Let's solve the problem step by step.
Problem
We need to subtract 14.98 from 73:
\[ 73 - 14.98 \]
Step 1: Perform the Calculation
Using a calculator, we can find the result:
\[ 73 - 14.98 = 58.02 \]
Step 2: Identify Significant Digits
Now, we will determine the number of significant digits for each value in the calculation:
-
73:
- This is a whole number and has 2 significant digits (the digits '7' and '3').
-
14.98:
- This is a decimal number and has 4 significant digits (the digits '1', '4', '9', and '8').
Step 3: Determine the Number of Significant Digits in the Result
When performing addition or subtraction, the result should be reported to the least precise decimal place of the numbers involved. Here, we analyze the decimal places as follows:
- 73 has no decimal places (or is equivalent to 73.00), so it is precise to the whole number.
- 14.98 has 2 decimal places.
The result must be rounded to the least precise decimal place from the original values, which is 0 decimal places from the whole number 73.
Step 4: Rounding the Result
The calculator result is:
\[ 58.02 \]
Since we need to round to 0 decimal places, we round 58.02 to 58.
Final Answer
- Calculator Result: 58.02
- Rounded Result with Significant Figures: 58
- Number of Significant Digits in Final Answer: 2 significant digits (the digits '5' and '8').
Summary
- Exact Calculation: 58.02
- Rounded to Significant Figures: 58
- Number of Significant Digits in the Final Result: 2