Chapter 1, Problem 9P

Multiply 3.079×10² m by 0.068× 10-¹m, taking into account significant figures.

To determine

The result of multiplication of $\text{3}{\text{.079×10}}^{\text{2}}\text{ m by 0}{\text{.068×10}}^{\text{-1}}\text{ m}$ , considering significant figures.

Answer to Problem 9P

Solution: $2.1{\text{ m}}^2$

Explanation of Solution

Given:

Multiply $\text{3}{\text{.079×10}}^{\text{2}}\text{m by 0}{\text{.068×10}}^{\text{-1}}\text{m}$

Calculation:

  $\text{3}{\text{.079×10}}^{\text{2}}\text{m = 307}\text{.9 m}$ -Has four significant figures.

  $\text{0}{\text{.068×10}}^{\text{-1}}\text{m = 0}\text{.0068 m}$ -Has two significant figures

  $\text{307}\text{.9 m × 0}\text{.0068 m = 2}{\text{.09372 m}}^2$

Round the answer to the shortest number of significant digits:

  $\text{307}\text{.9 m × 0}\text{.0068 m = 2}{\text{.1 m}}^2$

Conclusion:

The product $\text{3}{\text{.079×10}}^{\text{2 }}\text{m by 0}{\text{.068×10}}^{\text{-1}}\text{m}$ is $2.1{\text{ m}}^2$ .