Calculate to the correct number of significant figures. a. (24.6681 * 2.38) + 332.58 b. (85.3 - 21.489) , 0.0059 c. (512 , 986.7) + 5.44 d. [(28.7 * 105) , 48.533] + 144.99

Key Concepts

Significant Figures

Significant figures are the digits in a number that contribute to its precision. This includes all non-zero digits, any zeros between significant digits, and trailing zeros in the decimal portion. Understanding significant figures is crucial for accurately reporting measurements and calculations in chemistry, as it reflects the precision of the data used.

Rules for Addition and Subtraction

When performing addition or subtraction, the result should be reported with the same number of decimal places as the measurement with the least number of decimal places. This rule ensures that the precision of the result is not overstated, maintaining the integrity of the data derived from the calculations.

Rules for Multiplication and Division

For multiplication and division, the result should be reported with the same number of significant figures as the measurement that has the least number of significant figures. This rule is essential for maintaining the accuracy of calculated values, as it reflects the limitations of the least precise measurement involved in the calculation.