How many sigfigs in a sum when one of the numbers is a number without a decimal?

for example 2+1.32=3.32, or round to 3? since the rule for addition/subtraction of sigfigs is same # of decimal places as # with least places so, since the lowest is none..then answer is no decimal?? if you answer, please include credentials, thanks!How many sigfigs in a sum when one of the numbers is a number without a decimal?
Round it off to 3.





Imagine you and a friend are out, and you want to know how much money you have between you.


Your friend says she has $2. You have $1.32. If you take your friend at her word, then you have $3.32, but she may have some change that she didn't bother to mention. When you say that you have a total of $3.32, that is too specific. It implies that you know that you have EXACTLY that amount, when, in fact, you may have quite a bit more, if you could just get your friend to dig out her change.





I hope this helps!How many sigfigs in a sum when one of the numbers is a number without a decimal?
You're welcome! Report Abuse

My chemistry teacher explained it as this. Imagine a large map of the united states with the Pacific Ocean on the left and the Atlantic on the right. Put a number in the middle of the map. If a decimal is PRESENT a ';missle'; is fired from the PACIFIC Ocean and it goes through any zeros in the number until it reaches a number 1-9. The remaining numbers that have not been touched by a ';missle'; are the number of sig figs. If a decimal is ABSENT a ';missle'; is fired from the ATLANTIC Ocean and it goes through any zeros in the number until it reaches a number 1-0. THe remaining numbers that have not been touched by a ';missle'; are the number of sig figs.
just 3