Question

how many significant figures are in the number 9.80 x 10⁴?
2
3
4
ambiguous

Explanation:

Step1: Recall sig fig rules for sci notation

In scientific notation (\(a \times 10^n\)), significant figures are in the coefficient \(a\).

Step2: Analyze the coefficient \(9.80\)

Digits \(9\), \(8\), and \(0\) (the trailing zero after decimal is significant) are significant. So count: \(9\), \(8\), \(0\) → 3 sig figs.

Answer:

3 (corresponding to the option "3")