Chapter 2, Problem 106A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The measurement which is correctly recorded needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

Unit conversion is defined as a multi-step process involving division or multiplication by a numerical factor, rounding and selection of correct number of significant digits.

Answer to Problem 106A

The correct measurement is $\text{2}\text{.87}\text{cm}$.

Explanation of Solution

Given Information: The measurements of length of wire measuring using a meterstick are: $\text{3}\text{cm,}\text{3}\text{.3}\text{cm}\text{and}\text{2}\text{.87}\text{cm}$.

As the meterstick is millimeter marked which means the last digit must be estimated. All the measurements are in centimeter (cm) which indicates that the first digit after the decimal is to be millimeter (mm). Hence, the correct value is $\text{2}\text{.87}\text{cm}$

Conclusion

The correct measurement is $\text{2}\text{.87}\text{cm}$.