Question

The number of significant figures in the numbers $4.8000 \times 10^4$ and 48000.50 are respectively

• A. 5 and 6
• B. 5 and 7
• C. 2 and 7
• D. 2 and 6

Hint:

Trailing zeros are significant only if there is a decimal point.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Scientific Notation
In $4.8000 \times 10^4$, trailing zeros after the decimal point are significant. The power of 10 is ignored. Total: 5 figures (4, 8, 0, 0, 0).
Step 2: Decimal Numbers
In 48000.50, all digits are significant. Zeros between non-zero digits (4, 8, and 5) and trailing zeros after a decimal are significant. Total: 7 figures.
Final Answer: (b)