Significant Figures

Front

What are significant figures?

Back

Significant figures are the digits in a number that contribute to its precision. This includes all non-zero digits, any zeros between significant digits, and trailing zeros in the decimal portion.

Front

How do you determine the number of significant figures in a number?

Back

To determine the number of significant figures, count all non-zero digits, any zeros between significant digits, and trailing zeros in a decimal number. Leading zeros are not counted.

Front

What is the significance of significant figures in scientific measurements?

Back

Significant figures indicate the precision of a measurement. They help convey how accurate a measurement is and prevent the misrepresentation of data.

Front

How many significant figures are in the number 0.00456?

Back

3 significant figures (the digits 4, 5, and 6 are significant; leading zeros are not counted).

Front

How many significant figures are in the number 1001?

Back

4 significant figures (all digits are significant).

Front

How many significant figures are in the number 0.02030?

Back

4 significant figures (the digits 2, 0, 3, and the trailing 0 after the decimal are significant).

Front

What is the rule for rounding to a specific number of significant figures?

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When rounding, if the digit to the right of the last significant figure is 5 or greater, round up. If it is less than 5, do not round up.

Front

Round the number 0.009876 to three significant figures.

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0.00988 (the first three significant figures are 9, 8, and 8).

Front

How many significant figures are in the number 2001800?

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7 significant figures (the trailing zeros are significant because there is a decimal point implied).

Front

How many significant figures are in the number 0.998005?

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6 significant figures (all digits are significant).