QuestionDetermine the number of significant figures in the sum .
Studdy Solution
STEP 1
Assumptions1. We are asked to find the number of significant figures in the result of the sum . . The rules for significant figures in addition/subtraction state that the result should have the same number of decimal places as the number in the sum with the least decimal places.
STEP 2
First, we perform the addition operation.
STEP 3
Calculate the sum.
STEP 4
Now, we need to determine the number of significant figures in the result. The number2.7 has one decimal place, and the number8.520 has three decimal places. According to the rules of significant figures in addition/subtraction, the result should have the same number of decimal places as the number with the least decimal places. In this case, that is2.7, which has one decimal place.
STEP 5
Therefore, we round the result to the nearest tenth to match the number of decimal places in2.7.
STEP 6
Count the number of significant figures in the rounded sum. All non-zero digits are considered significant.
The result of the sum contains3 significant figures.
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