College

Select the answer with the correct number of significant figures for the calculation:

[tex]\[ 31.580 + 4.26 = \][/tex]

A. 35.8
B. 35.84
C. 35.840

Answer :

To determine the correct number of significant figures in the calculation [tex]\(31.580 + 4.26\)[/tex], follow these steps:

1. Identify the decimal places in each number:
- [tex]\(31.580\)[/tex] has three decimal places.
- [tex]\(4.26\)[/tex] has two decimal places.

2. Determine the number of decimal places in the result:
- In addition, the result should have the same number of decimal places as the number with the least decimal places. Here, [tex]\(4.26\)[/tex] has the least number of decimal places, with two decimal places.

3. Perform the addition:
- Adding the numbers gives you an initial result of [tex]\(35.84\)[/tex].

4. Round the result to the correct number of decimal places:
- Since the number with the least decimal places is [tex]\(4.26\)[/tex] with two decimal places, we round the result [tex]\(35.84\)[/tex] to two decimal places to get [tex]\(35.84\)[/tex].

So, the answer with the correct number of significant figures for the calculation [tex]\(31.580 + 4.26\)[/tex] is [tex]\(35.84\)[/tex].