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

How many significant figures does the number 0.001 have?

Back

1 significant figure.

Front

How many significant figures does the number 0.01453 have?

Back

4 significant figures.

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 precision.

Front

How many significant figures does the number 0.0003 have?

Back

1 significant figure.

Front

How many significant figures does the number 0.00030 have?

Back

2 significant figures.

Front

How many significant figures does the number 231 have?

Back

3 significant figures.

Front

How many significant figures does the number 0.002040 have?

Back

4 significant figures.

Front

What is the rule for counting significant figures in addition and subtraction?

Back

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