Significant Figures in Measurement
Rules for Determining Significant Figures
1. Non-Zero Numbers: Any non-zero digit in a number is always considered significant. For example, in the number 43.21, all the digits (4, 3, 2, 1) are significant.
2. Zeros Between Non-Zero Digits: Zeros that appear between non-zero digits are considered significant. In the number 503, the zero is between non-zero digits (5 and 3), so it is significant.
3. Leading Zeros: Zeros that appear before the first non-zero digit are not considered significant. In the number 0.00456, only the digits 4, 5, and 6 are significant.
4. Trailing Zeros in Decimal Numbers: Zeros that appear at the end of a number after the decimal point are significant. For example, in the number 10.200, all the zeros after 2 are significant.
Using these rules, you can accurately determine the number of significant figures in any measurement. Remember to pay close attention to the placement of zeros and non-zero digits in the number.