In a cricket match 500 spectators are counted one by one. How many significant figures will be there in the final result?
Correct answer: D. 3
- A. 0
- B. 1
- C. 2
- D. 3
Explanation
The number 500 is a whole number and has three significant figures: the digit '5' and the two trailing zeros. Trailing zeros in a whole number without a decimal point are considered significant because they indicate the precision of the count. This is why option D is correct. Option A is incorrect because significant figures cannot be zero for a non-zero number. Option B is incorrect because '500' does not consist of only one significant digit. Option C is also incorrect because the zeros in '500' are significant, not just placeholders.
This question appeared on the ETEA MDCAT 2016 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.
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About Errors and Significant Figures
Measurement errors include random and systematic effects, absolute, fractional and percentage uncertainty, and the precision shown by significant figures. Questions apply rounding rules and uncertainty propagation in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, while distinguishing accuracy from precision and uncertainty from an actual mistake.
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