Chapter 1.5, Problem 1.5.6SR

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The correct number of significant figures in the final product of the given operation has to be given.

Concept introduction:

Significant figures: The digits having a meaning in a given number are called as significant figures.

Significant figures – calculation rules

• Significant figure is a non-zero number (4883.2 has five significant figures)
• Zeros placement in between non-zero number are significant figures (60006 has five significant figures).
• Zeros before the non-zero number are not significant number (0.00030009 has five significant figures).
• Zeros after the non-zero number are significant in case of that number contains decimal point (2.2000 has five significant figures).
• Zeros after the non-zero number may or may not be a significant figure in case of that number does not have a decimal point (700 may have 1, 2 or 3 significant figures).  In this cases use scientific notation to avoid ambiguity.