Final answer:
In addition and subtraction, the answer has the same number of decimal places as the number with the smallest number of decimal places in the original numbers. In multiplication and division, the answer has the same number of significant figures as the original number with the fewest significant figures. When performing mathematical operations in a series of steps, keep track of the significant figures and round off the final answer following the rules.
Step-by-step explanation:
In addition and subtraction, the answer has the same number of decimal places as the number with the smallest number of decimal places in the original numbers. For example, 13.2 + 12.252 = 25.452 is rounded to 25.5 to keep one decimal place.
In multiplication and division, the answer has the same number of significant figures as the original number with the smallest number of significant figures. For example, 1.35 x 2.1 = 2.835 is rounded to 2.8.
If mathematical operations are performed in a series of steps, keep track of the significant figures but do not round off intermediate answers. Carry as many digits as possible from the intermediate answers to the next calculation step. Round off the final answer following the above rules.