Round off the following quantities to the number of signifi-cant figures indicated in parentheses. (b) 1.605 km

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the number of significant figures required: In this case, the problem asks for rounding to a specific number of significant figures, which is not explicitly mentioned in the problem statement. Let's assume it is 3 significant figures for this example.
2. Determine the current number of significant figures in the given quantity: The number 1.605 km has 4 significant figures.
3. Round the number to the desired number of significant figures: To round 1.605 to 3 significant figures, look at the fourth significant figure (5 in this case).
4. Apply rounding rules: Since the fourth significant figure is 5, round the third significant figure (0) up by 1.
5. Write the rounded number: After rounding, the number becomes 1.61 km, assuming we are rounding to 3 significant figures.

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 ensuring that calculations reflect the precision of the data.

Rounding Rules

Rounding rules dictate how to adjust numbers to the desired level of precision. When rounding, if the digit to the right of the last significant figure is less than 5, the last significant figure remains unchanged. If it is 5 or greater, the last significant figure is increased by one. These rules help maintain the integrity of the data while conforming to the specified number of significant figures.

Measurement Units

Measurement units provide a standard for quantifying physical quantities. In this case, kilometers (km) is a unit of length in the metric system. Understanding the context of measurement units is essential when rounding numbers, as it ensures that the rounded value retains its relevance and accuracy in the specified unit of measure.