Understanding Significant Figures
In science, engineering, and everyday calculations, precision matters. Understanding significant figures is essential because these figures not only convey the accuracy of a measurement but also reflect the level of confidence one can have in the result.
What Are Significant Figures?
Significant figures are the digits in a measurement that contribute to its precision. They include all the certain digits plus one estimated digit. In essence, they help you communicate the level of uncertainty associated with a measurement.
Rules for Determining Significant Figures:
Non-Zero Digits: All non-zero digits in a measurement are considered significant. For example, in the measurement 367.21 grams, all five digits are significant.
Zeros between Non-Zero Digits: Zeros that appear between non-zero digits are also considered significant. In the measurement 5086 meters, all four digits are significant.
Leading Zeros: Leading zeros (those to the left of the first non-zero digit) are not considered significant. For instance, in the number 0.00472 kg, only the digits 4, 7, and 2 are significant.
Trailing Zeros: Trailing zeros in a decimal number are considered significant. In the measurement 12.500 volts, all six digits are significant.
Trailing Zeros in Whole Numbers: Trailing zeros in whole numbers are not always considered significant. For instance, in 9000 meters, the sig figs are only two (9), unless specified otherwise.
Exact Numbers: Numbers that are defined exactly (e.g., constants, conversion factors) are considered to have infinite significant figures. For example, the speed of light (299,792,458 m/s) and π (3.14159265359) have infinite significant figures
Feeling overwhelmed? Simplify the process with our significant figures calculator. Make your life easier!
