Significant Figures

Significant figures are the meaningful digits in a measurement that indicate the precision of the measurement. They are used to express the accuracy of a measurement and to report the results of calculations.

Significant Figures

Significant figures are a way of expressing the accuracy of a measurement. They are used to indicate the precision of a measurement and to provide a way of comparing different measurements.

Significant figures are the digits in a number that are known with certainty. They include all digits that are known with certainty, plus one estimated digit. The estimated digit is the last digit in the number, which is uncertain.

For example, if a measurement is given as 12.3 cm, then the significant figures are 1, 2, and 3. The last digit, 3, is the estimated digit.

Significant figures are important because they provide a way of comparing different measurements. For example, if two measurements are given as 12.3 cm and 12.4 cm, then the first measurement has three significant figures and the second measurement has four significant figures. This means that the second measurement is more precise than the first.

Significant figures are also important when performing calculations. When performing calculations, the number of significant figures in the result should be equal to the number of significant figures in the measurement with the least number of significant figures. For example, if two measurements are given as 12.3 cm and 12.4 cm, then the result of the calculation should have three significant figures.

In conclusion, significant figures are a way of expressing the accuracy of a measurement. They provide a way of comparing different measurements and are important when performing calculations.