Source: Extra Practice

A length is measured as 2.308 cm2.308\text{ cm}. Which of the following expressions represents this measurement in different units while maintaining the correct number of significant figures?

Options

Option A is correct

0.02308 m0.02308\text{ m}

Option B

23.080 mm23.080\text{ mm}

Option C

23080 μm23080\ \mu\text{m}

Option D

0.000023080 km0.000023080\text{ km}

Explanation

A change of units does not change the number of significant figures in a measurement. The original value 2.308 cm2.308\text{ cm} has 4 significant figures. In 0.02308 m0.02308\text{ m}, the leading zeros are not significant, keeping the significant figures at 4. The other options change the precision and have 5 significant figures (e.g., 23.080 mm23.080\text{ mm} and 0.000023080 km0.000023080\text{ km} contain an extra trailing zero, which is significant).