Question

Tyler measures the length of a line of paper multiple times. Which of these measurements is more precise? What makes the measurement more precise than the other?

a. 4.5 cm, it has more significant figures.
b. 4.0 cm, it has fewer significant figures.
c. 4.2 cm, it has more decimal places.
d. 4.8 cm, it has fewer decimal places.

Answer 1

The more precise measurement is option c) 4.2 cm, because it has more decimal places. Precision refers to the level of detail or granularity in a measurement. In this case, the measurement of 4.2 cm has two decimal places, while the other options have fewer decimal places or significant figures.

Step-by-step explanation:

The more precise measurement is option c) 4.2 cm, because it has more decimal places. Precision refers to the level of detail or granularity in a measurement. In this case, the measurement of 4.2 cm has two decimal places, while the other options have fewer decimal places or significant figures.

Significant figures are the digits in a measured value that carry meaning or contribute to the overall precision of the measurement. When determining the number of significant figures in a measurement, start from the first measured value at the left and count the digits through the last digit written on the right.

For example, the measurement of 4.2 cm has two significant figures, indicating that the measuring tool used can measure up to the hundredth place. Comparatively, the other options have either fewer significant figures or decimal places, making them less precise measurements.