Why Does the Answer Key Give 188.1 for This Significant Figures Calculation?

[Speedking96]

Homework Statement

Add the following:

(2.526/3.1) + (0.470/0.623) + (80.705/0.4326)


2. The attempt at a solution

= (2.526/3.1) + (0.470/0.623) + (80.705/0.4326)
= (0.81) + (0.754) + (186.6)
= 188.2

I have calculated the answer (using sig figs) to be 188.2, however, the answer key says it is 188.1.

 

[Doc Al]

Don't round off until the last step.

 

[Speedking96]

Don't round off until the last step.

= (2.526/3.1) + (0.470/0.623) + (80.705/0.4326)
= (0.8148) + (0.7544) + (186.55)
= 188.1192

If I don't apply sig figs to each step, then how would I know how many sig figs there would be in the final answer?

 

[Doc Al]

You can know how many sig figs in each step and still not round off until the end.

 

[Speedking96]

You can know how many sig figs in each step and still not round off until the end.

Ok. I see. Thank you.