Certainly! Let's break down the subtraction problem \(350.0 - 200\) step by step, focusing on the calculator answer, significant digits, and identifying the number of significant digits.
Step 1: Perform the calculation
Calculator Answer:
Using a standard calculator, you would input:
\[ 350.0 - 200 = 150.0 \]
Step 2: Analyze the significant digits
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Identify the number of significant digits in each number:
- 350.0: This number has 4 significant digits. (The "0" after the decimal point indicates it is significant.)
- 200: This number has 1 significant digit, unless otherwise indicated (e.g., it could be written as 200. for 3 significant digits, but in this case it’s not).
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Significant digit rules in subtraction:
- When subtracting, the result should be reported to the least number of decimal places of the numbers being subtracted.
- 350.0 has 1 decimal place.
- 200 has 0 decimal places.
Step 3: Determine the significant digits in the result
Since \(350.0\) has 1 decimal place, the answer should be reported to 1 decimal place:
\[ 150.0 \]
Final Result:
- Calculator Answer: \(150.0\)
- Significant Digits Answer: \(150.0\) (with 4 significant digits)
- Number of Significant Digits in the Result: 4 significant digits (same as the original number with the highest precision, which is \(350.0\)).
Summary
- Calculation: \(350.0 - 200 = 150.0\)
- Significant Digits:
- \(350.0\): 4 significant digits
- \(200\): 1 significant digit
- Final Answer with Significant Digits: \(150.0\) (means the result has 4 significant digits)