1. Significant Digits and Scientific Notation
Objectives:
Use scientific notation and significant digits in problem-solving.
Identify the significant digits in calculations.
Understand the difference between accuracy and precision.

2. 4 Rules of Significant Digits
Any number 1-9 is significant.
Any 0 in between 2 significant digits is significant. (Ex: 803)
Any 0 used as a “place holder” is NOT significant. (Ex: 8300, )
Any FINAL 0 AFTER THE DECIMAL POINT IS significant.

3. Scientific Notation Uses powers of 10 (Ex: 103)
Speed of light is m/s, or 3.0 x 108 m/s.
Practice: Write L in scientific notation.
Using scientific notation:
4.5 x 1012 m/s
3.0 x 108 m/s

4. Accuracy vs. Precision
Accuracy – getting the answer you should get, the “right” or “correct” answer
Precision – getting consistent answers

5. Assignments
Pp. 23 (1), 24 (1,2), 25 (1-4)
P.26 (3-7)