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

Count all non-zero digits, any zeros between them, and trailing zeros in a decimal number. Leading zeros are not counted.

Front

How many significant figures does the number 0.00456 have?

Back

3 significant figures (4, 5, and 6). Leading zeros are not counted.

Front

What is the rule for rounding to significant figures?

Back

If the digit to be removed is less than 5, round down. If it is 5 or greater, round up.

Front

How many significant figures does the number 100 have?

Back

Ambiguous: It can have 1, 2, or 3 significant figures depending on context.

Front

What is the result of adding 24.28 and 12.5 with the correct significant figures?

Back

36.8 (rounded to 3 significant figures based on the least precise measurement).

Front

What is the result of multiplying 12.470 and 271 with the correct significant figures?

Back

3.37 x 10^3 (rounded to 3 significant figures based on the least precise measurement).

Front

How many significant figures does the number 100.00210 have?

Back

8 significant figures (all digits are significant).

Front

What is 98.907 rounded to 1 significant figure?

Back

1 x 10^2 (rounded to 1 significant figure).

Front

What is the significance of trailing zeros in a decimal number?

Back

Trailing zeros in a decimal number are significant because they indicate precision.