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 whole number?

Back

In a whole number, all non-zero digits are significant. Any zeros at the end of the number are significant only if there is a decimal point.

Front

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

Back

In a decimal number, all non-zero digits are significant, and any leading zeros are not significant. Trailing zeros in the decimal portion are significant.

Front

How many significant figures are in the number 2016?

Back

4 significant figures.

Front

How many significant figures are in the number 216?

Back

3 significant figures.

Front

How many significant figures are in the number 0.000008?

Back

1 significant figure.

Front

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

Back

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

The result should have the same number of decimal places as the measurement with the least number of decimal places.

Front

Calculate the density of a metal cube with a volume of 4.00 ml and a mass of 12.3 grams. What is the density using correct significant figures?

Back

3.08 g/ml.

Front

Calculate the density of a block of metal with a volume of 2.0 cm³ and a mass of 6.33 grams. What is the density using correct significant figures?

Back

3.2 g/cm³.