Question

What is 3,482 to two significant figures?

Answer 1

To be precise in language, it would be good to use scientific notation, so that 3,482 expressed in only 2 significant figures with rounding would be 3.5 × 10³.

Using 3,500, the number may seem to have only 2 significant figures; however, zeros following a significant figure are themselves significant, e.g. 12.0 has 3 significant figures because it could indicate a real value on the interval [11.5, 12.5), using the càdlàg convention (closed on the low end & open on the high end).

Thus, 3.5 × 10³ indicates a value on the interval [3.45 × 10³, 3.55 × 10³), where 3.482 × 10³ = 3,482 resides. On the other hand, 3,500 indicates a value on the interval [3,499.5; 3,500.5) or [3.4995 × 10³, 3.5005 × 10³), which is more precise itself, but 3,482 is absent on that interval.

I hope it helps you