Question

A scientist obtains the number 1250.37986 on a calculator. If this number actually has four (4) significant figures, how should it be written?
A)1251
B)1250.3799
C)1250.4
D)1.250 x 10^3
E)1.250 x 10^–3

Answer 1

Answer:

D

Explanation:

the zero is trailing with a decimal so it counts. A is wrong because you can't round up, C is too many SF and E is wrong because a negative exponent would give you .001250

Answer 2

Answer: D

Explanation:

Not A: You don’t round up to 1251 because 3 is less than 5

Not B: That’s more than 4 sig figs

Not C: More than 4 sig figs

D: 1.250 has 4 sig figs and 1250 is the correct answer

Not E: negative exponent makes it into decimal which is way off