The density of a sample of metal is calculated using these three different sets of data: 1.2 g/mL, 1.4 g/mL, and 1.1 g/mL. If the true density of the metal is 1.2 g/mL, what can be said about these calculated density values?
The set is both accurate and precise.
The set is accurate but not precise.
The set is precise but not accurate.
The set is neither accurate nor precise.

Question

The density of a sample of metal is calculated using these three different sets of data: 1.2 g/mL, 1.4 g/mL, and 1.1 g/mL. If the true density of the metal is 1.2 g/mL, what can be said about these calculated density values? 
   The set is both accurate and precise. 
 The set is accurate but not precise. 
 The set is precise but not accurate. 
 The set is neither accurate nor precise.

matt101 · Answer

It is accurate (the calculated values are close to the true value) but not precise (the calculated values do not give the same number each time).