1. Significant Figures

2. Uncertainty We do not know infinite digits of a measurement
Exact numbers are known for sure
Inexact – have some question (estimates)

3. Precision and Accuracy
Accuracy refers to the agreement of a particular value with the true value.
Precision refers to the degree of agreement among several measurements made in the same manner.
Neither accurate nor precise
Precise but not accurate
Precise AND accurate

4. Reporting Numbers
In recorded numbers, all the digits are considered exact up until the last digit which may be off by one
± .0001
All digits including the uncertain one are called significant figures
We are fairly confident of these digits
Further uncertainty can be eliminated by repeating the experiment

5. Which Digits Are Significant?
Any non-zero number is significant
Any number to the left of a decimal is significant
Zeros to the right of a decimal and behind other numbers are significant
Zeros to the right of a decimal but in front of other numbers are not significant

6. How many Significant Figures in each below?
) 3440. ) )
) 1002
) 400. )
) 6000 )

7. Round each to 3 Significant Figures)
) 6.561 ) ) )

8. Multiplying and Dividing
Multiply or divide the number out as normal but round the answer to the least number of significant figures in the problem

9. Solve each with correct Sig Figs
2.4 x =
94.20  =
x 3.44 =
25.75  =
(5.682 x 105) x (2.87 x 104) =
(2.145 x 10-5)  (6.75 x 104) =

10. Addition and Subtraction
Add or subtract as normal but round the answer with the same number of decimal places as the quantity in the calculation having the least

11. Solve each with correct Sig Figs
5.44 –
87.3 – 1.655
8.2 – 7.11 –

12. Conversions Often the units must be changed in order to do a problem
Conversion factor method Is utilized

13. Examples How many inches in 3.5 km?
A chemical reaction produces 3.5 x 1025 atoms of product every second. How many will be produced in 2.5 hours?
How many square cm in a square inch?