To report the answer with the correct number of significant figures in the given calculation, Juana should round to the same decimal place as the least precise number, which is 5.0 with 2 significant figures. The correct answer is 14.2.
Break down the calculation considering significant figures.
Given:
6.05 (three significant figures)
3.156 (four significant figures)
5.0 (two significant figures)
When performing addition or subtraction, the answer should be reported with the same number of decimal places as the least precise measurement.
Here's the calculation:
6.05 +
3.156 +
5.0 +
_____
14.206
Each number contributes to the total sum, and the sum of these numbers results in 14.206.
To determine the appropriate number of significant figures for the sum:
- 6.05 has three significant figures after the decimal.
- 3.156 has four significant figures after the decimal.
- 5.0 has one significant figure after the decimal.
The least number of decimal places among the numbers is one (from 5.0). Therefore, considering significant figures, the answer should be rounded to one decimal place:
14.206 rounded to one decimal place is 14.2.
So, among the options provided:
c. 14.2
Question:
Juana performs the calculation below.
6.05 + 3.156 + 5.0
How should she report the answer using the correct number of significant figures?
a. 14.206
b. 14.21
c. 14.2
d. 14