Given the number: 161 cm, 0.161 cm, 0.0161 cm. The number of significant figures for the three numbers are

Options

A. 3.4 and 5 respectively
B. 3,4 and 4 respectively
C. 3,3 and 4 respectively
D. 3,3 and 3 respectively

Explanation

To determine the number of significant figures for the given numbers (161 cm, 0.161 cm, and 0.0161 cm), we will analyze each number step by step.

### Step 1: Analyze the number 161 cm
- The number 161 has no leading zeros and all the digits are non-zero.
- Therefore, all three digits (1, 6, and 1) are significant.

**Significant Figures in 161 cm: 3**

### Step 2: Analyze the number 0.161 cm
- The number 0.161 has leading zeros (the zeros before the first non-zero digit).
- According to the rules of significant figures, leading zeros are not significant.
- The significant digits in 0.161 are 1, 6, and 1.

**Significant Figures in 0.161 cm: 3**

### Step 3: Analyze the number 0.0161 cm
- Similar to the previous number, 0.0161 also has leading zeros.
- The leading zeros (0.0) are not counted as significant figures.
- The significant digits in 0.0161 are 1, 6, and 1.

**Significant Figures in 0.0161 cm: 3**

### Conclusion
- The number of significant figures for the three numbers are:
- 161 cm: 3 significant figures
- 0.161 cm: 3 significant figures
- 0.0161 cm: 3 significant figures

Thus, the final answer is that all three numbers have **3 significant figures** each.