Report quantities with accuracy appropriate to measurement limitations.
Identify overprecision in a measurement result
Problem
A rectangle has measured sides \(5.8~m\) and \(3.2~m\), each reported with \(2~\text{significant}~\text{figures}\), and a calculator area of \(18.56~m^{2}\). For multiplication, use the least significant-figure count among the inputs. Which complete response correctly applies this rule?
Big Picture
What this problem is really about
A calculator reports arithmetic digits, not guaranteed measurement precision. Find the least significant-digit count supported by the measured factors, compare that limit with the raw product, and round once at the end; any extra displayed digits may look informative but are not justified by the inputs.
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