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. Identify the number of significant figures in each component of the calculation. For 1.7 × 10^6, there are 2 significant figures. For 2.63 × 10^5, there are 3 significant figures. For 6.96, there are 3 significant figures.
2. Perform the division: (1.7 × 10^6) ÷ (2.63 × 10^5). The result should be rounded to the least number of significant figures from the numbers involved in the division, which is 2 significant figures.
3. Add the result from the division to 6.96. When adding or subtracting, the number of decimal places in the result should match the number with the least decimal places involved in the operation.
4. Ensure the final result is rounded to the correct number of significant figures based on the addition rule, which is determined by the number of decimal places.
5. Review the options provided and select the one that matches the calculated result rounded to the correct number of significant figures.