Question 247 of 480
Which of the following decimal representations correctly approximates the fraction \( \frac{3}{8} \) to three significant figures?
Correct Answer:
A
Explanation
To determine which decimal representation correctly approximates the fraction \( \frac{3}{8} \) to three significant figures, we first need to convert the fraction into its decimal form.
### Step 1: Convert the Fraction to Decimal
To convert \( \frac{3}{8} \) into a decimal, we perform the division:
\[
3 \div 8 = 0.375
\]
### Step 2: Identify the Correct Option
Now that we have the decimal representation of \( \frac{3}{8} \), which is \( 0.375 \), we can compare this with the options provided:
- **A. 0.375**
- **B. 0.38**
- **C. 0.4**
- **D. 0.370**
### Step 3: Analyze the Options
1. **Option A: 0.375**
- This is the exact decimal representation of \( \frac{3}{8} \) and is accurate to three significant figures. The digits '3', '7', and '5' are all significant.
2. **Option B: 0.38**
- This representation rounds \( 0.375 \) to two significant figures. While it is a close approximation, it does not meet the requirement of three significant figures.
3. **Option C: 0.4**
- This representation rounds \( 0.375 \) to one significant figure. It is a very rough approximation and does not accurately reflect the value of \( \frac{3}{8} \).
4. **Option D: 0.370**
- This representation has three significant figures, but it is not the correct value of \( \frac{3}{8} \). The correct value is \( 0.375 \), and \( 0.370 \) is less accurate.
### Conclusion
The correct option that accurately represents \( \frac{3}{8} \) to three significant figures is:
**A. 0.375**
### Summary of Why Other Options Are Incorrect
- **B. 0.38**: Only two significant figures; does not meet the requirement.
- **C. 0.4**: Only one significant figure; a very rough approximation.
- **D. 0.370**: While it has three significant figures, it is not the correct value of \( \frac{3}{8} \).
### Revision Summary
- The fraction \( \frac{3}{8} \) converts to the decimal \( 0.375 \).
- The correct answer is **A. 0.375**, as it is the exact representation to three significant figures.
- Options B, C, and D do not accurately represent \( \frac{3}{8} \) or do not meet the significant figure requirement.
- Always ensure to check the number of significant figures when approximating values.