To find the total mass of the three granite samples, we need to add their individual masses together. Let's break down the process step-by-step:
1. First, we need to list the masses of the three samples:
- The mass of the first sample is [tex]\( 67.4 \)[/tex] grams.
- The mass of the second sample is [tex]\( 43.2 \)[/tex] grams.
- The mass of the third sample is [tex]\( 27.3 \)[/tex] grams.
2. Next, we add these masses together:
[tex]\[
67.4 \, \text{g} + 43.2 \, \text{g} + 27.3 \, \text{g}
\][/tex]
3. When adding numbers, it's important to align the decimal points:
```
67.4
+ 43.2
+ 27.3
------
137.9
```
4. The next step is to ensure that we report the total mass to the appropriate number of significant figures. When adding numbers, the answer should be reported to the same number of decimal places as the number with the fewest decimal places.
- In our problem, each mass is measured to one decimal place:
- [tex]\( 67.4 \)[/tex]: 1 decimal place
- [tex]\( 43.2 \)[/tex]: 1 decimal place
- [tex]\( 27.3 \)[/tex]: 1 decimal place
5. Since all the masses are measured to one decimal place, the total mass should be reported to one decimal place as well.
6. Thus, the total mass of the three granite samples is:
[tex]\[
137.9 \, \text{g}
\][/tex]
So, the total mass of the granite samples, reported to the appropriate number of significant figures, is [tex]\( 137.9 \)[/tex] grams.
