Question

The correct number of significant figures in the number 865,000 is:

1) 3
2) 6
3) 4
4) ambiguous
5) none of the above

Answer 1

The correct number of significant figures in the number 865,000 is: 3 (Option 1).

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the number of significant figures, consider that trailing zeros after a decimal point or to the right of a non-zero digit are considered significant. In this case, the absence of a decimal point indicates that the trailing zeros are not considered significant. Therefore, only the non-zero digits (8, 6, and 5) are significant.

The correct count is three significant figures. Option 1 (3) is the accurate representation of the number of significant figures in 865,000. Options 2, 3, 4, and 5 do not correctly reflect the significant figures in the given number.

Option 1 is the answer.