Definition of Significant Figures :
Significant figures (or significant digits) are the number of digits important to determine the accuracy and precision of measurement, such as length, mass, or volume.
Significant digits in math convey the value of a number with accuracy. They are considered substantial figures that contribute to the precision of a number.
Rules for Finding Significant Figures
1. All non-zeros digits are significant figures, e.g., 4362 m has 4 significant figures.
2. All zeros occuring between non-zero digits are significant figures, e.g., 1005 has 4 significant figures.
3. All zeros to the right of the last non-zero digit are not significant, e.g., 6250 has only 3 significant figures.
4. In a digit less than one, all zeros to the right of the decimal point and to the left of a non-zero digit are not significant, e.g., 0.00325 has only 3 significant figures.
5. All zeros to the right of a non-zero digit in the decimal part are significant, e.g., 1.4750 has 5 significant figures.
Example :
- 4308 – 4 significant figures
- 40.05 – 4 significant figures
- 470,000 – 2 significant figures
- 4.00 – 3 significant figures
- 0.00500 – 3 significant figures