[Mary 2496]

I have noticed that my computer calculator at home, computer calculator at work (different model), and phone calculator all can vary anywhere from cents to $1 based on the calculation. I assume this could be true for the exam calculators on the computer. I just started to think about this. Does anyone know if there is leeway for rounding due to these potential differences in sim answers?

[Anonymous]

I think I remember the computer calculators going out several decimal places. As long as you don't round and then use a rounded number in further calculations, you should be fine.

Short story: Use the precise numbers throughout the process and round at the very end. 🙂

[Mary 2496]

Right … that's what I'm saying, though. If I am rounding at home on certain calculations, I get something like 64.4222 but if I do the same problem on my phone calculator, I get 64.503. I noticed a few times there have been small differences. If I use 64.503 rounded to 65 instead of rounding 64.42 to 64, I wonder if I lose points. I just wondered if anyone knows how the AICPA could take differences from margin of error into account on sims answer numbers.

Been up way too long, may be over-thinking this.

[Anonymous]

The answers on two different calculator should only differ in precision not accuracy… I don't know why you would get two different answers. I think there is something else in play here. I get it if you are saying one gives you an output of 64.4222 and the other gives you 64.42. Two different calculators should never give you different answers though.

If you're getting solutions from different calculators that are actually different and not just more or less precise, I think it's because you are entering manually rounded numbers. If you ever question the integrity of one of your machines, you can always type the equation into excel. It will give you a very precise answer. As far as the test goes, make sure any of your inputs are precise to 4 digits or so and I'm sure you'll be fine.

[Anonymous]

I think maybe I'm misinterpreting you here…

I am guessing that maybe you are entering very long equations with multiple steps and one machine is forced to round between steps to a less precise figure than another machine thus resulting in two answers that are actually different. I guess I could see that happening in theory. I think in practice that the REG SIMS are not going to be that lengthy in nature. I sure hope not, or I will lose points for just plain getting them wrong no matter the calculator.

[Mary 2496]

lol – and thanks for your answer.

[Author]

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