Question

Which solution contains the correct number of significant digits for the product 2.80 mm · 0.1 mm.

Answer 1

The product of 2.80 mm and 0.1 mm should be represented with one significant digit, as 0.1 mm has only one. Multiplying these values gives 0.28 mm², which rounds to 0.3 mm² to properly reflect the significant digits.

Step-by-step explanation:

A student asked which solution contains the correct number of significant digits for the product of 2.80 mm · 0.1 mm. After multiplying these two values, it is crucial to consider that the number of significant digits in the final answer should correspond to the value with the fewest significant digits used in the multiplication. In this case, 2.80 mm has three significant figures, and 0.1 mm has one significant figure. Therefore, the product should be rounded to one significant figure.

Let's perform the calculation:

• 2.80 mm · 0.1 mm = 0.28 mm²

Given that 0.1 mm has only one significant figure, our final answer should also have one significant figure, resulting in:

• 0.3 mm²

It's important to round up because the digit after the 2 is an 8, which is more than 5. Hence, the correct number of significant digits for the product of 2.80 mm and 0.1 mm is 0.3 mm².

Answer 2

2 significant digits should be represented in the product