“The condition number… is used to measure how sensitive a function is to changes or errors in the input… A problem with a low condition number is said to be well-conditioned, while a problem with a high condition number is said to be ill-conditioned. In non-mathematical terms, an ill-conditioned problem is one where, for a small change in the inputs (the independent variables or the right-hand-side of an equation) there is a large change in the answer or dependent variable” (From “Condition number“, Wikipedia, retrieved 6/3/20, italics added to highlight the main answer to the opening question).
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Disclaimer:
I am not a professional in this field, nor do I claim to know all of the jargon that is typically used in this field. I am not summarizing my sources; I simply read from a variety of websites until I feel like I understand enough about a topic to move on to what I actually wanted to learn. If I am inaccurate in what I say or you know a better, simpler way to explain a concept, I would be happy to hear from you :).
