What answer should be reported, with the correct number of significant figures, for the following calculation? 1.682 × 10^-3+ 4.311 × 10^-2 A) 4.44792 × 10^-2 B) 4.44792 × 10^-3 C) 4.48 × 10^-2 D) 4.479 × 10^-3 E) 4.479 × 10^-2

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

- Start by performing the multiplication and addition in the calculation: 
1.682 × 10^-3 + 4.311 × 10^-2 = 0.045479
- The least precise number in the calculation is 1.682 × 10^-3, which has 4 significant figures. Therefore, the answer should also have 4 significant figures. 
- The first digit after the decimal point is a 4, which is less than 5, so we round down the last digit in the answer. 
- Therefore, the answer should be 4.479 × 10^-2, which is choice E.

What Answer Should Be Reported, with the Correct Number of Significant