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Difference between revisions of "Significant Figure"

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===Examples===
 
===Examples===
 
π = 3.14159265359 correct to 12 '''significant figures'''.
 
π = 3.14159265359 correct to 12 '''significant figures'''.
 +
 
π = 3.142 correct to 4 '''significant figures'''.
 
π = 3.142 correct to 4 '''significant figures'''.
  
 
The diameter of [[Earth]] = 12,742,000m correct to 5 '''significant figures'''.
 
The diameter of [[Earth]] = 12,742,000m correct to 5 '''significant figures'''.
 +
 
The diameter of [[Earth]] = 12,700,000m correct to 3 '''significant figures'''.
 
The diameter of [[Earth]] = 12,700,000m correct to 3 '''significant figures'''.
 +
 
The diameter of [[Earth]] = 10,000,000m correct to 1 '''significant figures'''.
 
The diameter of [[Earth]] = 10,000,000m correct to 1 '''significant figures'''.

Revision as of 09:21, 25 March 2019

Key Stage 4

Meaning

Significant Figures are the number of digits representing the accurate value of a number.

About Significant Figures

Significant Figures begin with the digit representing the largest number.
A number may be correct to a given number of significant figures.
The number of significant figures is related to how resolution of a measuring instrument.
When performing a calculation the answer should never be given to more significant figures than the numbers used in the calculation.

Examples

π = 3.14159265359 correct to 12 significant figures.

π = 3.142 correct to 4 significant figures.

The diameter of Earth = 12,742,000m correct to 5 significant figures.

The diameter of Earth = 12,700,000m correct to 3 significant figures.

The diameter of Earth = 10,000,000m correct to 1 significant figures.