Significant Figures- ID, Rounding, Calculations

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 measurement?

Back

To determine significant figures, count all non-zero digits, any zeros between them, and trailing zeros in a decimal number. Leading zeros are not counted.

Front

What is the rule for rounding when the digit to be dropped is less than 5?

Back

If the digit to be dropped is less than 5, round down, meaning you keep the last retained digit the same.

Front

What is the rule for rounding when the digit to be dropped is 5 or greater?

Back

If the digit to be dropped is 5 or greater, round up, meaning you increase the last retained digit by one.

Front

When multiplying or dividing, how do you determine the number of significant figures in the result?

Back

The result should have the same number of significant figures as the measurement with the least number of significant figures.

Front

When adding or subtracting, how do you determine the number of significant figures in the result?

Back

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

Front

Convert 4.10 x 10^2 to standard form.

Back

410

Front

Express 12,000 in scientific notation.

Back

1.2 x 10^4

Front

Calculate 12.47 m ÷ 3.2 s and give the answer with the appropriate number of significant figures.

Back

3.9 m/s

Front

Calculate (0.0040 cm x 80 cm) + 0.10 cm² and give the answer with the appropriate number of significant figures.

Back

0.4 cm²