physics question

Question

On May 5, 1979, Dr. Hans Liebold achieved one of the highest average lap speeds on any closed-circuit racetrack. Racing in a Mercedes-Benz C111-IV experimental coupe in Nardo, Italy, Liebold lapped the 24 633.35 m high-speed track in 100.67 s. Calculate his average lap

speed, and write the answer with the correct number of significant figure.

Select one:

a. 244.694 m/s

b. 244.69 m/s

c. 244.7 m/s

d. 244.6940 m/s

Answer 1

Using division up to seven significant figure

I t works out to be

244.6942

rounding off the last digit

it is 244.6940

Answer 2

Hi Gin!

OK, your question is really about how many significant figures ("sig figs") you should use in your answer. Since this involves division, your answer should have the same number of sig figs as the number you know with the lesser precision. You know the length of the track to seven sig figs, and you know his time to five sig figs. Therefore, your answer should have five sig figs.

Cheers,

Joe