Final answer:
The standard divisor is used to apportion ultrasound machines based on the number of patients, representing the average number of patients assigned per ultrasound machine. Option (c) 0.0049 would imply the machines per patient ratio. Accuracy in recording significant figures is imperative in ensuring meaningful results.
Step-by-step explanation:
The standard divisor in the context of distributing ultrasound machines to different hospitals based on the number of patients signifies the average number of patients assigned per ultrasound machine. The standard divisor is a calculated value used to help allocate resources proportionally among various entities. For instance, if option (c) 0.0049 is the standard divisor, it represents the machines per patient ratio, which is used to apportion ultrasound machines based on the hospital's patient load. This value is critical in ensuring that the distribution of medical equipment like ultrasound machines is conducted fairly and based on quantifiable needs.
To calculate the standard divisor, we would need to know the total number of ultrasound machines available and the total number of patients across all hospitals. From there, we would divide the total number of machines by the total number of patients to get the machines per patient ratio, which, rounded to four decimal places, would give us our standard divisor.
In general, when performing calculations, particularly involving significant figures, it's important to represent the computed values accurately to reflect the precision of the input data. For multiplication and division, the rule for significant figures is to limit the number of significant digits in the result to match the least number of significant figures in any of the data being used. This consideration ensures the results reported are meaningful and reflect the actual accuracy of the measurements.