Question

Using the rules for significant figures, what do you get when you subtract 15.54 from 508.9538? A. 493 B. 493.4 C. 493.41 D. 493.413 E. 493.4138

Answer 1

Answer:

C). 493.41

Explanation:

As we know that when we subtract the two numbers then the result must contain least number of precise value

or we can say it should contain least number of digits after decimal given in the question

so here we have

508.9538  =  it has 4 digits after decimal

15.54 = it has two digits after decimal

so here we will say that after the difference of two numbers the result must have two digits after decimal

so we have

508.9538 - 15.54 = 493.4138

now rounding it off for two digits after decimal

so it is 493.41

Answer 2

You get 493.41 when you subtract 15.54 from 508.953 using the rules for significant figures.

 

For addition and subtraction, look at the decimal portion (i.e., to the right of the decimal point) of the numbers ONLY. Here is what to do:

1) Count the number of significant figures in the decimal portion of each number in the problem. (The digits to the left of the decimal place are not used to determine the number of decimal places in the final answer.)

2) Add or subtract in the normal fashion.

3) Round the answer to the LEAST number of places in the decimal portion of any number in the problem.

 

 

The correct answer between all the choices given is the third choice or letter C. I am hoping that this answer has satisfied your query and it will be able to help you in your endeavor, and if you would like, feel free to ask another question.