Question

How do you round 32483 to 4 significant figures?

A) 32500
B) 3248
C) 32480
D) 3249

Answer 1

The number 32483 rounded to 4 significant figures is 32480. When rounding to a certain number of significant figures, look at the digit immediately following the last significant figure wanted and round accordingly.

Step-by-step explanation:

To round 32483 to 4 significant figures, we must first identify the first four digits of importance, starting from the left. They are 3248. Next, we look at the fifth digit, which in this case is a 3. Since 3 is less than 5, we do not round up the fourth significant figure, and instead, keep it as is. Hence, the 3 in the hundreds place remains unchanged, and all subsequent digits to the right become zeros, if they are not already. Therefore, the number 32483 to 4 significant figures is 32480 (Option C).

Check Your Learning

1. 0.424 (to two significant figures) is 0.42
2. 0.0038661 (to three significant figures) is 0.00387
3. 421.25 (to four significant figures) is 421.3
4. 28,683.5 (to five significant figures) is 28,684

Note that significant figures play an essential role in the precision of measurements and calculations in science and engineering.