Significant Figures in Measurement

How do I determine the number of significant figures in a measurement? The number of significant figures in a measurement can be determined by following specific rules. In determining significant figures, always remember the following rules: 1. Non-zero numbers are always significant. 2. Zeros between non-zero digits are significant. 3. Zeros before the first non-zero digit are not significant. 4. Zeros at the end of a number after the decimal point are significant. By applying these rules, you can count the number of significant figures in a measurement accurately.

Rules for Determining Significant Figures

1. Non-Zero Numbers: Any non-zero digit in a number is always considered significant. For example, in the number 43.21, all the digits (4, 3, 2, 1) are significant.

2. Zeros Between Non-Zero Digits: Zeros that appear between non-zero digits are considered significant. In the number 503, the zero is between non-zero digits (5 and 3), so it is significant.

3. Leading Zeros: Zeros that appear before the first non-zero digit are not considered significant. In the number 0.00456, only the digits 4, 5, and 6 are significant.

4. Trailing Zeros in Decimal Numbers: Zeros that appear at the end of a number after the decimal point are significant. For example, in the number 10.200, all the zeros after 2 are significant.

Using these rules, you can accurately determine the number of significant figures in any measurement. Remember to pay close attention to the placement of zeros and non-zero digits in the number.

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