Chapter 5, Problem 35A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: From the given definition the significant figures to be calculated.

Concept introduction: Scientific notation is quantitative information is called a measurement and exists of a number and a unit. By using scientific notation too large or too small numbers are conveniently expressed.

Answer to Problem 35A

Number significant figures not limited by neither 1 nor 5280.

Explanation of Solution

Significant figures are first uncertain number plus all certain numbers.

Given 1mi=5280ft. The number 1 in 1 mi is an exact number. Exact numbers are derived from counting. In the calculation exact are not limits significant. From the given relation neither 1 nor 5280 limits significant figures in calculation. For example,

  $\text{52mi×}\frac{\text{5280ft}}{\text{1mi}}\text{=2}{\text{.74560×10}}^{\text{5}}\text{ft}$

  $\text{9281ft×}\frac{\text{1mi}}{\text{5280}}\text{=1}\text{.758mi}$

Number significant figures not limited by neither 1 nor 5280 for above calculation.

Conclusion

Inherent uncertainty of the measuring device determines number of significant figures for a given measurement.