In what way is the measurement 5.60 cm like 5.6 cm? How is it different?
Isn't 5.60 more precise than 5.6?
yes
The measurement 5.60 cm is like 5.6 cm in that they both represent a length of 5.6 centimeters. They are similar in terms of numerical value and the unit of measurement (centimeters).
The main difference between the two is the level of precision. When a measurement is written as 5.60 cm, it implies that the measurement has been taken with a higher level of accuracy or that there is more certainty in the measurement. The additional zero after the decimal point in 5.60 cm suggests that the measurement has been recorded to the nearest hundredth of a centimeter.
On the other hand, when a measurement is written as 5.6 cm, it implies that the measurement was likely rounded or that the level of precision is only to the nearest tenth of a centimeter.
In summary, both measurements represent the same length of 5.6 centimeters, but 5.60 cm indicates a higher level of accuracy or certainty in the measurement compared to 5.6 cm.
To understand how the measurements 5.60 cm and 5.6 cm are alike and different, let's first explore the concept of significant figures.
Significant figures, or sig figs, are the digits in a measurement that carry meaning and represent the uncertainty of the measurement. They provide information about the precision or accuracy of the measured value.
In the case of 5.60 cm, there are three significant figures. The zero after the 6 is considered significant because it falls between two nonzero digits and hence contributes to the precision of the measurement. Thus, the measurement has a higher level of precision compared to 5.6 cm, which only has two significant figures.
However, both measurements represent the same numerical value, 5.6 centimeters, which is the primary similarity between them. The difference lies in the level of precision or accuracy conveyed by the additional significant figure in 5.60 cm.