Round to 3 significant figures.
$901.234$
Answer (2)
To round 901.234 to 3 significant figures, we identify the first three digits as 9, 0, and 1. The next digit is 2, which means we round down, resulting in 901 . Thus, 901.234 rounded to 3 significant figures is 901 .
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Identify the first three significant figures: 9, 0, and 1.
Look at the fourth significant figure (2) to determine rounding direction.
Since 2 < 5, round down.
The number 901.234 rounded to 3 significant figures is 901 .
Explanation
Understanding Significant Figures We are asked to round the number 901.234 to 3 significant figures. Significant figures are the digits in a number that contribute to its precision.
Identifying Significant Digits To round to 3 significant figures, we need to identify the first three significant digits. In the number 901.234 , the first three significant digits are 9, 0, and 1.
Determining Rounding Direction Now, we look at the fourth significant digit, which is 2. Since 2 is less than 5, we round down, meaning we keep the third significant digit as it is.
Rounding the Number Therefore, the number 901.234 rounded to 3 significant figures is 901 .
Final Answer Thus, 901.234 rounded to 3 significant figures is 901 .
Examples
In a science experiment, you might measure a value as 901.234 grams. However, your measuring equipment might only be accurate to three significant figures. Therefore, you would round your measurement to 901 grams to accurately reflect the precision of your equipment. This ensures that you are not implying a level of accuracy that your tools cannot provide.
