Calculations

In general for assignments and laboratory work you may be required to present formal calculations or informal calculations. It is a good idea to present formal calculations unless the calculations are very short.

Formal Calculations

• format of formal written calculations
  • margins on top and both sides of page
  • writing on one side only
  • pages numbered and total number
  • title, date, name appear at the top
  • diagram included, variables identified and consistent in name with the rest of the report, final answers underlined with correct significant digits.
• example of calculation in correct format - (note this example is missing error analysis which is required in IB)
• Error analysis is generally done separately from the analysis calculation.

Repetitive or Computed Calculations

• Often for large data sets it makes sense to compute calculations with the use of a spread sheet or computer program. For computed calculations a sample calculation must be provided for one complete data set.

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