How Do You Solve Problems With Significant Figures?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around problems related to significant figures in measurements, specifically focusing on the addition of various weights and the identification of significant figures in a large number.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants share their attempts at calculating the sum of the weights and identifying significant figures, noting errors in their answers. Questions arise about the significance of trailing zeros and the application of significant figure rules in addition and subtraction.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the correct application of significant figure rules, with some participants providing guidance on how to approach the addition of measurements and the treatment of trailing zeros. Multiple interpretations of the rules are being discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating potential typos in units and the implications of significant figures in their calculations. There is a reference to external resources for further clarification on significant figures.

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Homework Statement



Question 1.
Find the sum of the measurements 896 g, 55.2 g, 0.63 g, and 3.5 g.

Question 2.
How many significant figures are in the measurement 60,000,000 km/s?

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



Attempt on #1: 955.33 g (wrong ans)
Attempt on #2: 2 sigfigs (wrong ans)

Homework Statement


Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Bubofthedead said:
Attempt on #1: 955.33 km/s (wrong ans)
Attempt on #2: 2 sigfigs (wrong ans)

The first question is asking for grams not km/s
In the second question is a trailing 0 considered significant?
 
Yeah, the km/s was a typo, i was looking at #2's units when I was typing.
 
Bubofthedead said:

The Attempt at a Solution



Attempt on #1: 955.33 g (wrong ans)

You did the math correctly. What do the significant figure rules say for addition/subtraction?
 
Bubofthedead said:
3.5 g
I only see two numbers right there. Does that help?
 
Hi Bubofthedead! :smile:

You'd better read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Significant_figures

In particular:
For addition and subtraction, the result should have as many decimal places as the measured number with the smallest number of decimal places.
 

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