How many significant figures are present in the number 70 (without any decimal point)?

• A. It is ambiguous without additional notation
• B. 0
• C. 2
• D. 1

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that significant figures (sig figs) represent the digits in a number that carry meaningful information about its precision.
2. Recognize that for the number 70 without a decimal point, the trailing zero may or may not be significant depending on context or notation.
3. Recall the general rule: trailing zeros in a whole number without a decimal point are ambiguous and often considered not significant unless specified otherwise.
4. Note that if the number were written as 70. (with a decimal point), it would have two significant figures, but without the decimal, it is unclear.
5. Conclude that without additional notation or context, the number 70 has an ambiguous number of significant figures, typically interpreted as having 1 significant figure.