1. 3.1 Continued… Significant Figures
Love it.

2. Significant Figures
Every nonzero digit is assumed to be significant (ex. 345 = 3 sig. figs.).
Zeros appearing between nonzero digits are significant (ex. 202 = 3 sig. figs.).
Leftmost zeros are not significant (ex = 1 sig. fig.).
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3. Significant Figures Continued
Zeros at the end of a number and right of a decimal point are always significant (ex = 4 sig. figs.).
Zeros at the end of a number and left of an understood decimal point are not significant if used as placeholders (ex = 1 sig. fig.).

4. To Summarize… All zeroes are significant EXCEPT:
Those at the beginning of a number (0.0002)
Those at the end of a number IF there is NO decimal (6000)

5. Unlimited Significant Figures
Counting (ex. 31 kids in this class)
Exactly defined quantities (like 60min = 1 hour)

6. Check it. How many significant figures does 4.0528 contain? 50289.002?
2.2 X 1010?
2500?
0.005? ?
I own 31 dogs.

7. Calculations Using Sig. Figs.
ADDITION/SUBTRACTION
The answer should be rounded to the same number of decimal places (not digits) as the measurement with the least number of decimal places.
Ex: 61.2 meters meters meters
Answer: 79.2 meters

8. Calculations Using Sig. Figs.
MULTIPLICATION/DIVISION
Round the answer to the same number of sig. figs. As the measurement with the least number of significant figures.
Ex: 7.55 meters * 0.34 meters
Answer: 2.6 meters2