To round 0.416666667 to 3 significant figures, we identify the first three figures as 4, 1, and 6. Since the fourth figure is 6, we round up the last significant figure (6 becomes 7). Thus, the final rounded number is 0.417.
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Identify the first three significant figures: 0.416.
Check the fourth significant figure: It is 6, which is greater than or equal to 5.
Round up the third significant figure: 6 becomes 7.
The number 0.416666667 rounded to 3 significant figures is 0.417 .
Explanation
Understanding Significant Figures We are asked to round the number 0.416666667 to 3 significant figures. Significant figures are the digits in a number that contribute to its precision.
Identifying Significant Figures The first three significant figures in the number 0.416666667 are 4, 1, and 6. The fourth significant figure is 6.
Rounding Rule Since the fourth significant figure is 6, which is greater than or equal to 5, we need to round up the third significant figure. So, 6 becomes 7.
Final Result Therefore, 0.416666667 rounded to 3 significant figures is 0.417.
Examples
In a science experiment, you might measure a value as 0.416666667 grams. However, your measuring equipment might only be accurate to 3 significant figures. Therefore, you would round your measurement to 0.417 grams to accurately reflect the precision of your equipment. This ensures that your reported measurement does not imply a higher level of accuracy than your tools provide.