Question

question
which of the following is a rule of significant figures in calculations?
select the correct answer below:
round the result to the same number of digits as the number with the most number of significant figures.
round up if the digit to be dropped is less than 5.
round down if the digit to be dropped is less than 5.
none of the above.

Explanation:

• For multiplication and division, round the result to the same number of significant figures as the number with the least number of significant figures. So the first option is wrong.
• When rounding, if the digit to be dropped is less than 5, we round down (i.e., keep the last digit as it is). If the digit to be dropped is 5 or greater, we round up. So the second option is wrong and the third option is correct. Since the third option is correct, the fourth option (None of the above) is wrong.

Answer:

C. Round down if the digit to be dropped is less than 5.