College

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

\[ 31.580 + 4.26 = \]

A. 35.8
B. 35.84
C. 35.840

Answer :

To solve the addition problem [tex]\(31.580 + 4.26\)[/tex] and determine the correct number of significant figures, follow these steps:

1. Identify the Number of Decimal Places:
- [tex]\(31.580\)[/tex] has 3 decimal places.
- [tex]\(4.26\)[/tex] has 2 decimal places.

2. Perform the Addition:
- Add the numbers: [tex]\(31.580 + 4.26 = 35.840\)[/tex].

3. Determine the Correct Number of Decimal Places:
- When you add or subtract numbers, the result should be rounded to the least number of decimal places in any of the numbers being added or subtracted.
- Since [tex]\(4.26\)[/tex] has the smallest number of decimal places (2 decimal places), the result should be rounded to 2 decimal places.

4. Round the Result:
- The unrounded result is [tex]\(35.840\)[/tex].
- Rounded to 2 decimal places, the result is [tex]\(35.84\)[/tex].

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