Final answer:
The student's question involves calculating the percentage of M&Ms that fall within a specified weight range, considering the accuracy and potential systematic error of the measuring instrument used to weigh the M&Ms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to determining the actual percentage of M&Ms that have a mass within a specified range. To accomplish this, one would typically use a scale to measure the mass of individual M&Ms to ensure precision. Depending on the accuracy of the scale, which could be to the nearest tenth of a gram, one gram, or even ten grams, the mass readings can differ.
As with any measurement, there is always some degree of uncertainty or error. This measurement error needs to be considered when calculating the percentage of M&Ms within the given weight range. If significant figures are reported, the last digit is the estimated digit, and the uncertainty must be taken into account.
For example, if a scale that measures to the nearest gram displays a reading of 1573 g for a dozen oranges, the actual mass may be anywhere in the range of 1572.5 g to 1573.4 g. Similarly, when measuring the mass of M&Ms, if you measure one M&M and it weighs 2 g according to your scale, the actual mass could be between 1.95 g and 2.04 g if the scale has a systematic error of 1 g.