Express the results of the following calculations with the correct number of significant figures. (f) 5.7 * 2.31

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.

Multiplication and Division Rules

When performing multiplication or division, the result should be expressed with the same number of significant figures as the measurement with the least number of significant figures. This rule ensures that the precision of the result is not overstated, maintaining the integrity of the data derived from the least precise measurement.

Rounding Rules

Rounding rules dictate how to adjust numbers to reflect the correct number of significant figures. If the digit to be dropped is less than 5, the last retained digit remains unchanged; if it is 5 or greater, the last retained digit is increased by one. Proper rounding is essential to ensure that the final answer is both accurate and appropriately precise.