lost in the middle of a calculation, due to the constant act of rounding up or down of answers, to fit what is required in the final answer, by the Open University Tutors.

Another silly little problem with vectors, is that they use the notation of either (i) or (j) to denote the two different components of the vectors.  Being dyslexic, I have always found that I mix up the letters 'i' and 'j'.  So, you can see, that this is a recipe for disaster when handling vectors.

I have now started to use Mathcad to check my written answers and catch those rounding errors or those little mishaps with 'i' and 'j', which does help in the long run; even if it does add to my workload slightly.