Deciphering the Precision- Determining Significant Figures in the Difference Between 218.7201 and 218.63

How many significant figures does the difference 218.7201 – 218.63 contain?

In scientific calculations, determining the number of significant figures in a difference is crucial for maintaining accuracy and precision. The difference between two numbers is calculated by subtracting the smaller number from the larger one. However, the number of significant figures in the result depends on the rules of significant figures in subtraction.

To find the number of significant figures in the difference 218.7201 – 218.63, we first need to identify the least precise number in the calculation. In this case, 218.63 has one less decimal place than 218.7201, making it the less precise number.

According to the rules of significant figures in subtraction, the result should have the same number of decimal places as the least precise number. Therefore, the difference should be rounded to one decimal place.

Now, let’s perform the subtraction:

218.7201 – 218.63 = 0.0901

Since the least precise number has one decimal place, the difference should be rounded to one decimal place. Thus, the difference 218.7201 – 218.63 contains two significant figures: 0.090.