Chapter 2.6, Problem 4QQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Significant figures in the number $\text{3}{\text{.2×10}}^{\text{3}}$ have to be selected from the given options.

Concept Introduction:

In scientific work, large and very small numbers occurs frequently.  But it is been observed that, to record these vast numbers or very small numbers is difficult because, the numbers may get missed while recording them.  It is time consuming and the possibilities of error occurrence are also high.  Hence to overcome these demerits, a method called scientific notation is used.  In this method the numbers are expressed in form of “${\text{A×10}}^{\text{n}}$ ^”, Where A is called the co-efficient, n is the whole number and 10 is called the exponential term.  This way of expressing is much easier and error free.  If the decimal number is 10 or greater than 10, then the exponent is positive and if the decimal number is less than 1, then the exponent is negative.  Only the co-efficient part of the scientific notation includes the significant figures.  In other words, the significant figures should only be counted from the co-efficient part and not from the exponential part.