Question

What is the difference between Sig fig Multiplication/ Division & Addition Subtraction Rule?

a) There is no difference
b) The rules are applied in the same way
c) Sig figs are used differently in multiplication/division and addition/subtraction
d) The difference depends on the number of digits

Answer 1

The rules for significant figures differ in multiplication/division and addition/subtraction.

Step-by-step explanation:

In multiplication and division, the rule is to count the number of significant figures in each number being multiplied or divided and then limit the significant figures in the answer to the lowest count. For example, if you are multiplying 3.45 by 2.1, the answer should be rounded to two significant figures, resulting in 7.2.

In addition and subtraction, the rule is to give the answer the same number of decimal places as the term with the fewest decimal places. For instance, if you are adding 15.23 and 3.9, the answer should be rounded to match the term with fewer decimal places, resulting in 19.1.

Therefore, the correct answer is option c) Sig figs are used differently in multiplication/division and addition/subtraction.