Accuracy and error analysis (was Re: [Maxima] primes)

[C Y , Fri, 13 May 2005 07:54:10 -0700 (PDT)]:
> For physical measurements the price of calculating error propagation
> MUST be paid, at least at the macroscopic error level - it is
> integral to getting a meaningful answer.

Of course, but this should be the result of an error analysis.  What
you get with significance arithmetic as in Mma is, however, largely
meaningless and, by being suggestive and ``looking reasonable'' in
many cases, actually harmful.  As long as the error terms of your
calculation or measurement are not understood, some work remains to be
done.  Automated and unreliable estimates, OTOH, are likely to induce
people to skip that part of the work.

Regards,

Albert.