Significant Figures in the Result

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 84 views

Carry Out Each Calculation and Give the Answer Using the Proper Number of Significant Figures

In scientific calculations, it is essential to follow the rules of significant figures to ensure accuracy and precision in the results. Significant figures are the digits in a measurement that are known to be reliable and certain. In this article, we will carry out two calculations and provide the answers using the proper number of significant figures.

The first calculation involves adding three volumes of liquids in milliliters (mL).

${ 180.85 \, \text{mL} + 0.760 \, \text{mL} + 90.0 \, \text{mL} = \square \, \text{mL} }$

To add these volumes, we need to make sure that the decimal points are aligned properly.

${ 180.85 \, \text{mL} }$ ${ 0.760 \, \text{mL} }$ ${ 90.0 \, \text{mL} }$

Now, we can add the volumes by adding the corresponding digits.

${ 180.85 \, \text{mL} + 0.760 \, \text{mL} = 181.61 \, \text{mL} }$ ${ 181.61 \, \text{mL} + 90.0 \, \text{mL} = 271.61 \, \text{mL} }$

Therefore, the result of the calculation is:

${ 180.85 \, \text{mL} + 0.760 \, \text{mL} + 90.0 \, \text{mL} = 271.61 \, \text{mL} }$

Significant Figures in the Result

To determine the number of significant figures in the result, we need to look at the least precise measurement. In this case, the least precise measurement is 90.0 mL, which has three significant figures. Therefore, the result should also have three significant figures.

${ 271.61 \, \text{mL} }$

However, since the result has more than three significant figures, we need to round it to three significant figures.

${ 271. \, \text{mL} }$

Therefore, the final answer is:

${ 271. \, \text{mL} }$

The second calculation involves subtracting two times in seconds (s).

${ 64.0 \, \text{s} - 23.0 \, \text{s} = \square \, \text{s} }$

To subtract these times, we need to make sure that the decimal points are aligned properly.

${ 64.0 \, \text{s} }$ ${ 23.0 \, \text{s} }$

Now, we can subtract the times by subtracting the corresponding digits.

${ 64.0 \, \text{s} - 20.0 \, \text{s} = 44.0 \, \text{s} }$ ${ 44.0 \, \text{s} - 3.0 \, \text{s} = 41.0 \, \text{s} }$

Therefore, the result of the calculation is:

${ 64.0 \, \text{s} - 23.0 \, \text{s} = 41.0 \, \text{s} }$

Significant Figures in the Result

To determine the number of significant figures in the result, we need to look at the least precise measurement. In this case, the least precise measurement is 23.0 s, which has three significant figures. Therefore, the result should also have three significant figures.

${ 41.0 \, \text{s} }$

Therefore, the final answer is:

${ 41.0 \, \text{s} }$

In this article, we carried out two calculations and provided the answers using the proper number of significant figures. The first calculation involved adding three volumes of liquids in milliliters (mL), and the second calculation involved subtracting two times in seconds (s). We determined the number of significant figures in the results by looking at the least precise measurement and rounded the results to the correct number of significant figures.
Carry Out Each Calculation and Give the Answer Using the Proper Number of Significant Figures: Q&A

In our previous article, we carried out two calculations and provided the answers using the proper number of significant figures. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to significant figures and calculations.

Q: What are significant figures?

A: Significant figures are the digits in a measurement that are known to be reliable and certain. They are used to express the precision of a measurement.

Q: Why are significant figures important?

A: Significant figures are important because they help us to determine the accuracy and precision of a measurement. They also help us to avoid errors in calculations.

Q: How do I determine the number of significant figures in a measurement?

A: To determine the number of significant figures in a measurement, you need to look at the last digit of the measurement. If the last digit is a zero, it is not a significant figure. If the last digit is a non-zero number, it is a significant figure.

Q: What is the rule for significant figures in addition and subtraction?

A: When adding or subtracting measurements, the result should have the same number of decimal places as the measurement with the fewest decimal places.

Q: What is the rule for significant figures in multiplication and division?

A: When multiplying or dividing measurements, the result should have the same number of significant figures as the measurement with the fewest significant figures.

Q: How do I round a measurement to the correct number of significant figures?

A: To round a measurement to the correct number of significant figures, you need to look at the digit to the right of the last significant figure. If the digit is 5 or greater, you need to round up. If the digit is less than 5, you need to round down.

Q: What is the difference between significant figures and decimal places?

A: Significant figures and decimal places are related but not the same thing. Significant figures refer to the number of digits that are known to be reliable and certain, while decimal places refer to the number of digits after the decimal point.

Q: Can I have more than three significant figures in a measurement?

A: Yes, you can have more than three significant figures in a measurement. However, in most cases, three significant figures are sufficient.

Q: Can I have fewer than three significant figures in a measurement?

A: Yes, you can have fewer than three significant figures in a measurement. However, in most cases, three significant figures are sufficient.

In this article, we answered some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to significant figures and calculations. We hope that this article has helped you to understand the importance of significant figures and how to apply them in calculations.

If you want to learn more about significant figures and calculations, we recommend the following resources:

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Significant figures are an essential part of scientific calculations. By understanding the rules for significant figures, you can ensure that your calculations are accurate and precise. Remember to always round your measurements to the correct number of significant figures and to use the correct number of decimal places.