Rules of Significant Figures
Rules of Significant Figures
Rule 1 All non-zero digits are always significant.
| Number of Significant Figures | |
|---|---|
| \(53266\) | |
| \(43.12\) | |
| \(121.31\) | |
| \(2.1\) |
Rule 2 Any zeros between two non-zero digits are significant.
| Number of Significant Figures | |
|---|---|
| \(102\) | |
| \(5032.011\) | |
| \(30 \; 612.10005\) | |
| \(1.00001\) |
Rule 3 In a decimal, leading zeros before the first non-zero digit are not significant.
| Number of Significant Figures | |
|---|---|
| \(0.0005321\) | |
| \(0.00033502\) | |
| \(0.02204\) | |
| \(0.00080008\) |
Rule 4 In a decimal, all zeros after a non-zero digit are significant.
| Number of Significant Figures | |
|---|---|
| \(0.2330\) | |
| \(0.00554400\) | |
| \(0.00200200\) | |
| \(0.00177900\) |
Rule 5 In whole numbers, the zeros at the end may or may not be significant. It depends on how the numbers are rounded off.
| Number of Significant Figures | |
|---|---|
\( 48 \; 000 \) | |
\( 48 \; 000 \) (rounded to the nearest \(10\)) | |
\( 890 \; 000 \) | |
\( 890 \; 000 \) (rounded to the nearest \(100\)) | |
\( 65 \; 000\) m (rounded to the nearest \(1000\)) |
Video Solution:
Video solution locked
A free account saves your progress; this video needs tuition enrolment.
Solution:
Solution locked
680+ questions here come with free worked solutions. A free account saves your questions and progress; this one needs tuition enrolment.
Create a free account to practise similar questions.
Need help? Join our IP Math tuition programme.
Learn more