Significant Digits
- The last significant figure on the right is uncertain
- The significant digits include all of the certain digits plus the only first uncertain digit on the right.
- To find the number of significant figures in a given number
- count all the digits starting at the first non-zero digit on the left
- for a number written in scientific notation count only the digits in the coefficient
Significant Figures
- Zeros shown merely to locate a decimal point are NOT significant figures
- Ex: 0.56 (2 sig figs)
- Zeros located to the right of another number after a decimal point ARE significant
- Ex: 12.00980 (7 sig figs)
- Zeros without a decimal point are NOT counted
- Ex: 530000000 (2 sig figs)
Exact Numbers
- Exact numbers are defined as a specific amount
- Since it is a whole number ALL numbers ARE significant
- No rounding required!
- Like the number of objects counted
- Ex: 1m = 100m
Rounding Rules
- If the first after the position of rounding is less than 5, then the least significant digit remains unchanged.
- If the first digit after the position of rounding is greater than 5, round up.
- If the first digit after the position of rounding is 5 and the 5 is followed by zeros, round up
- If the first digit after the position of rounding is 5 and the 5 is followed by a 5, round to make the last digit "even"(2, 4, 6, 8)
Adding and Subtracting Significant Figures
Great video on explaining.
Multiplying and Dividing Significant Figures
Great video on explaining.
*All the videos are really helpful.
By: Hikari Hoshika
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