SOLUTION: What is 23998 rounded to 3 significant digits and what is the rule for numbers like it?

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Question 673325: What is 23998 rounded to 3 significant digits and what is the rule for numbers like it?
Answer by Edwin McCravy(20060) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
23998

First put it in scientific notation

2.3998 × 104

Draw a line after the 3rd digit from the left

2.39⃒98 × 104

Since the digit just to the right of the ⃒ which is a 9,
is 5 or more we add 1 to the 9 just to the left of the ⃒ 
and since it becomes 10 we have to carry a 1 to the 3 making 
it 2.40. Eliminate the digits to the right of the ⃒. 

2.40 × 104

Important: Do not eliminate the 0 on the end of 2.40.  It is
nexessary to show the number of significant digits.

Answer: 2.40 × 104 

Edwin