College

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

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

A. 35.8
B. 35.84
C. 35.840

Answer :

To solve the problem of adding the numbers 31.580 and 4.26, and then expressing the answer with the correct number of significant figures, follow these steps:

1. Identify the Number of Decimal Places:
- The number 31.580 has three decimal places.
- The number 4.26 has two decimal places.

2. Addition:
- Add the numbers 31.580 and 4.26 together. The sum is 35.840.

3. Determine the Least Precise Decimal Place:
- When adding numbers, the result should have as many decimal places as the number in the operation with the least number of decimal places.
- Here, 4.26 has the least number of decimal places (two decimal places).

4. Rounding:
- Therefore, the result should be rounded to two decimal places.

The answer, when rounded to the appropriate number of decimal places, is 35.84.