What is systematic error and how does it differ from random error, affecting error calculations?

Systematic error is a consistent bias in measurements, causing them to deviate from the true value in a predictable way. Random error is unpredictable fluctuations in measurements due to uncontrollable factors. Systematic errors can often be identified and corrected, while random errors can be reduced by taking multiple measurements and averaging them. Error formulas primarily address random errors, but understanding systematic errors is crucial for interpreting the results.