Question

Trailing zeros (those at the end) are significant only if the number contains a decimal point; otherwise, they are insignificant (they don't count). How many significant figures in 5.640?

a) 2
b) 3
c) 4
d) 5

Answer 1

The number 5.640 has 4 significant figures.

Step-by-step explanation:

The number 5.640 has 4 significant figures. Trailing zeros (zeros at the end) in a number with a decimal point are significant, so the zero after the 4 is significant. Additionally, any zeros located in between significant figures are also significant. In this case, the zero between the 6 and the 4 is significant as well. Therefore, the number 5.640 has 4 significant figures.