Three different samples were weighed using a different type of balance for each sample. The three were found to have masses of 0.6160959 kg, 3.225 mg, and 5480.7 g. The total mass of the samples should be reported as?

6.1 kg

Explanation:

To obtain the total mass of the sample, we must first express each mass of the sample in the same unit of measurement.

Since the SI unit of mass is kilogram (kg), we shall express the total mass of the samples in kilogram (kg).

This is illustrated below:

Mass of the samples are:

M1 = 0.6160959 kg

M2 = 3.225 mg

M3 = 5480.7 g.

Conversion of 3.225 mg to kg

1 mg = 1×10¯⁶ kg

Therefore,

3.225 mg = 3.225 × 1×10¯⁶

3.225 mg = 3.225×10¯⁶ kg

Conversion of 5480.7 g to kg

1000 g = 1 kg

Therefore,

5480.7 g = 5480.7 /1000

5480.7 g = 5.4807 kg

Thus, we can obtain the total mass of the samples as follow:

M1 = 0.6160959 kg

M2 = 3.225×10¯⁶ kg

M3 = 5.4807 kg

Total mass =?

Total mass = M1 + M2 + M3

Total mass = 0.6160959 + 3.225×10¯⁶ + 5.4807

Total mass = 6.096799125 ≈ 6.1 kg

Therefore, the total mass of the samples is approximately 6.1 kg.