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Mathematics 13 Online
OpenStudy (anonymous):

Enter the answer to the problem below, using the correct number of significant figures. 4.56 - 2.008201

OpenStudy (johnweldon1993):

When adding and subtracting...and dealing with significant figures....you do the calculation as normal....however the answer you get....you must round to the number of decimal places as the number that has the LEAST amount of significant figures after the decimal place. in case that is confusing 4.56 (2 significant numbers after the decimal) 2.008201 (4 significant places after the decimal place) So do your calculation...and then round to 2 significant figures

OpenStudy (anonymous):

so it would be 6.56?

OpenStudy (johnweldon1993):

It was subtraction so I'm not sure why you added. however you have the correct number of places after the decimal...so do the subtraction...and keep 2 numbers after the decimal place

OpenStudy (anonymous):

2.55??!

OpenStudy (johnweldon1993):

correct

OpenStudy (anonymous):

yesss!

OpenStudy (johnweldon1993):

Just as a general rule for addition and subtraction with significant figures...your answer can ONLY be as precise as your LEAST precise (least amount of numbers after the decimal place) measurement.... your least precise number here was 4.56 so you can ONLY have 2 numbers after the decimal place

OpenStudy (anonymous):

okay... thanks!

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