Determining Significant Figures Flashcards
243.3
243.3
467
467
0.364
0.364
3200
3200
30254
30254
0.4605
0.4605
-45.098
-45.098
2400
2400; write in scientific notation = 2.4x10^3
64300
64300; write in scientific notation = 6.43x10^4
45.
45.
144000.
144000.
Decimal point establistes precision of the number
35.00
35.00
Decimal point still establishes precision of the number
440.000
440.000
Decimal point still establishes precision of the number
0.00352
0.00352
-0.3745
-0.3745
Sig. Fig. Rule
multiplication & division
Final answer:
Same number of sig figs as the least number of sig figs occuring in computation
Sig. Fig. Rule
Addition & Subtraction
Final answer:
Should have no more precision (decimal places) than the least precise number from the inputs. Look for an example of this.
Sig. Fig. Rule 2
When the final answer is the result of a series of single computations…
- carry atleast the largest number of sig figs, then
- round off the final answer to the least number of sig figs appearing in computation.
Basically use all sig figs when computing, then round off with least number of sig figs you started with.
*Sig. Figs. Rule 3
A specification to a certain number of decimal places is different from a significant number of figures. Give examples.
- 324
- 004
- 450
These numbers are all to 3 decimal places but have 3, 4, and 5 significant figures, respectively.
What is the significance of Rule 1 and 3?
What about rule 2?
The first and third rules prevent the creation of answers implying more accuracy than is really there.
The second rule prevents what is called “cumulative rounding errors”.
