SigFigs

Front

What are significant figures (sig figs)?

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 many significant figures are in the number 5003.20?

Back

6 sig figs.

Front

When performing calculations, how do you determine the number of significant figures in the result?

Back

The result should be reported with the same number of significant figures as the measurement with the fewest significant figures.

Front

What is the proper way to report the result of 17.34 / 3.45?

Back

5.03 because the 3.45 has the fewest sig figs.

Front

How many significant figures does the number 0.998005 have?

Back

6 significant figures.

Front

What is the significance of leading zeros in a number?

Back

Leading zeros are not significant; they only serve as placeholders.

Front

How many significant figures does 1.90 × 10^8 have?

Back

3 significant figures.

Front

What is the result of 100 / 2.0 rounded to the correct significant figures?

Back

50.

Front

What are trailing zeros, and when are they significant?

Back

Trailing zeros in a decimal number are significant. For example, in 50.0, the trailing zero is significant.

Front

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

Back

Look at the digit immediately after the last significant figure. If it's 5 or greater, round up; if it's less than 5, round down.