Math Problem Statement
Distance Including significant figures
Solution
Let's include significant figures in the calculation.
Step 1: Determine the significant figures in the given data
- kilometers (4 significant figures)
- centimeters (8 significant figures)
Step 2: Convert to meters with significant figures
- Convert to meters:
(4 significant figures) - Convert to meters:
(7 significant figures, considering the conversion factor doesn't limit the precision)
Step 3: Calculate the distance with significant figures
Now, subtract the initial position from the final position, while respecting the least number of decimal places (which is 2 decimal places from ):
Step 4: Adjust for significant figures
The result meters has 6 significant figures. However, the distance calculated is based on the measurement with the least number of significant figures (4 significant figures from the meters).
Thus, we round the distance to 4 significant figures:
So, the person traveled 2740 meters when rounded to 4 significant figures.
Would you like further explanation or have any questions?
Here are five related questions:
- What is the importance of significant figures in scientific calculations?
- How would the result differ if the given data had more or fewer significant figures?
- Can you calculate the speed of the person with the given time and distance?
- How would you convert the final result back to kilometers using significant figures?
- How does rounding affect precision and accuracy in real-world measurements?
Tip: Always round off your final result to the least number of significant figures from the given data to ensure consistency in precision.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Significant Figures
Measurement Conversions
Rounding Numbers
Formulas
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Theorems
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Suitable Grade Level
Grades 9-12