Significant Figure Calculations
Solve the following mathematical problems such that the answers have the
correct number of significant figures:
1)
334.540 grams + 198.9916 grams = ___________________
2)
34 grams / 10.1 mL = ___________________
3)
2.61 x 106 joules / 0.0034 seconds = ___________________
4)
0.0610 m – 0.18 m = ___________________
5)
349.0 cm + 1.10 cm + 100. cm = ___________________
6)
252 meters / 910 seconds = ___________________
7)
248.01010 kilograms + 84.097 kilograms = ___________________
8)
44 m/s x 20 s = ___________________
www.chemfiesta.com
© 2008 Cavalcade Publishing; All Rights reserved
Significant Figure Calculations – Answers
Solve the following mathematical problems such that the answers have the
correct number of significant figures:
1)
334.540 grams + 198.9916 grams = 533.532 g (rounded from 533.5316 g)
334.540 grams
+ 198.9916 grams
533.5316 g
533.532 g
Addition and subtraction rule- round to least
significant number – which is the one farthest to
the left. (+ or - = Position Rule)
2)
34 grams / 10.1 mL = 3.4 g/mL (rounded from 3.366 g/mL)
Multiplication or division rule is round to least # of digits.
(X or / = least # of digits)
3)
2.61 x 106 joules / 0.0034 seconds = 7.7 X 10 8 J/s
(rounded from 7.676 x 108 J/s)
4)
0.0610 m – 0.18 m = -0.12 m (rounded from -0.119 m)
0.0610 m
– 0.18?? m
– 0.119
– 0.12 m
5)
Addition and subtraction rule- round to least
significant number – which is the one farthest to
the left. (+ or - = Position Rule)
349.0 cm + 1.10 cm + 100. cm = 450. cm (rounded from 450.1 cm)
349.0 cm
1.10 cm
+100. Cm
450.1 cm
450. cm or 4.50 X 10 2 cm
(Either uses decimal next to zero or scientific notation to show significant
figures)
6)
252 meters / 910 seconds = 0.28 m/s (rounded from 0.2769 m/s)
7)
248.01010 kilograms + 84.097 kilograms = 332.107 kg (rounded from
332.1071 kg)
8)
44 m/s x 20 s = 900 m (rounded from 880 m)
( No decimal so best to assume 1 SF)
www.chemfiesta.com
© 2008 Cavalcade Publishing; All Rights reserved