Final answer:
To convert 5.4 x 10⁴ mL to liters, multiply by the conversion factor of 1 L/1000 mL, which results in 5.4 liters. This answer is provided with the correct number of significant figures, which is two, just as in the original measurement.
Step-by-step explanation:
To convert 5.4 x 10⁴ mL to liters (L), you need to know the conversion factor between milliliters and liters. Since 1 liter is equivalent to 1000 milliliters, you can set up a conversion that cancels out the milliliters and leaves you with liters. Here's how the conversion is done:
5.4 x 10⁴ mL × (1 L / 1000 mL) = 5.4 x 10± L
The milliliters (mL) cancel out, and we are left with the conversion in liters. Notice that when we divide by 1000, we are effectively moving the decimal point three places to the left. Therefore, 5.4 x 10⁴ mL is equal to 5.4 liters (L). When expressing the answer with the correct number of significant figures, as given by the original measurement (5.4), the answer remains two significant figures: 5.4 L.