Question

Indicate the number of significant figures in each of the following:

A. 20.05
B. 2.37 X 10²
C. 1.460
D. 0.0462
E. 3040
F. 3.040 X 10⁵

Answer 1

A. 20.05 has 4 significant figures. B. 2.37 x 10^2 has 3 significant figures. C. 1.460 has 4 significant figures. D. 0.0462 has 3 significant figures. E. 3040 has 3 significant figures. F. 3.040 x 10^5 has 4 significant figures.

Step-by-step explanation:

1. A. 20.05 has 4 significant figures. All non-zero digits (2, 0, and 5) are significant, and the zero between 2 and 5 is also significant as it is between two non-zero digits.
2. B. 2.37 x 10^2 has 3 significant figures. The digits 2, 3, and 7 are significant, and the exponent does not affect the number of significant figures.
3. C. 1.460 has 4 significant figures. All non-zero digits (1, 4, and 6) are significant, and the trailing zero is also significant as it is after a decimal point.
4. D. 0.0462 has 3 significant figures. Non-zero digits (4, 6, and 2) are significant, and the leading zero is not significant.
5. E. 3040 has 3 significant figures. All non-zero digits (3, 0, and 4) are significant.
6. F. 3.040 x 10^5 has 4 significant figures. Non-zero digits (3, 0, 4, and 0) are significant, and the exponent does not affect the number of significant figures.