II. Significant Figures

Question 1

Significant Figures (sig figs)

Answer 1

all known digits of a measurement and one estimated digit

Question 2

What are sig figs used for:

Answer 2

to show the precision of a measurement

Question 3

Rules for Determining Significant Digits in Numbers Larger Than One

Answer 3

1. Zeros which are only place holders for place value are not significant
2. Zeros followed by a decimal are significant
3. A zero with a line over it is a significant zero. All other zeros following that zero not significant

Question 4

Rules for Determining Significant Digits

Answer 4

1. All non-zero numbers are significant
2. Sandwiched zeros (between two significant digits) are significant
3. Zeros which are only placeholders for a decimal are not significant.
4. Zeros which are to the right of a decimal, and the right of a nonzero are significant

Question 5

(Calculating with sig figs) Adding and Subtracting

Answer 5

round the answer to the place value of the least precise measurement

Question 6

(Calculating with sig figs) Multiplying & Dividing

Answer 6

the answer can not have more sig figs than are in the measurement used for calculation with the least number of sig figs.