Rounding to Significant Figures Flashcards

The digits in a number that carry meaning contributing to its precision, starting from the first non-zero digit.

The first non-zero digit in a number, starting from the left.

Keep only the first significant figure and replace all other digits with zeros (or remove them if after a decimal point).

Keep the first two significant figures and replace all other digits with zeros (or remove them if after a decimal point).

1. Identify the required number of significant figures. 2. Locate the last significant figure. 3. Check the next digit to decide whether to round up or down. 4. Replace remaining digits with zeros or remove them if after a decimal point.

If the digit after the last significant figure is 5 or more, round the last significant figure up.

If the digit after the last significant figure is less than 5, leave the last significant figure as it is.

The first two significant figures are 4 and 5. The next digit (6) is 5 or more, so round up. The answer is 4600.

The first two significant figures are 4 and 5 (ignoring leading zeros). The next digit (6) is 5 or more, so round up. The answer is 0.0046.

Significant figures are used to simplify numbers while maintaining a reasonable level of accuracy, especially in scientific and real-world contexts.