Commutative property of numbers and uncertainity

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Rounding during calculations in physics can significantly affect the final results, especially when using numbers with only one significant figure. Rounding at each step can lead to larger discrepancies compared to rounding only at the end of the calculations. This practice emphasizes the importance of maintaining precision throughout the problem-solving process. Ultimately, rounding at the final stage yields more accurate outcomes. Understanding the implications of rounding methods is crucial for accurate physics problem-solving.
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when solving physics problems we have to do various calculation to find a quantity but the results are different if we round up in every operation than if we round up in only the final operation? I never cared before but sometimes I see big differences especially when dealing with numbers with only 1 significant figures.
 
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madah12 said:
when solving physics problems we have to do various calculation to find a quantity but the results are different if we round up in every operation than if we round up in only the final operation? I never cared before but sometimes I see big differences especially when dealing with numbers with only 1 significant figures.
You're right. It is always more accurate to round at the end only.
 

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