SIGNIFICANT FIGURE RULES:
Measurement Rule: Write down all numbers that are represented by
marked calibrations on the measuring device plus one that is an
estimate between the smallest two calibrations (tenths of the smallest
calibration).
Addition & Subtraction Rule: The number being added or subtracted
that has the least number of numbers following the decimal
determines how many decimal places the answer can have.
Multiplication & Division Rule: The number being multiplied or divided
with the least number of significant digits determines the number of
digits in the answer.
Averaging Rule: When averaging a group of numbers, keep all
numbers which each of the measurements share plus one digit.
Rules for zeros:
1. All non-zero digits in a measurement are considered to be significant.
2. Zeroes are significant if bounded by non-zero digits.
(Ex. the measurement 4003 m has four significant figures.)
3. If a decimal point is expressed, all zeroes following non-zero digits are
significant.
(Ex. The measurement 30.00 kg has four significant figures.)
4. If a decimal point is not explicitly expressed, zeroes following the last nonzero digit are not significant, they are placeholders only.
(Ex. The measurement 160 N has two significant figures.)
5. Zeroes preceding the first non-zero digit are not significant, they are
placeholders only.
(Ex. The measurement 0.00610m has three significant figures.)