Can Maths Errors Be Life-Threatening? Why We Shouldn’t Trust Everything We Read
We live in a world driven by data and numbers. Whether it’s statistics on a website, information in a news article, or the latest health guidelines, we’re bombarded with numbers every day. But what happens when these numbers are wrong? In some cases, mathematical errors can be harmless, merely leading to misinformation. In other situations, these mistakes can be life-threatening.
In this article, we’ll explore why you should always question the numbers you read, even when they come from seemingly reputable sources, using examples from across various fields — including a detailed analysis of errors found on the Uswitch website.
When Maths Errors Are More Than Just Numbers
Mathematics is a universal language, but when it’s used incorrectly, the consequences can be severe. Here are some real-world examples where mathematical errors led to serious outcomes:
NASA’s Mars Climate Orbiter Disaster:
- In 1999, a simple mathematical error caused NASA’s $125 million Mars Climate Orbiter to crash. The engineering team used imperial units (pounds) instead of the metric system (newtons), leading to a miscalculation in the spacecraft’s trajectory. This mistake ultimately led to the loss of the entire mission.
Air Canada Flight 143:
- Known as the “Gimli Glider,” this flight ran out of fuel mid-air in 1983 because ground crews miscalculated fuel requirements, mixing up pounds and kilograms. This could have resulted in a catastrophic crash, but the pilot managed an emergency landing. It was a stark reminder of how critical precise calculations are in aviation.
Medical Dosage Errors:
- Hospitals and pharmacies often rely on complex calculations to determine dosages. A small error in these calculations can mean the difference between life and death. For instance, administering 10 times the intended dose due to a misplaced decimal point has, in the past, led to fatalities.
When Maths Errors Are Misleading: The Case of Uswitch
Now, let’s take a look at a less life-threatening but still significant example — the Uswitch “Home Ownership Statistics” page. Uswitch is a well-known website, trusted by many to provide accurate data on mortgages and financial trends. However, after a detailed review, several mathematical errors were discovered:
Misleading Classification of Homeownership:
The Uswitch page claims that “over two-thirds” of households own their homes, citing a figure of 65%. Mathematically, 65% is below two-thirds (66.67%). What’s particularly misleading is that this isn’t the only time they’ve done this. The page repeatedly uses the phrase “over two-thirds” when, in reality, the figures provided are just under that threshold.
Why is this misleading? It’s as though they are intentionally trying to push the narrative that the UK is doing better in terms of homeownership than it actually is. When a figure is so close to two-thirds, the more honest description would be to say “around two-thirds”. Using “over” when the numbers don’t back it up suggests a deliberate attempt to mislead readers into thinking homeownership rates are higher than they actually are.
Confusion Between Percentage Points and Percent Increases:
- The article claims that homeownership in England increased by 5% between 2011 (60%) and 2021 (65%). In reality, this is a 5 percentage point increase, not a true 5% increase. The relative increase is actually closer to 8.3%. Misstating these figures can exaggerate trends, influencing how readers perceive the housing market.
Inaccurate House Price Growth:
- According to the site, house prices increased by 10% from 2020 (£256,000) to 2021 (£271,000). However, a simple calculation shows that this rise is only 5.86%, not the 10% claimed. This kind of overstatement can mislead potential buyers into believing the market is heating up faster than it actually is.
Regional House Price Data Errors:
- The Uswitch article highlights that house prices in the North East increased by 9% in 2021, while official data indicates a 10.8% rise. Similarly, it claims prices in London rose by 3%, but the actual figure is closer to 2.2%. These discrepancies can lead readers to misinterpret regional market conditions, possibly influencing property investment decisions.
Why These Errors Matter
While the errors on Uswitch may not be life-threatening, they highlight an important issue: even trusted sources can get it wrong. When it comes to decisions like buying a home or investing, misinformation can lead to poor financial choices. This can cause real harm to individuals who rely on these numbers to make informed decisions.
The fact that Uswitch repeatedly described figures just below two-thirds as being “over two-thirds” is particularly concerning. It suggests an attempt to lead readers toward a specific mindset, subtly nudging them to believe that the housing market is in better shape than it really is. This raises questions about the intentions behind such misstatements.
Should We Trust Everything We Read?
The examples above highlight a crucial point: just because something is published on a reputable site doesn’t mean it’s error-free. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself:
Double-Check the Numbers:
- When you come across statistics that seem off, take the time to verify them using reputable sources or by doing a quick calculation yourself.
Question the Source:
- Even trusted sources can make mistakes. If a statistic seems exaggerated or too convenient, it might be worth digging deeper.
Understand the Context:
- Numbers can be presented in a way that supports a particular narrative. Look at the broader context to see if the statistics are being used accurately.
Conclusion: Numbers Don’t Lie, But People Do
Mathematics is powerful because it’s rooted in objectivity. But when errors are introduced — whether accidentally or intentionally — the numbers can mislead. From life-threatening situations like medication dosages and aviation fuel calculations to financial misinformation like on Uswitch, the consequences of mathematical mistakes can be significant.
The next time you read a statistic, don’t take it at face value. Question it, verify it, and ensure it aligns with other data before making any important decisions based on it. Because, as we’ve seen, even small mathematical errors can have large consequences.
What do you think? Should websites and media outlets be held more accountable for the accuracy of their numbers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
