Compute the following and determine the correct number of significant figures in the answer for the image below:

• A. 9.994×10²¹
• B. 9.990×10²¹
• C. 1.002×10²²
• D. 1.004×10²²

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. First, solve the expression inside the parentheses in the numerator: (49.37 + 0.0063 + 897.10). Add these numbers together, keeping in mind the rules for significant figures in addition, which state that the result should have the same number of decimal places as the number with the fewest decimal places.
2. Next, solve the expression inside the parentheses in the numerator: (87.001 × 10^2). Multiply 87.001 by 100 (since 10^2 = 100), and remember to apply the rules for significant figures in multiplication, which state that the result should have the same number of significant figures as the number with the fewest significant figures.
3. Multiply the result from step 2 by 9.0287. Again, apply the rules for significant figures in multiplication.
4. Add the results from step 1 and step 3 together to complete the numerator. Use the rules for significant figures in addition.
5. In the denominator, solve the expression: (403.0 × 10^-19) + (-16 × 10^-20). Convert both terms to the same power of ten if necessary, and then add them together, keeping in mind the rules for significant figures in addition. Finally, divide the result from the numerator by the result from the denominator, applying the rules for significant figures in division.