Sig Figs, Sig Digs, Devil’s contribution to math and science — no matter you need to call them, they're some of the hated and commonly confused ideas in science and math. Ignore them at your own peril, since these half points off will add up and turn your A’s into B’s, or your B’s into C’s in case you’re not careful. The thing is, sig figs really are NOT THAT HARD to master, and in the event you know these 5 concepts, then you definitely’ll have a leg up on everybody else who still can’t work out the ins and outs of sig figs.

1. How To Deal With Zeros
Sandwiched zeros are significant
300 has one sig fig, however 303 has three sig figs because the center zero becomes significant
If trailing zeros come after a decimal level, then they are significant
1.000 (4 sig figs) is a more exact measurement than 1.0 (2 sig figs)
If trailing zeros come after a number without a decimal level, then they're NOT significant
5,000 has 1 sig fig, but 5,000. has 4 sig figs because of the decimal point
Leading zeros are NEVER significant
0.0003 has one sig fig, but 0.3003 has four sig figs for the reason that 0’s are sandwiched

2. How To Multiply and Divide With Sig Figs
Plug in each number exactly as it appears within the problem
Look at the number of sig figs in every number
Spherical your answer so it comprises the least number of sig figs out of all of the numbers being multiplied or divided
ex: 325.zero (four sig figs) / 2.zero ( sig figs) = 162.5, however the reply ought to only have two sig figs, so you’d round it to a hundred and sixty (two sig figs; zero shouldn't be a sig fig) as your answer

3. What About Multiplying With Unit Conversions?
The numbers you employ for unit conversions don't rely as sig figs
ex: if you want to convert 38.5 grams into kilograms, your answer would have 3 sig figs still, even should you use the conversion 1kg/1,000g


4. Adding and Subtracting With Sig Figs
Sig Figs DO NOT MATTER when adding and subtracting numbers
Instead, your reply should include the least number of decimal places
ex: 4.32 + 5.1 should have one decimal level, so you discover the precise reply (9.42) and round it to a solution with one decimal level (9.four)


5. How To Measure Volumes With Sig Figs
There will typically be a curve, or meniscus, within the top of a liquid — always measure the bottom of the meniscus
When you are measuring the volume of something in a beaker or graduated cylinder, look at each tick mark, then go one decimal level additional when recording your calculation

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