Final answer:
To estimate 3 x 272, round 272 to 270 and multiply by 3 to get 810. The exact multiplication of 3 x 272 is 816. Remember to match the answer's precision to the least precise number when using inexact values.
Step-by-step explanation:
To estimate the value of 3 x 272, we can round 272 to the nearest ten, which gives us 270. Multiplying 3 by 270, we get 810. This is a quick estimation. However, for the exact answer, we multiply 3 by 272 exactly, which equals 816.
It's important to note that when using inexact numbers in calculations, such as 180, 16, and 2.20, the final answer should have the same number of significant figures as the number with the least in the original calculation. For instance, if we multiply 76.4 (with three significant figures) by 180.4 (with four significant figures), we get 13,800 when rounded to three significant figures as the final answer.
The concept of significant figures is crucial in providing precise measurement and calculation outcomes. The answer must match the precision of the least precise number used in the calculation. This helps maintain the integrity of the data's precision throughout mathematical operations.