Answer :
To solve the problem of determining the correct number of significant figures in the addition of 31.580 and 4.26, follow these steps:
1. Understand Significant Figures in Addition:
- When performing addition, the number of decimal places in the result should match the number with the fewest decimal places from the numbers being added.
2. Identify Decimal Places:
- The number 31.580 has three decimal places.
- The number 4.26 has two decimal places.
3. Add the Numbers:
- Add the numbers: [tex]\(31.580 + 4.26 = 35.840\)[/tex].
4. Determine the Correct Number of Decimal Places:
- Since 4.26 has the fewest decimal places (two decimal places), the result should also have two decimal places.
5. Round the Result:
- The result 35.840 should be rounded to two decimal places, which gives us 35.84.
Thus, the correctly rounded answer with the proper significant figures is 35.84.
1. Understand Significant Figures in Addition:
- When performing addition, the number of decimal places in the result should match the number with the fewest decimal places from the numbers being added.
2. Identify Decimal Places:
- The number 31.580 has three decimal places.
- The number 4.26 has two decimal places.
3. Add the Numbers:
- Add the numbers: [tex]\(31.580 + 4.26 = 35.840\)[/tex].
4. Determine the Correct Number of Decimal Places:
- Since 4.26 has the fewest decimal places (two decimal places), the result should also have two decimal places.
5. Round the Result:
- The result 35.840 should be rounded to two decimal places, which gives us 35.84.
Thus, the correctly rounded answer with the proper significant figures is 35.84.
