Video Notes: Sig Figs, Scientific Notation, and SI Units

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering significant figures, scientific notation, and SI units concepts from the video notes.

Significant figures (sig figs)

Digits that carry meaning about a measurement's precision; indicate the certainty of a value and guide how many digits to keep in calculations.

Least precise decimal place

The smallest decimal position among the numbers being added or subtracted; results must be rounded to this place.

Scientific notation

A way to write numbers as a × 10^n; helps show magnitude and preserve significant figures.

Exact numbers

Numbers with infinite significant figures used in definitions or conversion factors; do not limit precision in calculations.

Conversion factor

A ratio that equals 1 used to convert units; treated as exact in sig figs calculations.

1 cubic centimeter = 1 milliliter

Exact volume equivalence used when converting between cm^3 and mL.

SI units

The International System of Units; standardized units for reporting measurements.

Rounding across steps

Do not round intermediate results too early; carry extra digits and apply sig fig rules at each operation; round only the final answer.

Addition/Subtraction sig fig rule

For addition or subtraction, round the result to the least precise decimal place among the operands.

Multiplication/Division sig fig rule

For multiplication or division, round the result to the number of sig figs of the input with the fewest sig figs.

Interpreting measurement ranges

A reported value implies a range of possible values based on its precision (e.g., 68 represents about 67.5 to 68.4).

Aligning exponents in scientific notation

When comparing numbers in scientific notation, adjust exponents so the significands can be compared directly.