The joint-state coupling claim and the readout channel claim stay separate. Exact arithmetic here means exact results for the stated model inputs; measured inputs still carry uncertainty and significant-figure limits.
highlighted = computed this step
Coupling changes the joint state before readout
The coupling stage creates a non-product joint table before any classical assignment matrix is applied.
couple before readout
The coupling claim is checked before calibration
The determinant row belongs to the quantum stage; the readout row belongs to the later classical stage.