Download Significant Figures Worksheet

Significant Figures Worksheet
Nonzero Integers - nonzero integers always count as sig fig's
Zeros
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Leading Zeros - (zeros that are before the first nonzero integer), these zeros are not sig fig's because
they are just used to hold the place value of the number. For instance, .0000987 has 3 sig fig's because
the 4 zeros in front of the "987" are just used to hold the place value.
Middle Zeros - (zeros that are in the middle of the nonzero integers), these zeros always count. For
example, 400,984 has 6 sig fig's.
Ending Zeros - (zeros that are after the last nonzero integer), There are two instances of ending zeros,
The first, is when the zeros are after the decimal point, then they count. For example, 1.000 has 4 sign
fig's, because the zeros aren't necessary as place holders. The second is when the zeros are before the
decimal point, and if this happens then the zeros don't count. For instance, 96,000 has 2 sig fig's,
because the zeros are before the decimal and they are just used as a place holder.
Exact Numbers - Exact Numbers occur when things are counted. For instance, there are exactly 4 quarts in a
gallon, there are 3 apples on the table, and there are 12 rose buds on the rose bush.
Rounding Using Sig Fig's
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If the number being rounded is greater than or equal to 5, then the integer before it increases by 1. For
example, 1.35 rounds to 1.4.
If the number being rounded is less than 5, then the integer before it stays the same. For example, 1.34
rounds to 1.3.
How many significant figures are in each of the following numbers?
1)
5.40 ____
6)
1.2 x 103 ____
2)
210 ____
7)
0.00120 ____
3)
801.5 ____
8)
0.0102 ____
4)
1,000 ____
9)
9.010 x 10-6 ____
5)
101.0100 ____
10)
2,370.0 ____
Round these numbers to 3 significant digits.
11) 1,566,311
12) 2.7651 X 10 -3
13) 84,592
14) 0.0011672
15) 0.07759