Source: Extra Practice
Three measurements are , , and . What is their sum reported to the correct number of significant figures?
Options
Option A
Option B
Option C is correct
Option D
Explanation
When adding or subtracting measurements, the result should be reported to the same number of decimal places as the measurement with the fewest decimal places. The given measurements are: (2 decimal places) (1 decimal place) (3 decimal places) The measurement with the fewest decimal places is , which has 1 decimal place. The sum is . Rounding to 1 decimal place, we look at the second decimal place (6). Since 6 is greater than or equal to 5, we round up the first decimal place. So, becomes .