Help with Finding Correct Significant Figures in Calculation

In summary, the conversation is about a calculation involving significant figures and finding the correct answer. The number 1 is defined as exact and does not need to be considered when rounding. The correct answer should have the same number of significant figures as the least accurate data, which in this case is 2. The final answer is 3600.
  • #1
parwana
182
0
In the following calculation


( ( (5.70 x 10.02) − 7.2356) ÷ 0.014 ) + 1


the number 1 is defined as exact. Give the correct answer to this calculation with the correct number of significant figures.

I am having a whole lot trouble with finding the correct significant fig. number, help!
 
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  • #2
parwana said:
In the following calculation


( ( (5.70 x 10.02) − 7.2356) ÷ 0.014 ) + 1


the number 1 is defined as exact. Give the correct answer to this calculation with the correct number of significant figures.

I am having a whole lot trouble with finding the correct significant fig. number, help!

Before rounding, you should perform all necessary operations. Since 1 is exact, it isn't considered when rounding (as far as sigfigs go). Simplify the numerator, and carry out the division. Once you have an answer there, round according to the sigfigs in the fraction (it looks like the denominator will be what you go by).

Post what you come up with.
 
  • #3
One of your numbers, 0.014, has only two significant figures. You can't be more accurate than your least accurate data.
 
  • #4
I think it would be

3600
 

What are significant figures and why are they important in calculations?

Significant figures are digits in a number that convey the precision of a measurement. They are important in calculations because they help ensure that the final result is accurate and reflects the precision of the original data.

How do I determine the number of significant figures in a given number?

To determine the number of significant figures in a number, count all the digits from the first non-zero digit to the last non-zero digit. All non-zero digits are significant, and any zeros in between non-zero digits are also significant. For example, the number 203 has three significant figures, while the number 0.00204 has three as well.

What are the rules for rounding numbers based on significant figures?

The general rule for rounding based on significant figures is to round to the same number of significant figures as the number with the least number of significant figures in the calculation. If the digit to be rounded is 5 or above, round up; if it is below 5, round down. For example, if the calculation results in 14.576 and the number with the least significant figures is 2, the final result should be rounded to 15.

How do I handle significant figures in multiplication and division calculations?

In multiplication and division calculations, the final result should have the same number of significant figures as the number with the least significant figures in the calculation. For example, if the calculation is 2.5 x 3.4, the final result should have two significant figures (7.0). If the calculation is 12.5 / 2.4, the final result should have three significant figures (5.21).

What is the significance of trailing zeros in determining significant figures?

Trailing zeros after a decimal point are always significant. For example, the number 0.050 has two significant figures. However, trailing zeros before a decimal point are only significant if they are after a non-zero digit. For example, the number 2300 has two significant figures, while 2300. has four significant figures.

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