When multiplying several quantities, the number of significant digits in the result must always be
A) larger than the number of significant digits in the most accurate of the quantities.
B) equal to the number of significant digits in the most accurate of the quantities.
C) equal to the average number of significant digits in the most and least accurate of the quantities.
D) equal to the number of significant digits in the least accurate of the quantities.
E) smaller than the number of significant digits in the least accurate of the quantities.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When multiplying several quantities, the number of significant digits in the result must always be equal to the number of significant digits in the least accurate of the quantities. This is because the accuracy of the result cannot be greater than the accuracy of the least accurate input. For example, if we multiply 2.13 (three significant digits) by 6.2 (two significant digits), the result cannot be more accurate than 6.0 (one significant digit).

When Multiplying Several Quantities, the Number of Significant Digits in the Result