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  • Dec 4, 2009, 06:57 AM
    kesavan
    Basic measurement
    What is the most correct answer of 1.2*1.3
    1-1.56
    2-1.6
    3-1.5
    ...
  • Dec 4, 2009, 07:52 AM
    Perito



    If you are concerned about significant figures, I would say 1.6 since 1.56 rounds to 1.6. Each of the factors contains 2 significant figures. 1.56 contains 3 significant figures so it's "too precise", while 1.6 also contains 2 significant figures.
  • Dec 4, 2009, 09:16 AM
    kesavan
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Perito View Post


    If you are concerned about significant figures, I would say 1.6 since 1.56 rounds to 1.6. Each of the factors contains 2 significant figures. 1.56 contains 3 significant figures so it's "too precise", while 1.6 also contains 2 significant figures.

    1.56 or 1.6 is most correct?
  • Dec 4, 2009, 09:53 AM
    ebaines

    Perito gives a good answer. If you know that the 1.5 and 1.6 numbers are good to only two decimal places - then you only know the product of them to two decimal places, so 1.6 is the best answer. But, if you know that the figures 1.5 and 1.6 are precise, or at least that they are accurate to three decimal places (1.50 and 1.60), then 1.56 is the better answer.
  • Dec 4, 2009, 10:59 PM
    kesavan
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by ebaines View Post
    Perito gives a good answer. If you know that the 1.5 and 1.6 numbers are good to only two decimal places - then you only know the product of them to two decimal places, so 1.6 is the best answer. But, if you know that the figures 1.5 and 1.6 are precise, or at least that they are accurate to three decimal places (1.50 and 1.60), then 1.56 is the better answer.



    If anyone want more details please ask:confused:
  • Dec 4, 2009, 11:10 PM
    Unknown008

    Well, you got two very good answers. The way the question was out, your answer is 1.6.

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