Final answer:
The width of the piece of paper measured with a meter stick to the correct number of significant figures is 1.25 cm. When rounded to the closest provided option, it matches option B) 47.8 cm, which represents the measurement in centimeters to three significant figures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct way to express the width of a piece of paper measured with a meter stick, to the correct number of significant figures, can be determined by closely looking at the precision of the measuring tool used. As explained in Figure 2.4.1, when the width is clearly more than 1.0 cm but less than 2.0 cm and it is between the second and third tick marks, we consider the measurement to be at least 1.2 cm.
Without more precise markings, we then use our best estimation for the next decimal place. In this case, it is estimated to be halfway between 0.2 cm and 0.3 cm, which makes 0.25 cm when combined with the previous measurements. Therefore, the measurement with the proper number of significant figures is 1.25 cm.
Thus, among the provided options, the correct answer is B) 47.8 cm. It is clear that the answer should be reported with a measurement in centimeters, given that the measurement falls under the length of a meter stick (around 100 cm long) and is within the range that can be measured accurately with the markings on such a tool.
Finally, the given measurements should be reported to three significant figures according to scientific conventions for communicating precision.