Scientific Notation The Accuracy of Measured Quantities
No measured quantities are ever exact.
Size of error is determined by
measuring device
person using the device
Measurements are recorded to indicate
quantity
degree of accuracy
The degree of accuracy is shown by the number of significant digits
Significant digits come from measurements
They include all certain digits and one estimated digit
To avoid the possible ambiguities when recording numerical measurements, scientific notation is used.
Scientific notation requires a non-zero number left of the decimal point between 1 and 9. All other digits are included right of the decimal point, and the number is multiplied by some appropriate power of 10.
The results of a mathematical operation can be no more accurate than the least accurate direct measurement used in the calculation.
It is highly suggested that you familiarize your self with the rules for significant digits.