Significant Figure Rules
True or False:
Any number (excluding zero) is always significant.
true
The number of sig figs in:
10.16
4
Round the following number to 4 significant figures:
14,355
14,360
What does significant figure mean?
Significant figures are digits that carry meaning in a number. We start counting from the first non-zero digit.
True or False:
Any zero stuck between two significant values are significant
True
The number of sig figs in:
0.0052
2
Round the following number to 2 significant figures:
78.03
78
Why might scientists need significant figures?
Scientists use significant figures to report measurements precisely and consistently, especially when dealing with large or small values.
True or False:
Trailing zeros are never significant
False
The number of significant figures in:
1520.08
6
Round the following number to 6 significant figures:
0.000062506250
0.0000625063
Why is it important to learn about significant figures?
Show how precise a number is – especially in science, medicine, and engineering.
True or False:
Leading zeros, if after a decimal point, are significant
False
The number of significant figures in:
3,000
1
Round the following number to 3 significant figures:
555.046
555
Do we lose accuracy when we round to significant figures?
Yes, we do lose some accuracy — but that’s the point!
If your friend asks how far Dubai is from Abu Dhabi, you’d say “about 140 km” (2 sig. figs), not “139.57 km.” That’s rounding on purpose — it’s more practical!
There are many ways that a number, including zero can be significant. Provide two situations where this is NOT the case.
When the zeros are at the end without being after a decimal point (trailing), and when the zeros are at the beginning regardless if there is a decimal point or not (leading)
The number of significant figures in:
7,090,000.00
9
Round the number to 7 significant figures:
0.200003650089
0.2000037
An average person in the UAE uses 678.45672 liters of water per day.
Would you report this as 678.45672, 680, or 600? Why?
Open response