If a frequency counter, with a time base accuracy of 10 PPM (parts per million) reads 146 520 000 Hz, what is the most the actual frequency being measured could differ from that reading?

The term PPM stands for 'parts per million,' which expresses the error ratio of the instrument's time base. You can calculate the maximum frequency difference by finding the value of 1 PPM and then scaling it. First, divide the reading of 146,520,000 Hz by 1,000,000 to find 1 PPM, which equals 146.52 Hz. Because the given accuracy is 10 PPM, multiply that base value by 10. This results in a maximum deviation of 1465.2 Hz. Common incorrect answers result from stopping at 1 PPM (146.52 Hz) or confusing the decimal placement when incorrectly converting between hertz and kilohertz.