Significant Figures



Significant Figures

Rule Ex. #SF

1. All non zero digits are significant 127 3

2. Leading zeros are never significant 0.005 1

3. Trailing zeros are significant only with a decimal 25.30 4

4. Zeros between significant digits are always significant 106 3

Examples

1) 7623142516 10

2) 7084 4

3) 0.00761 3

4) 421.00 5

5) 0.538 3

6) 5000 1

7) 5x103 1

8) 5.0x103 2

9) 5.00x103 3

10) 5.000x103 4

Multiplication/Division

The final answer should have the same number of significant figures as the measurement having the smallest number of significant figures.

Examples:

1) 10.305 x 0.00320=0.032976 (Round to 3 SF) = 0.0330

2) 3.64928/5.2=0.701784615 (Round to 2 SF) = 0.70

Addition/Subtraction

When adding or subtracting significant figures, arrange the numbers in columnar form and retain no figures in a column that is to the right of a column containing a doubtful figure.

Examples:

1) 3.461728

14.91

0.980001

+ 5.2631

24.61

2) 467.384

- 2.384

465.000

3) 23.1

4.77

125.39

+ 3.581

156.8

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