1 Chapter 1 Measurements 1.4 Significant Figures in Calculations Copyright © 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc.

2 Rounding Off Calculated Answers In calculations, answers must have the same number of significant figures as the measured numbers. a calculator answer often must be rounded off. rounding rules are used to obtain the correct number of significant figures. Copyright © 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc.

3 Rounding Off Calculated Answers When the first digit dropped is 4 or less, the retained numbers remain the same rounded to 3 significant figures drops the digits 32 = 45.8 When the first digit dropped is 5 or greater, the last retained digit is increased by rounded to 2 significant figures drops the digits 884 = 2.5 (increase by 0.1)

4 Adding Significant Zeros Sometimes a calculated answer requires more significant digits. Then, one or more zeros are added. Calculated Zeros Added to Answer Give 3 Significant Figures

5 Learning Check Round off or add zeros to the following calculated answers to give three significant figures. A cm B g C. 8.2 L

6 Solution Adjust the following calculated answers to give answers with 3 significant figures. A. 825 cm First digit dropped is greater than 5. B gFirst digit dropped is 4. C LSignificant zero is added.

7 Calculations with Measured Numbers In calculations with measured numbers, significant figures or decimal places are counted to determine the number of figures in the final answer. Copyright © 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc.

8 When multiplying or dividing the final answer must have the same number of significant figures as the measurement with the fewest significant figures. use rounding rules to obtain the correct number of significant figures. Example: x = = 5.3 (rounded) 4 SF 2 SF calculator 2 SF Multiplication and Division

9 Select the answer with the correct number of significant figures. A x 4.2 = 1) 9 2) 9.2 3) B ÷ 0.07 = 1) ) 62 3) 60 C x = x ) 11.32) 11 3) Learning Check

10 A x 4.2 = 2) 9.2 B ÷ 0.07 = 3) 60 C x = 2) x On a calculator, enter each number, followed by the operation key x   = = 11 (rounded) Solution

11 When adding or subtracting the final answer must have the same number of decimal places as the measurement with the fewest decimal places. use rounding rules to adjust the number of digits in the answer one decimal place two decimal places 26.54calculated answer 26.5 final answer with one decimal place Addition and Subtraction

12 For each calculation, round off the calculated answer to give a final answer with the correct number of significant figures. A = 1) 257 2) ) B = 1) ) ) 40.7 Learning Check

13 A round to 257 Answer (1) B round to 40.7Answer (3) Solution