Chapter 2, Problem 109A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The value that determines the significant figure in the final answer needs to be determined if one multiplies $\text{602}\text{.4}\text{m}$ by $\text{3}\text{.72}\text{m}$.

Concept introduction:

The term significant figures can be defined as the total number of digits including the last digit whose value is undecided. When dividing, number of the significant figures should not exceed the least amount of the significant figures in both the values.

Answer to Problem 109A

The significant figure in the final answer determined by $\text{3}\text{.72}\text{m}$ i.e. the final answer must contain three significant figures.

Explanation of Solution

When dividing, number of the significant figures should not exceed the least amount of the significant figures in both the values. In other words, the number with lowest significant figure determines the significant figure in the final answer.

$\text{602}\text{.4}\text{m}$ has 4 significant figure while $\text{3}\text{.72}\text{m}$ has three significant figures. Hence, the significant figure in the final answer determined by $\text{3}\text{.72}\text{m}$ i.e. the final answer must contain three significant figures.

Conclusion

The significant figure in the final answer determined by $\text{3}\text{.72}\text{m}$ i.e. the final answer must contain three significant figures.