Perform the following mathematical operations and express the result to the correct number of significant figures.
$\frac{(6.404\times 2.91)}{(18.7-17.1)}$

• A. 11
• B. 12
• C. 11.7
• D. 12.6

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the mathematical expression to be evaluated: \(\frac{(6.404 \times 2.91)}{(18.7 - 17.1)}\).
2. Perform the subtraction in the denominator first: calculate \(18.7 - 17.1\) to find the difference.
3. Multiply the numbers in the numerator: calculate \(6.404 \times 2.91\).
4. Divide the result of the numerator by the result of the denominator to get the raw answer.
5. Determine the correct number of significant figures for the final answer by considering the significant figures in each original number, then round the result accordingly.