Final answer:
The difference between measuring a foot as 27 centimeters and 27.00 centimeters is in the precision of the measurements. The first suggests an estimated measurement likely made with a standard ruler without fine markings, while the second implies a more exact measurement, possibly with a tool that includes millimeter markings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between the two measurements of a student's foot being 27 centimeters and 27.00 centimeters lies in the precision of the measuring instruments used. In the first measurement with 27 centimeters, only the whole numbers are reported, which suggests that the instrument used could have been a standard ruler that does not have detailed millimeter markings. Because of this, only the length in whole centimeters is certain, while the tenths place is estimated. In the second measurement of 27.00 centimeters, the inclusion of two decimal places indicates that a more precise measuring tool was used, likely one with millimeter (which are tenths of a centimeter) markings. This allowed the student to report the measurement with greater specificity, showing that the length is not just 27 centimeters, but 27.00 centimeters, where the trailing zeros indicate confidence in the measurement up to the hundredths place.
It is important to select the appropriate measuring tool for the precision required. For everyday measurements, a standard ruler might suffice, but for more precise measurements, a tool that provides readings in millimeters or even smaller units would be necessary.