Let's solve the problem step by step.
Problem Statement
Calculate \(23.4 \times 14\).
Step 1: Calculator Answer
First, perform the multiplication using a calculator:
\[ 23.4 \times 14 = 327.6 \]
Step 2: Significant Digits
Next, we need to determine the number of significant digits in each of the numbers involved in the multiplication.
-
For 23.4:
- This number has 3 significant digits (the digits 2, 3, and 4).
-
For 14:
- This number has 2 significant digits (the digits 1 and 4).
Step 3: Applying Significant Figures Rule
When multiplying numbers, the result should be reported with the same number of significant digits as the factor with the fewest significant digits.
- Here, 23.4 has 3 significant digits.
- 14 has 2 significant digits.
Since 14 has the fewest significant digits (2), the final answer must be rounded to 2 significant digits.
Step 4: Rounding the Calculator Answer
The calculator answer is \(327.6\). We need to round this to 2 significant digits:
- The first two significant digits are 3 and 2.
- Looking at the next digit (7), it indicates we should round up.
Therefore, \(327.6\) rounded to 2 significant digits is \(33\).
Final Answer
- Calculator Answer: \(327.6\)
- Significant Digits Answer: \(33\)
- Number of Significant Digits: \(2\)
Summary
- The original multiplication yields \(327.6\).
- Rounding to the appropriate significant digits gives us \(33\).