Significant Figures

Question 1

What are the sig figs rules?

Answer 1

1. any non-zero number is ALWAYS significant
2. any zero between non-zero numbers is significant
3. any zero before a non-zero number is NOT significant
4. any zero after a non-zero number is significant ONLY if there is a decimal in the number

Question 2

What are the rules for multiplying/dividing sig figs?

Answer 2

The final answer must show the same number of sig figs as the measurement in the calculation with the least number of significant digits.

Question 3

What are the rules for adding/subtracting sig figs?

Answer 3

The final answer must show the same number of decimal places as the number in the calculation with the lowest number of sig figs AFTER the decimal.