What is 18.96 x 2.03 rounded to two significant figures?

• A. 38
• B. 39
• C. 0.38
• D. 36

Answer: (C)

To solve the problem of rounding the product of 18.96 and 2.03 to two significant figures, first, we need to calculate the exact product.

Multiplying 18.96 by 2.03 gives us approximately 38.533, which we will round to two significant figures. Significant figures are critical digits that carry meaning contributing to its precision. In the number 38.533, the two most significant figures are '3' and '8'.

When rounding to two significant figures, we look at the third digit, which is '5' in this case. Since this digit is 5 or greater, we round the second significant figure '8' up to '9'. Therefore, the result rounded to two significant figures becomes 39.

This demonstrates the importance of knowing how to correctly round numbers based on their significant figures. The answer reflects this rounding process, leading to 39 as the correct choice.