Intro to Engineering Chapter 5 and 6 test

What are the 4 main learning objectives of engineering?

1. Engineering variables & units 2. Engineering estimation 3. Significant figures 4. Engineering problem solving

Why are variables and units important in engineering?

Engineers must describe variables using the correct number AND correct unit.

What is engineering estimation?

Making a reasonable approximation when you don't have all the necessary information and an exact answer isn't required.

When should an engineer use estimation?

When some information is missing but an estimate is sufficient to answer the problem.

What is a significant figure?

A digit that represents the precision of a measured number.

What is the rule for non-zero digits in significant figures?

ALL non-zero digits are significant.

Are zeros between non-zero digits significant?

YES.

Are leading zeros significant?

NO. They only locate the decimal.

When are trailing zeros significant?

When the number contains a decimal point.

How many significant figures does 0.0013000 have?

5.

Why can a number like 7500 be confusing regarding significant figures?

Trailing zeros without a decimal point can be ambiguous.

How does scientific notation clarify significant figures?

The written digits clearly show the sig figs.

What is the Addition/Subtraction Sig Fig Rule?

Round the answer to the least number of DECIMAL PLACES in the problem.

What is the Multiplication/Division Sig Fig Rule?

Round to the fewest SIGNIFICANT FIGURES among the numbers used.

What is the memory trick for sig-fig calculations?

• / − → DECIMAL PLACES; × / ÷ → SIG FIGS.

What is the SOLVEM engineering problem-solving method?

S = Sketch, O = Objective, L = List, V = Variables, E = Equations, M = Manipulation.

What is the simpler problem-solving method emphasized by your professor?

Given → Find → Solution.