Significant Figures Comparison: Statement A vs Statement B

When dealing with significant figures, it is important to understand how rounding off impacts the comparison of numbers. In Statement A, the number 2.567 km is rounded off to two significant figures, resulting in 2.6 km. On the other hand, Statement B presents the number 2.567 km to three significant figures, remaining as 2.567 km.

Based on significant figures, Statement A (2.6 km) is less than Statement B (2.567 km) because rounding off to two significant figures makes it smaller. This means that in the context of significant figures, Statement A is less than Statement B.

Now, when we consider the addition in Statement A and Statement B, the scenario changes slightly. In Statement A, we have (2.567 km + 3.146 km), which equals 5.713 km. However, when rounded off to two significant figures, it becomes 5.7 km. In contrast, Statement B involves adding 2.567 km (2.6 km when rounded) and 3.146 km (3.1 km when rounded), resulting in 5.7 km.

Therefore, in the addition comparison, Statement A (5.7 km) is equal to Statement B (5.7 km) because both numbers ultimately round off to the same value. This demonstrates the importance of considering significant figures in mathematical calculations to ensure accurate comparisons.