Calculations with 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

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

How many significant figures does the number 0.002040 have?

Back

4 significant figures.

Front

How many significant figures are in the number 4.06 x 10^-5 m?

Back

3 significant figures.

Front

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

Back

The result should be reported to the least number of decimal places of any number in the operation.

Front

Calculate 12.34 + 1.234 + 0.1234 and give your answer with the appropriate number of significant figures.

Back

13.70.

Front

When multiplying or dividing numbers, 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 number with the least significant figures in the operation.

Front

Calculate 7.8 x 5.501 and give your answer with the appropriate number of significant figures.

Back

42.91.

Front

What is the correct answer for: 12.00 m + 15.001 m?

Back

27.00 m.

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.