Question

Perform the following set of operations and choose the alternative that expresses the result to the proper number of significant figures. 3.45 x 10⁻² + 2.31 x 10⁻¹/0.044?

Answer 1

To perform the set of operations and determine the result with the proper number of significant figures, follow the rules for significant figures in mathematical calculations.

Step-by-step explanation:

To perform the given set of operations and determine the result with the proper number of significant figures, we follow the rules for significant figures in mathematical calculations:

1. Addition and subtraction: The result should have the same number of decimal places as the least precise value being added or subtracted. For example, 56.0 + 3.44 = 59.4 (rounded to two decimal places).
2. Multiplication and division: The result should have the same number of significant figures as the least precise value being multiplied or divided. For example, 0.00665 + 1.004 = 1.01 (rounded to three significant figures).

Applying these rules to the given expression, we perform the calculations step by step:

3.45 x 10⁻² + 2.31 x 10⁻¹ = 0.0345 + 0.231 = 0.2655 (rounded to four significant figures)

0.2655 / 0.044 = 6.034 (rounded to three significant figures)

Therefore, the alternative expressing the result to the proper number of significant figures is 6.03.