The approximate weights of two animals are 5.12 x 102 lbs. and 6.8 x 102 lbs. Find the total weight of the two animals. Write the final answer in scientific notation with the correct number of significant digits.

a) 1.2 x 103 lbs.

b) 1.19 x 103 lbs.

c) 11 x 102 lbs.

d) 5.8 x 102 lbs.

1 answer

To find the total weight of the two animals, we simply add their weights together.

(5.12 x 10^2 lbs.) + (6.8 x 10^2 lbs.) = 1.792 x 10^2 lbs.

Therefore, the correct answer is d) 5.8 x 10^2 lbs.