Report quantities with accuracy appropriate to measurement limitations.
Round a measurement result to the correct decimal place
Problem
Compute \(12.4~\text{cm}~+~8.7~\text{cm}\). Round the result to the nearest tenth of a centimeter because the measurements were recorded to that precision.
Big Picture
What this problem is really about
For addition of measurements, align the decimal points and carry out the arithmetic before rounding. The least precise decimal place supported by the inputs controls the final report, so preserve that place and discard only finer digits; an estimate checks the sum’s magnitude without changing its precision.
Inside Gozunta
Turn the preview into practice.
More than a preview
Gozunta lets you study this problem—and more than 10,000 others.
Create targeted learning sessions, use hints, check your answer, read the walkthrough, watch the video, print the work, and track your progress.
