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 only if there is a decimal point.

Front

How many significant figures are in the number 1000 mL?

Back

1 significant figure.

Front

How many significant figures are in the number 0.000008?

Back

1 significant figure.

Front

What is 78.5 rounded to one significant figure?

Back

80.

Front

How many significant figures are in the measurement 4.20 cm?

Back

3 significant figures.

Front

How many significant figures are in the number 27000000?

Back

2 significant figures.

Front

What is the rule for counting significant figures in decimal numbers?

Back

In decimal numbers, all non-zero digits are significant, and any zeros to the right of a decimal point are also significant.

Front

What is the rule for counting significant figures in whole numbers without a decimal?

Back

In whole numbers without a decimal, only the non-zero digits are significant.

Front

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

Back

Count all non-zero digits, any zeros between significant digits, and trailing zeros only if there is a decimal point.

Front

What is the significance of significant figures in scientific measurements?

Back

Significant figures indicate the precision of a measurement and help communicate the uncertainty in the data.