Interpretation: The following problem can be comprehended by the concept of measured and exact numbers.
Concept introduction: An exact number is the value which is known with a complete certainty. Exact number contains countless number with significant figures. Yet it doesn’t constrain the number of significant figures in the calculation. It also doesn’t contribute to any uncertainty in the calculation. On the other hand, measured numbers are estimated quantities which are estimated to a certain number of significant figures without the advantage of any natural unit. Measured number is the number which is acquired when a quantity is evaluated by utilizing a measuring device.
Given: We are given that a balance measures the mass up to 0.001 g. When we weigh an object of mass 30 g, we might record it as 30 g, 31 g, 31.2 g, 31.16 g, 31.16 g, or 31.075 g. We are asked to find what would be the appropriate reading and explain the reason for the choice of answer.
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