You should have used parentheses.
If the number is as I have divided it up.
(12.00000 x 0.9893) + (13.00335 x 0.0107)
then 12.000 x 0.9893 = 11.8716 and we can keep 4 places. Round that to 11.87.
Now 13.00335 x 0.0107 = 0.13914, then add them. We can keep two places to the right and no more; therefore, we have 4 places; i.e., the
11.87
0.14
------
12.01
6) How many significant figures should be retained in the result of the following calculation?
12.00000 x 0.9893 + 13.00335 x 0.0107
A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5
I thought it was 3, but it is 4. Can you please explain to me
6 answers
The above answer is wrong. 0.13914 should be only 3 sig figs because 0.0107 is only 3 sig figs. Then when you add the first multiplication problem, you will only have 3 sig figs total
Jon is correct with his thinking, but Dr. Bob222 is correct. You should do this in steps to see why.
(12.00000 x 0.9893) + (13.00335 x 0.0107)
Jon is correct. With multiplying numbers the number with the least number of Sig figs determines how many Sig figs are in the answer. In this case, 4 Sig for the left side of the equation.
12.000 x 0.9893 = 11.87
Again, Jon is correct. 3-Sig figs for the other side of the equation.
13.00335 x 0.0107 = 0.139
This is why Jon is wrong. When adding your answer has to be rounded to a place that has no more uncertainty then the individual numbers to be added that has the least amount of uncertainty. In this case, 11.87 has the least amount of uncertainty compared to 0.139.
11.87 + 0.139=12.009= 12.01. ===>four sig figs.
(12.00000 x 0.9893) + (13.00335 x 0.0107)
Jon is correct. With multiplying numbers the number with the least number of Sig figs determines how many Sig figs are in the answer. In this case, 4 Sig for the left side of the equation.
12.000 x 0.9893 = 11.87
Again, Jon is correct. 3-Sig figs for the other side of the equation.
13.00335 x 0.0107 = 0.139
This is why Jon is wrong. When adding your answer has to be rounded to a place that has no more uncertainty then the individual numbers to be added that has the least amount of uncertainty. In this case, 11.87 has the least amount of uncertainty compared to 0.139.
11.87 + 0.139=12.009= 12.01. ===>four sig figs.
Sorry, change least amount of uncertainty to most amount of compared in the above post. Your not allowed to edit posts on this form.
Sorry, change least amount of uncertainty to most amount of uncertainty in the above post. Your not allowed to edit posts on this form once posted.
noobs at significant figures .