Which formula is used to calculate relative percent difference (RPD)?

The formula for calculating the relative percent difference (RPD) is crucial in various scientific assessments, including radon measurements, as it helps to understand the variation between two measurements relative to their average. The correct formula expresses the difference between two values as a percentage of their average. This is particularly useful in situations where comparing the precision and reliability of measurements is necessary.

Using the formula, RPD = (difference/average) x 100, allows practitioners to quantify how significant the difference is in relation to the average value of the two measurements. It effectively provides insight on the variability in the results, which is essential in environments like radon measurement, where accuracy is critical for health and safety assessments.

In practice, this means you would take the absolute difference between two measured values (for example, radon levels), divide that by the average of those two values, and multiply by 100 to convert it into a percentage. This approach helps highlight the degree of variation and helps in making informed decisions regarding the data at hand.