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Root Mean Square Formula, Definition, Solved Examples

Root Mean Square Formula: The RMS formula calculates the square root of the mean of the squares of a set of values. For a dataset x 1 ​ ,x 2 ​ ,...,x n ​ ,
authorImageManoj Kumar4 Nov, 2023
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Root Mean Square Formula

Root Mean Square Formula: The root mean square formula is used to determine the square root of the total sum of squares of individual data points in an observation. It is known as RMS, it represents the square root of the average of the squared values within a dataset, also known as the quadratic mean. This RMS value can be extended to continuously varying functions by defining it in relation to the integral of the squares of instantaneous values throughout a cycle. In this context, the root mean square formula computes the square root of the average of the function's squares, defining the continuous waveform.

What is Root Mean Square Formula

Formula 1 In a dataset comprising "n" values represented by = x 1 ​ ,x 2 ​ ,x 3 ​ ,…,x n ​ , the root mean square formula is expressed as:

Root Mean Square Formula 

Formula 2 Expressing the root mean square formula for a continuous function f(t) defined within the interval T 1 ≤t≤T 2 , it is given as:

Root Mean Square Formula 

Root Mean Square Formula Solved Examples

Example 1 : Calculate the root mean square of the following observations: 6, 5, 4, 2, 8?

Solution: To find: Root mean square of the given observations.

Using the root mean square formula,

X r m s = √ x 1 2 + x 2 2 + x 3 2 + . . . + x n 2 / n

= (√ 6 2 + 5 2 + 4 2 + 3 2 + 8 2 )/ 5 =  5.196

Answer: The root mean square of the given values is approximately 5.196.

Example 2 : Calculate the root mean square of the following observations: 3, 8, 12, 4, 9?

Solution: To find: Root mean square of the given observations.

Using the root mean square formula,

X r m s = √ x 1 2 + x 2 2 + x 3 2 + . . . + x n 2 / n

= (√ 3 2 + 8 2 + 12 2 + 4 2 + 9 2 )/5 =  7.92

Answer: The root mean square of the given values is approximately 7.92.

Example 3 : Calculate the root mean square of the following observations: 1, 1, 1, 1, 1?

Solution: To find: Root mean square of the given observations.

Using the root mean square formula,

X r m s = √ x 1 2 + x 2 2 + x 3 2 + . . . + x n 2 / n

(√ 1 2 + 1 2 + 1 2 + 1 2 + 1 2 )/5 =  1

Answer: The root mean square of the given values is approximately 1.

Example 4 : Calculate the root mean square of the following observations: 0, 4, 6, 8, 10?

Solution: To find: Root mean square of the given observations.

Using the root mean square formula,

X r m s = √ x 1 2 + x 2 2 + x 3 2 + . . . + x n 2 / n

(√ 0 2 + 4 2 + 6 2 + 8 2 + 10 2 ) /5 =  6.57

Answer: The root mean square of the given values is approximately 6.57.

Example 5 :Determine the root mean square value of f(t)=t within the interval 2≤t≤5.

Solution: The objective is to find the root mean square value of f(t)=t over the interval 2≤t≤5.

Using the root mean square value formula for the given function f(t),

root mean square value

Root Mean Square (RMS) formula serves as a valuable method for determining the square root of the total sum of squares in a dataset, whether composed of discrete values or continuous functions within a specified interval. It calculates the square root of the average of the squared values, representing a measure of the effective magnitude or power in a set of observations.

This mathematical approach, applicable to various fields such as engineering, physics, statistics, and signal processing, provides a reliable way to gauge the magnitude of variability or the "effective" value within a dataset. Whether applied to discrete data points or continuous functions, the RMS formula offers a standardized metric for analyzing the underlying trends or properties of a dataset, offering insights into its characteristics.

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Root Mean Square Formula FAQs

What is the Root Mean Square (RMS) formula?

The RMS formula calculates the square root of the mean of the squares of a set of values. For a dataset x 1 ​ ,x 2 ​ ,...,x n ​ , it is given by X r m s = √ x 12 + x 2 2 + x 3 2 + . . . + x n 2 / n .

What does RMS represent in a dataset?

RMS represents the effective value or magnitude of a set of values. It's the square root of the mean of the squares and is useful for determining an equivalent constant value from varying data.

What's the significance of the RMS formula?

The RMS formula provides a standardized measure that reflects the typical magnitude or power in a dataset, particularly useful in various fields, including engineering, physics, and signal processing.

How is RMS used in electricity or signal analysis?

In electricity, RMS is vital for measuring the effective voltage or current in an alternating current (AC) system. In signal analysis, it helps determine the amplitude or strength of a varying signal.
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