Answer :
To determine the correct number of significant figures for the calculation [tex]\(31.580 + 4.26\)[/tex], we follow these steps:
1. Identify the Decimal Places:
- The number 31.580 has three decimal places.
- The number 4.26 has two decimal places.
2. Perform the Addition:
- Add the two numbers: [tex]\(31.580 + 4.26 = 35.84\)[/tex].
3. Determine the Number of Decimal Places:
- The result of the addition should have the same number of decimal places as the number with the least decimal places involved in the addition. Here, the number 4.26 has the fewest decimal places (two decimal places).
4. Round If Necessary:
- The sum, which is 35.84, already has two decimal places, so no further rounding is needed.
Therefore, the answer with the correct number of significant figures is 35.84.
1. Identify the Decimal Places:
- The number 31.580 has three decimal places.
- The number 4.26 has two decimal places.
2. Perform the Addition:
- Add the two numbers: [tex]\(31.580 + 4.26 = 35.84\)[/tex].
3. Determine the Number of Decimal Places:
- The result of the addition should have the same number of decimal places as the number with the least decimal places involved in the addition. Here, the number 4.26 has the fewest decimal places (two decimal places).
4. Round If Necessary:
- The sum, which is 35.84, already has two decimal places, so no further rounding is needed.
Therefore, the answer with the correct number of significant figures is 35.84.