Significant figures, also known as significant digits, refer to the number of important digits in a number that convey its precision and accuracy. These include all nonzero digits, any zeros between them, and trailing zeros in the decimal part if they are meaningful in the context of the measurement or calculation. Significant figures indicate how precisely a value is measured or reported, reflecting the reliability of the measurement tools or calculations used. For example, the number 453 has three significant figures, and 0.0075 has two significant figures. They are important in scientific and engineering contexts to ensure that measurements are not expressed with more precision than is justified.
In summary:
- All nonzero digits are significant.
- Zeros between significant digits are significant.
- Leading zeros (zeros before the first nonzero digit) are not significant.
- Trailing zeros in a decimal number are significant.
- The number of significant figures conveys the precision of the measurement or value.
This concept helps communicate the accuracy of measurements in scientific calculations and reporting.
