Significant Figures

Significant Figures are the number of digits in a number that can be considered for accuracy.

For example, if you measure the length of a table to be 2.3 meters, you know that there are two significant figures, you don’t know about the hundredth’s place. Thu number 40 has only one sig. fig. (it can be two

Adding and subtracting:

When you add or subtract with sig figs, use the least accurate number, or number of decimals. For example, 2.2 cm plus 41.23 cm is not 43.43 cm, it is 43.4 cm. Notice the answer to an addition can have more sig figs than one of the numbers within.

Multiplying and Dividing

When you multiply or divide, the answer should be rounded off to have the as many sig. figs. as the least accurate original value.

For example: Multiple 50 times 11. The answer is 600 (rounded up from 550)

Given that 50 is one sg fg

FOR THIS CLASS

I will not grade you down for not using correct significant figures.

Avoid one significant figure in your answers. Don’t give more than four significant figures in your answers.