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For full notes see Powerpoint and guided notes -- can be downloaded at the bottom of this page!
Basic Significant Figure Notes:
Rules for Finding the correct number of Significant Figures
Rules for Finding the correct number of Significant Figures
1. Every nonzero digit is assumed to be significant
1. Every nonzero digit is assumed to be significant
a) Example: 1.34 has 3 sig figs
2. Zeros appearing between nonzero digits are significant
2. Zeros appearing between nonzero digits are significant
a) Example: 1.00034 has 6 sig figs
3. Leftmost zeros appearing in front of nonzero digits are not significant
3. Leftmost zeros appearing in front of nonzero digits are not significant
a) Example: 0.0000134 has 3 sig figs
4. Zeros at the end of a number and to the right of the decimal point are significant
a) Example: 0.13400 has 3 sig figs
5. Zeros to the right of nonzero digits that lie left of an understood decimal point are not significant
a) Example: 13,400,000 has 3 sig figs
Finally, some measurements have an unlimited number of sig figs. If the number is counted (I have ten fingers) this has unlimited sig figs. The other, more important instance is when there is a defined quantity (such as 1 hour = 60 minutes)
Introduction to significant figures video 1 (Too fast? Check out video 2 below!!)
Introduction to significant figures video 2
Operations with significant figures
Videos for Significant figures Check out:
Practice Quizzes:
As a class assignment: Write down the problem + answer. For any wrong problems explain why the correct answer is the correct answer (hint use your notes and look at the rules!) Technique is highly suggested for studying practices!
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