Simple average question using sig figs within ± 0.0 of uncertainty?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the average mileage from a set of measurements while adhering to significant figures and specified uncertainty. The average of the given mileages (23.8, 20.1, 26.5, 20.7, 21.7, 27.6, 30, 28, 27.4, 34.3, 26.5, and 32.7 mph) is calculated as 26.60833333 mph. However, due to the requirement of presenting the answer within ± 0.0 mph, which translates to ± 0.05 mph, the correct answer is 26.6 mph, reflecting one decimal place of precision.

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Simple average question using sig figs within ± 0.0 ?

Homework Statement



Consider the following measurements of mileages:
23.8 mph, 20.1 mph, 26.5 mph, 20.7 mph, 21.7 mph, 27.6 mph,
30 mph, 28 mph, 27.4 mph, 34.3 mph, 26.5 mph, 32.7 mph.
What is the average mileage (using sig figs)?

Answer in units of mph Your answer must be within ± 0.0 mph.

Homework Equations



Avg=Total Sum/number of variables


The Attempt at a Solution



The average calculated was 26.60833333. And Since two variables have only two sig figs, I thought the answer should be 27. But it was a wrong answer.
But the last part of question asked the answer to be within ± 0.0 mph.

What does 'within ± 0.0 mph' means? No uncertainty? Or typo of 0.1 or 0.01?
What should be the correct answer?
 
Last edited:
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Welcome to PF, bobi! :smile:

'within ± 0.0 mph' means within ± 0.05 mph.
That is, with 1 digit after the decimal point.
So your average would be 26.6 ± 0.0 mph
 
I like Serena said:
Welcome to PF, bobi! :smile:

'within ± 0.0 mph' means within ± 0.05 mph.
That is, with 1 digit after the decimal point.
So your average would be 26.6 ± 0.0 mph

Thanks a lot!
 

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