MCAT Math Question 2: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 2

2. How does the number of significant digits differ between 14,320,010 and 3.618000?

  • A. 14,320,010 has more significant digits than 3.618000
  • B. 14,320,010 has fewer significant digits than 3.618000
  • C. 14,320,010 has the same number of significant digits as 3.618000
  • D. A comparison cannot be made because the numbers are not both in scientific notation.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

Significant digits include all nonzero digits, all zeroes that are between nonzero digits, and trailing zeroes in any number with a decimal point. In 14,320,010 there is no decimal point; thus the last zero is insignificant and there are seven significant digits. In 3.618000, all of the digits are significant; thus there are also seven significant digits.

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