A rectangle has measured length 12.4 cm and breadth 3.2 cm. Its area should be reported as:
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Question

A rectangle has measured length 12.4 cm and breadth 3.2 cm. Its area should be reported as:

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Area = 12.4 × 3.2 = 39.68 cm². The breadth has 2 significant figures, so area must have 2 significant figures: 40 cm². To show both significant figures clearly, write 4.0 × 10¹ cm².