Answer to Question #130641 in Physics for Emma

Question

What are significant figures?what are the rules for determining significant figures in the final result after addition ,subtraction multiplication and division?

Answer 1

The significant figures of a number written in positional notation are digits that carry meaningful contributions to its measurement resolution.

When doing multiplication or division with measured values, the answer should

have the same number of significant figures as the measured value with the least

number of significant figures.

Procedure to determine significant figures after multiplication or division:

1. Multiply or divide the numbers using your calculator.

2. Round the result to have the same number of significant figures as the measured value

with the least number of significant figures.

When doing addition or subtraction with measured values, the answer should

have the same precision as the least precise measurement (value) used in the

calculation.

Procedure to determine significant figures after adding or subtracting:

1. Add or subtract the numbers on your calculator (or by hand).

2. Round the result to the same number of decimal places as the least precise value.