Final answer:
To convert 87 kilograms to pounds, divide by the conversion factor of 0.45 kg/lb, then round the result to two significant figures, giving a final answer of 190 pounds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks to convert a person's weight from kilograms to pounds with attention to significant figures. Given a pound is approximately 0.45 kilograms, we can calculate a person's weight in pounds who weighs 87 kilograms. To do this, we divide the weight in kilograms by the conversion factor in kilograms per pound. Since we must respect significant figures, the conversion factor of 0.45 kilograms to pounds is known to only two significant digits, thus our answer should reflect the same precision.
The computation is as follows: 87 kg ÷ 0.45 kg/lb = 193.333... lb. However, since our least precise number is the conversion factor with two significant figures, we must round our final result to two significant figures as well. Therefore, the final answer, expressed with the correct number of significant figures, is 190 pounds.