Significant Figures and Measurement

These flashcards cover key concepts about significant figures, measurement conventions, and calculations involving significant figures.

Significant Figures

The limit of the number of places a measurement can be properly expressed with.

Nonzero digits

Any nonzero digit is significant.

Leading zeros

Zeros at the beginning of a decimal number are not significant.

Scientific notation

A method to express a number in the form of a x 10^n, where 1 <= a < 10.

Conversion factors

Considered exact numbers; they come from defined relationships and have infinite significant figures.

Significant figures for addition and subtraction

The answer has the same number of decimal places as the number with the fewest decimal places.

Estimated value

The last digit in a measurement that is uncertain or an estimate.

Exact numbers

Numbers from defined relationships, such as conversion factors, which have no uncertainty.

Measured width

The width reported with significant figures such as in measurements indicated on scales.

Least precise number

In multiplication and division, the answer will have the same number of significant figures as the least precise number involved.