Calculating Significant Figures: 43.49 cm to Meters

In summary, significant figures are used to express the precision and uncertainty in a measurement or calculation. To calculate significant figures, identify the non-zero digits and any zeros between them, and round to the desired number of significant figures. They are important in communicating precision and accuracy and ensuring correct calculations. When converting from centimeters to meters, the number of significant figures should remain the same. For example, 43.49 cm should be written as 0.4349 m to maintain four significant figures.
  • #1
Shay10825
338
0
If I measured something to be 43.49 centimeters with a meter stick and I wanted to convert that into meters, would it become 0.4349 cm or 0.43 cm??

Thanks
 
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  • #2
keep the same number of sig figs
 
  • #3
andrewchang said:
keep the same number of sig figs

So it would be 0.4349 cm because 0.4349 cm and 43.49 m have 4 sig figs?
 
  • #4
Shay10825 said:
So it would be 0.4349 cm because 0.4349 cm and 43.49 m have 4 sig figs?

I believe you must keep the same number of significant figures. So yes, it would be 4349.
 
  • #5
ok thanks:smile:
 

1. What are significant figures?

Significant figures are the digits in a number that carry meaning or contribute to its precision. They are used to express the level of uncertainty or precision in a measurement or calculation.

2. How do you calculate significant figures?

To calculate significant figures, you must first identify the non-zero digits and any zeros between them. Then, count the total number of digits and round to the desired number of significant figures based on the rules of rounding.

3. What is the significance of significant figures?

Significant figures are important because they help communicate the precision and accuracy of a measurement or calculation. They also ensure that calculations are carried out with the appropriate level of uncertainty.

4. How do you convert from centimeters to meters while maintaining significant figures?

To convert from centimeters (cm) to meters (m) while maintaining significant figures, you must divide the number of centimeters by 100. The final answer should have the same number of significant figures as the original number of centimeters.

5. What is the correct way to write 43.49 cm in meters with the appropriate number of significant figures?

The correct way to write 43.49 cm in meters with the appropriate number of significant figures is 0.4349 m. This maintains the original number of significant figures, as 43.49 cm has four significant figures.

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