Download error analysis 2008

Error Analysis
Error Analysis
Error analysis is the process of carefully analyzing the mistakes you made on a major test and taking
responsibility for learning from your mistakes by correcting them. You can earn up to 100%credit on every
problem you missed.
Some general rules.
1. You must rework every problem you missed. Partial EA will not be accepted.
2. Error Analysis must be VERY neat. Typing is best.
3. Each problem should probably take one page so I want to see only one problem per page.
4. Generally you will have one week from the day you receive your test unless scheduling requires a
shorter turn around time.
The three steps of Error Analysis
Step 1
Write the instructions for the problem and the problem you missed, including any pictures. Rework the
problem from the test correctly. You must show me every step. If the problem has a diagram, draw the
diagram as well. You may add this by hand because it takes too much time to use a computer drawing
program.
Step 2
Find a sample problem from the text, notes, previous assignments and assessments that illustrates
and/or discusses the kind of problem you missed. Write down very specifically where you found the
correct information. If the text does not deal directly with your problem you will find it in the homework
exercises section or other work. Since we went over most problems, you should find the step by step
process in your homework corrections. Work this sample problem through showing all your steps.
Step 3 (This is the most important step.)
Here you must write a narrative in complete sentences describing the correct
process. Then describe what you did incorrectly the first time. If you had to get help, and I expect you
will need to get some help from someone, give that person credit here. Remember, your job here is to
convince me you now understand how to do the problem. If I’m not convinced that you understand,
you will not receive any partial credit.
Do not write “ I got the problem wrong because I didn’t study” or “Now I know how to do the problem”
Some examples:
From Chapter Test One (A vocabulary example)
Step 1
A _____________________ is used to measure angles in degrees. I wrote compass.
Step 2
Page 45 “Angles can be measured in units called degrees. A protractor can be used to
find the measure of an angle of an angle just as a ruler is used to find the measure of a segment.
Page 31 A compass is an instrument used to construct circles and arcs of circles.
Step 3
I always seem to confuse the compass and protractor. A protractor is a semi circular tool that has two
scales from 0 to 180. You put the middle of the protractor on the vertex of the angle and line up the side
to 0., then you can read the angle measure from the scale. A compass is the tool that draws arcs and
circles used for constructing.
Another example
Step one
7. Find the length of the segment with the endpoints H(2,-3) and J(26,7) .
d  (2  26)2  (3  7) 2
You can add this part in pencil by hand.
d  (24) 2  (10) 2
d  576  100
d  676
d  26
Step two
Page 31
P(3, 5)Q(4, 6) \
FindPG
d  ( x2  x1 ) 2  ( y2  y1 ) 2
d  (4  (3)) 2  (5  (6)) 2
d  (7) 2  (1) 2
d  49  1
d  50
d  7.07
Step three
I realize that you have to use the distance formula for a coordinate plane.
d  ( x2  x1 )2  ( y2  y1 )2
 x1  x2 y1  y2 
,
 and got (1/2,-5 ½) Length means find the distance.
2 
 2
I used the midpoint formula 
Important
If you have questions about your EA, ask me before you turn it in. I like to help you learn.