Question

One number has three significant figures and another number has four significant figures. If these numbers are added, subtracted, multiplied, or divided, which operation can produce the greatest number of significant figures

Answer 1

Answer:

Addition

Step-by step explanation:

Let a=5.54 and b=5.566

a+b=5.54+5.566=11.106

Using significant rule of addition

a+b=11.11(4 significant figures)

b-a= 0.026

Using significant rule of  subtraction

b-a=0.03(Two significant figures)

$a\times b=5.54\times 5.566= 30.83564$

Using significant rule of multiplication

$a\times b=30.8$(3  significant figures)

$\frac{b}{a}=\frac{5.566}{5.54}=1.00469$

Using significant rule of  division

$\frac{b}{a}=1.00$(Three significant figures)

Addition can produce the greatest number of significant figures