physics question

Question

In 1973, Secretariat was the winning horse in the Kentucky Derby, at Churchill Downs, in Louisville, Kentucky. Secretariat ran 3011.68 m in 120.4 s. Calculate the average speed of the horse, and write the answer with the correct number of significant figures.

Select one:

a. 25.014 m/s

b. 25.01 m/s

c. 25.0 m/s

d. 25 m/s

Answer 1

Divide the distance by the time.

(3011.68 m) / (120.4 s) = 25.01 m/s (to 4 significant figures)

Answer 2

When you are multiplying or dividing, the number of significant figures in the answer is based on the number with the FEWEST significant figures.

3011.68 has 6 sig figs

120.4 has 4 sig figs

So your answer will have 4 sig figs

The answer is B, or 25.01 m/s