Chapter 3.1, Problem 14LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : A given measurement always be reported to the correct number of significant figures to be explained.

Concept Introduction : The known digits plus the last, estimated digit make up the significant figures in a measurement.

Answer to Problem 14LC

The calculated results frequently depend on the number of significant figures used in the calculation.

Measurement results must be reported to the appropriate number of significant figures because calculated values must be accurate and precise.

Explanation of Solution

The known digits plus the last, estimated digit make up the significant figures in a measurement.

The calculated results frequently depend on the number of significant figures used in the calculation.

Measurement results must be reported to the appropriate number of significant figures because calculated values must be accurate and precise.

There is a set of rules to detect the digits in a significant measured value. The rules are as follows:

1. It is assumed that every nonzero digit in a given measurement is significant.
2. Zeros that come in between nonzero numbers are significant.
3. The leftmost zeros that exist before nonzero digits are not significant.
4. A zero following a decimal point and to the right of it are both always significant.
5. Zeros that are to the left of an understandable decimal point at the rightmost end of measurement are not significant.
6. In some cases, a number may have an infinite number of significant figures.