Try it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
Round (a) to three significant figures, (b) to three significant figures, in scientific notation, (c) to two significant figures.
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.
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) The figures are , , , and the next digit is : round down to .
Step 2. (b) : keep , , ; the next digit is , so round up: .
Step 3. (c) to two figures: and the next digit (then ) rounds up, giving .
Answer: (a) . (b) . (c) .
Watch out. In (c), write , not : the zero shows that two figures are kept.
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