Understanding Significant Digits

Mr. Anderson explains significant digits, also known as significant figures or sigfigs, and their importance in scientific measurements. He distinguishes between accuracy and precision, using examples like snipers and bullseyes. The video covers how to measure with significant digits, identifying different types, and applying rules for calculations involving significant digits. The goal is to ensure that answers are no more precise than the measurements made, using examples of multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction.

What is the main difference between accuracy and precision?

• Both accuracy and precision are about truth.

• Both accuracy and precision are about repeatability.

• Accuracy is about repeatability, precision is about truth.

• Accuracy is about truth, precision is about repeatability.

How many significant digits are in the number 32.6?

• Four

• One

• Two

• Three

Which of the following numbers has four significant digits?

• 12.48

• 2.0

• 209

• 0.00006

What type of zeros are not considered significant?

• Sandwiched zeros

• Final zeros after the decimal

• Zeros in scientific notation

• Placeholder zeros

In the number 230, which digit is not significant?

• 0

• 3

• All are significant

• 2

When multiplying 26.4 by 120, how many significant digits should the answer have?

• Three

• Four

• Two

• One

If you divide 19 by 3, how many significant digits should the result have?

• Four

• Three

• Two

• One

In addition and subtraction, what determines the number of decimal places in the answer?

• The number with the least decimal places

• The number with the most decimal places

• The number with the least significant digits

• The number with the most significant digits

What is the correct result of adding 13 and 1.6?

• 15

• 13.6

• 14.6

• 14

Why is it important to use significant digits in calculations?

• To make calculations more complex

• To ensure answers are as precise as the measurements

• To simplify the calculations

• To increase the number of decimal places