High School

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 solve the problem and find the correct number of significant figures in the sum of [tex]\(31.580\)[/tex] and [tex]\(4.26\)[/tex], follow these steps:

1. Understand Significant Figures in Addition:
- When adding numbers, the result should have the same number of decimal places as the number with the least decimal places in the operation.

2. Identify the Decimal Places:
- The first number, [tex]\(31.580\)[/tex], has three decimal places.
- The second number, [tex]\(4.26\)[/tex], has two decimal places.

3. Perform the Addition:
- Calculate [tex]\(31.580 + 4.26\)[/tex] which equals [tex]\(35.839999999999996\)[/tex].

4. Apply Rounding based on Decimal Places:
- Since [tex]\(4.26\)[/tex] has the least decimal places (two decimal places), we round the result, [tex]\(35.839999999999996\)[/tex], to two decimal places.

5. Final Result with Significant Figures:
- The final result, rounded to two decimal places, is [tex]\(35.84\)[/tex].

Therefore, the answer with the correct number of significant figures is [tex]\(35.84\)[/tex].