43. When performing multiplication or division with measurements, how should you determine the number of significant figures in the result? - Sindh Board (stb)

                           

EXPLANATION

Question 43. When performing multiplication or division with measurements, how should you determine the number of significant figures in the result?

• a) Take the average of the significant figures in the original measurements.
• b) Round the result to the nearest whole number.
• c) Use the same number of significant figures as the measurement with the fewest significant figures.
• d) Count the total number of digits in the original measurements.

ANSWER: c) Use the same number of significant figures as the measurement with the fewest significant figures.

EXPLANATION:

The answer is (c), use the same number of significant figures as the measurement with the fewest significant figures.

When performing multiplication or division with measurements, the number of significant figures in the result is determined by the measurement with the fewest significant figures. This is because the uncertainty in the result is limited by the uncertainty in the measurement with the fewest significant figures.

For example, if you multiply 1.259 by 5.6781, the product will have 4 significant figures because 1.259 has 4 significant figures.

The other options are incorrect. Option (a), taking the average of the significant figures in the original measurements, is not a valid way to determine the number of significant figures in the result. Option (b), rounding the result to the nearest whole number, is not always accurate and can lead to errors. Option (d), counting the total number of digits in the original measurements, is not relevant to determining the number of significant figures in the result.