Final answer:
To multiply 5.08 by 1.2 with the correct number of significant figures, we round the calculator result 6.096 to two significant figures, giving us the final answer of 6.1.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve the problem 5.08 x 1.2 using the correct number of significant figures, we first need to identify the number of significant figures in each number. The number 5.08 has three significant figures, while the number 1.2 has two significant figures. When multiplying numbers, the number of significant figures in the result should be the same as the number with the least amount of significant figures used in the calculation.
In this case, since 1.2 has fewer significant figures (two), our final answer should be rounded to two significant figures. Performing the multiplication gives the calculator answer of 6.096. However, based on the rules of significant figures, we round this to 6.1, which is the final answer with the correct number of significant figures.