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 calculations?

Back

Significant figures indicate the precision of measurements and calculations. They help ensure that results are reported with the appropriate level of accuracy.

Front

Calculate 923 g ÷ 20312 cm³ and give the answer with the correct number of significant figures.

Back

0.0454 g/cm³ (3 significant figures based on the least precise measurement).

Front

How many significant figures are in the number 100.00?

Back

There are 5 significant figures in 100.00.

Front

How many significant figures are in the number 450 m?

Back

There are 2 significant figures in 450 m.

Front

Which of the following numbers has three significant figures: 101 feet, 100 feet, or 10.0 feet?

Back

101 feet has three significant figures.

Front

Calculate 12.47 m ÷ 3.2 s and give the answer with the correct number of significant figures.

Back

3.9 m/s (2 significant figures based on the least precise measurement).

Front

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

Back

In multiplication and division, the result should have the same number of significant figures as the measurement with the least number of significant figures.

Front

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

Back

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