Give the result of the following mathematical operations to the correct number of significant figures. 5.659 * (3.496 - 2.814) =

The result is 3.859 in which we use four significant figures.

Explanation:

We start by solving the mathematical operation :

The result for the operation is 3.859438 but the numbers in the operation are given with four significant figures and that is why we are going to use four significant figures to express the result

To express 3.859438 with four significant figures we use the first four digits that appear from left to right starting by the first digit that is different to zero

In this case : 3.859 will be the result with four significant figures.

We also use a rule that says : To decide if the last significant figure remains the same we look for the value of the digit at its right.

If that number is greater than or equal to 5 ⇒ we sum one to the last significant figure

For example 3.859738 = 3.860 with four significant figures because the ''7'' is greater that 5

If that number is less than 5 ⇒ the last significant figure remains the same

In our case : 3.859438 = 3.859 because ''4'' is less than ''5''

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