You have a rectangle with a length of 5.2 and a width of 3.8. Which response represents the longest possible length and width of the rectangle with the appropriate level of precision

Question

3.3 and 4.7
3.95 and 5.35
3.85 and 5.25
3.8 and 5.2

Answer 1

To determine which response represents the longest possible length and width of the rectangle with the appropriate level of precision, we need to consider the significant figures of the given dimensions.

The length of the rectangle is 5.2 (which has two significant figures) and the width is 3.8 (also with two significant figures). Therefore, we want to find a response that matches that level of precision, which means we need values with two significant figures as well.

Now, let's analyze each provided option:

1. 3.3 and 4.7 - Both numbers have two significant figures.
2. 3.95 and 5.35 - Both numbers have three significant figures.
3. 3.85 and 5.25 - Both numbers have three significant figures.
4. 3.8 and 5.2 - Both numbers have two significant figures.

Since we are looking for values that are in the same range of precision as the dimensions of the rectangle (2 significant figures), we can eliminate options 2 and 3.

Now, we want to identify which of the two remaining options (1 and 4) encompasses the largest range while still maintaining two significant figures.

• 3.3 and 4.7 provides a smaller range than 3.8 and 5.2.
• 3.8 and 5.2 directly match the given dimensions of the rectangle.

Thus, the response that represents the longest possible length and width with the appropriate level of precision is:

3.8 and 5.2.