Significant Digits Practice with Calculations

Front

What are significant digits?

Back

Significant digits (or 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 digits in a measurement?

Back

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

Front

What is the rule for multiplication and division regarding significant digits?

Back

In multiplication and division, the result should be expressed with the same number of significant digits as the measurement with the least number of significant digits.

Front

What is the rule for addition and subtraction regarding significant digits?

Back

In addition and subtraction, the result should be expressed with the same number of decimal places as the measurement with the least number of decimal places.

Front

How many significant digits are in the number 0.00456?

Back

There are 3 significant digits in the number 0.00456 (the digits 4, 5, and 6). Leading zeros are not counted.

Front

What is the significance of trailing zeros in a decimal number?

Back

Trailing zeros in a decimal number are considered significant because they indicate the precision of the measurement. For example, 2.300 has four significant digits.

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How many significant digits are in the number 2,000,000?

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The number of significant digits in 2,000,000 can vary based on context. If no decimal point is present, it is typically considered to have 1 significant digit.

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What is the result of 23.91 x 12.861 expressed with the correct significant digits?

Back

The result of 23.91 x 12.861 is 307.5 when expressed with the correct significant digits (4 significant digits).

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How do you round a number to the correct number of significant digits?

Back

To round a number to the correct number of significant digits, look at the digit immediately after the last significant digit. If it is 5 or greater, round up the last significant digit; if it is less than 5, leave it as is.

Front

What is the result of 65 ÷ 10.01 expressed with the correct significant digits?

Back

The result of 65 ÷ 10.01 is 6.5 when expressed with the correct significant digits (2 significant digits).