How many significant figures does each number have? 7.30; 0.0610; 5.008; 2.40 × 10⁵; 0.0007; 300.0
Contributed by StemPy LabTry it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
How many significant figures does each number have?
Need a reminder? The key ideaShow
Significant figures are the sure digits plus the first unsure one. Leading zeros never count; zeros between digits count; trailing zeros after a decimal point count. A product or quotient keeps the fewest significant figures of its factors; a sum or difference keeps the fewest decimal places of its terms.
The worked solution
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. (a) , and the final : three. (b) , , : three; the leading zeros only place the point. (c) , , , : four.
Step 2. (d) : three. (e) Only the : one. (f) , , , : four, because the final zero after the point was written on purpose.
Answer: (a) , (b) , (c) , (d) , (e) , (f) .
Watch out. and are different measurements: the first is known to one more place.
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