Embarrassing Significant Figures question

Thread starter DrummingAtom
Start date Aug 30, 2010
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Significant figures

AI Thread Summary

The magnitude of vector A, defined as A = 4i + 4j, is calculated to be sqrt(32). There is a discussion on whether significant figures are necessary for this physics problem. While the exact value is sqrt(32), some suggest rounding it to 5.66 for clarity. The consensus leans towards writing it as 6 for simplicity in a physics context. Ultimately, the importance of significant figures in this scenario is debated, with a preference for practical presentation.

Aug 30, 2010

DrummingAtom

Homework Statement

What's the magnitude of A, when A = 4i+4j ?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

The answer is sqrt(32), but do Sig Figs matter for this type of problem? Should I write it as 5.66? Or do I leave it as sqrt(32).

P.S. - I know in a Math class I would write it as sqrt(32), but this is for a Physics class. Thanks all.

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Aug 30, 2010

rpf_rr

you should write 6

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