Baseline subtraction shifts the whole sample ledger before the average is reported. In this scan, the raw samples average to 8 volts, then subtracting a 2-volt baseline moves the average to 6 volts while the min-to-max spread stays fixed. Real baselines drift with electronics, temperature, calibration choices, finite samples, and uncertainty, so the offset is a measured correction, not a magic cleanup.
Baseline subtraction shifts the sample average while preserving range. Exact arithmetic here means exact results for the stated model inputs; measured inputs still carry uncertainty and significant-figure limits.
highlighted = computed this step
Zero baseline leaves the raw average in place
The raw samples average to eight volts before any offset is removed.
Vˉ=8V
Subtracting two volts shifts the whole ledger
The same raw samples now average six volts after the baseline shift.
8−2=6
The range stays fixed while the baseline moves the mean
All rows use the same raw samples. Baseline changes the average, but not the spread between min and max.