Perform the following calculation to the right number of sig figs:
[(1.7 × 10⁶) ÷ (2.63 × 10⁵)] + 6.96

• A. 13.46
• B. 13.0
• C. 13.5
• D. 14.2
• E. 4.471

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by performing the division operation. Divide \(1.7 \times 10^6\) by \(2.63 \times 10^5\). When dividing numbers in scientific notation, divide the coefficients (1.7 and 2.63) and subtract the exponents (6 and 5).
2. Step 2: Calculate the division of the coefficients: \(\frac{1.7}{2.63}\). This will give you a decimal value.
3. Step 3: Subtract the exponents: \(6 - 5 = 1\). This means the result of the division will be multiplied by \(10^1\).
4. Step 4: Add the result from the division to 6.96. Ensure that you maintain the correct number of significant figures based on the least precise measurement.
5. Step 5: Round the final result to the correct number of significant figures. The number of significant figures in the final answer should be determined by the number with the least significant figures used in the addition step.