ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Precision (arithmetic)

Precision in arithmetic means how accurately numbers are calculated and represented in a computer or a calculator. It's like making sure a cake is exactly the right size and ingredients. If the ingredients are measured correctly, the cake will turn out perfect. If not, it might be too small, too big or not taste very nice.

In math, when adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing numbers that have lots of digits, it's important to make sure the answer is as accurate as possible. Precision is like making sure those numbers are measured and calculated correctly.

For example, imagine you have four apples and you want to share them equally between you and a friend. If you don't cut the apples precisely in half, one person might end up with more than the other, and that wouldn't be fair.

Similarly, in math, if a calculator or computer program isn't precise in calculating numbers, the answer might be wrong, making the solution inaccurate. This can be especially important in areas like finance, engineering, and science, where even small inaccuracies can cause big problems.

In short, precision in arithmetic means being very careful and exact when calculating and representing numbers to ensure accuracy and correctness.