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How many significant figures should be reported for the difference between 6172 mL and 57 mL?

  • A. 1
  • B. 2
  • C. 3
  • D. 4
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: To determine the significant figures in the difference between 6172 mL and 57 mL, subtract the numbers: 6172 mL - 57 mL = 6115 mL. The answer should have the same number of decimal places as the number with the fewest decimal places in the subtraction, which is 57 mL. Hence, the correct answer is 2 significant figures. Choice A is incorrect because it is too low as it does not account for the 1 in the tens place of 57 mL. Choice C is incorrect as it is too high because the answer does not have that many significant figures. Choice D is incorrect as it also overestimates the number of significant figures in the difference.