Calculate to the correct number of significant figures. d. 532 + 7.3 - 48.523

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the numbers involved in the calculation: 532, 7.3, and 48.523.
2. Determine the number of decimal places for each number: 532 has 0 decimal places, 7.3 has 1 decimal place, and 48.523 has 3 decimal places.
3. Perform the addition and subtraction: (532 + 7.3) - 48.523.
4. Determine the number of decimal places in the result based on the number with the least decimal places involved in the calculation, which is 0 decimal places from 532.
5. Round the final result to the correct number of decimal places, which is 0, to ensure the answer has the correct number of 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 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 least precise measurement.

Order of Operations

The order of operations is a set of rules that dictates the sequence in which calculations should be performed to ensure consistent results. In the context of the given question, it is important to perform the addition and subtraction in the correct order, as this affects the final result and its significant figures.