1) Non-zero integers always count as significant figures
ex: the number 1997 has four significant figures
2) Leading zeros (zeros that precede all of the non-zero digits)
never count as significant figures. Leading zeros only serve as place
holders.
ex: the number 0.0001 has one significant figure
3) Captive zeros (zeros that fall between nonzero digits) always
count as significant figures
ex: The number 0.507 has three significant figures
4) Trailing zeros (zeros at the right end of the number) are
significant only if the number contains a decimal point.
ex: The number 100. contains three significant figures
ex: The number 100 contains one significant figure
5) Exact numbers (numbers determined by counting or by definition)
have an unlimited number of significant figures.
ex: If you have 39 people in a classroom, the number 39 has unlimited significant figures, because the number was attained by counting.
ex: The statement 1 inch = 2.54 cm comes from the definition of an inch, so neither 1 inch or 2.54 cm limits the number of significant figures within a calculation (when used as a conversion).
6) For multiplication or division the number of significant figures
in the answer is the same as that in the measurement with the
smallest number of significant figures.
ex: 4.56 x 1.4 = 6.384 round to 6.4 (two significant figures)
7) For addition or subtraction the limiting term is the term with the smallest number of decimal places.
ex: 12.11 + 18.0 + 1.013 = 31.123
BUT: The answer is rounded off to 31.1 (one decimal place)
8) When performing a calculation, do not round off sequentially:
round off at the end.
9) Extra hints: If you have made a more accurate measurement than your number reflects, express the number in scientific notation to include all significant digits:
ex: A map scale with 4,200 ft was measured with precision greater than ten miles
Solution: express the result as 4.20 x
103
ft