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| Rule 1: Non-zero integers... |
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Definition
...are always significant.
(ex) 23.4g and 234g both have 3 Sig Figs
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Term
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Definition
...are those bounded on both sides by non-zero integers.
...are always sigmificant.
(ex) 20.05g has 4 SF
(ex) 407g has 3 SF
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Term
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Definition
...are those NOT BOUNDED on the LEFT by non-zero integers.
...are never significant.
-Such zeros just set the decimal point.
-They always disappear is the number is converted to scientific notation.
(ex) 0.04g has 1 SF
(ex) 0.00035 has 2 SF
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| Rule 4: Trailing zeros... |
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Definition
...are those bounded ONLY ON THE LEFT by non-zero integers are not significant UNLESS A DICIMAL POINT IS SHOWN.
-if decimal point shown, ALWAYS significant.
(ex) 45.0L has 3 SF but 450L only has 2 SF (unless there is a line over the 0)
-If you wish to show for shure that, say, 150 has 3 SF, change to scientific notation (1.50 * 10^2)
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Term
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Definition
...are those not obtained by measurement but by deffinition or by counting small numbers of objects.
...have unlimited number of sig figs.
(ex) in C=2πr 2 is a defined quantity (cannot be any other #) so it has no effect on # of sig figs in answer.
(ex) If you count 15 pennies, that mumber is exact because there cannot be part of a penny (15.3 pennies)
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| Rule 6: In calculations involving only multiplication or division of measured quantities... |
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Definition
...the # of sig figs in the answer is the same as the FEWEST possessed by any measurd quantity in the calculation.
(ex) 130.8 * 15.2 * 2.3 = 4572.768 when done by a calculator. answer should have 2 sig figs and be shown as 4.6*10^3
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Term
| Rule 7: In calculations where measured quantities are added or subtracted... |
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Definition
...the final answer can have only one "uncertain" figure, so it stops at the decimal place on the right that any of the data first stops.
(ex)
46.6|
+ 5.7|2
The answer would have to be rounded to the 10's place because that is where the # w/ the least decimal places stops.
(ex)
38|.0
- 7|.44
The answer would be rounded to the ones place.
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