Using significant figures correctly is important when interpreting and reporting data. Let's see what you know about using significant figures.
Zeros located between significant digits are always significant.
When determining significant figures, you should always count leading zeros.
When adding or subtracting numbers, count the number of decimal places to determine the number of significant figures. The answer can contain more places after the decimal point than the smallest number of decimal places in the numbers added or subtracted.
Zeros which are both to the right of the decimal point and at the end of the number are ALWAYS significant.
When multiplying or dividing numbers, count the number of significant figures. The answer cannot contain more significant figures than the number being multiplied or divided with the least number of significant figures.
Non-zero digits are always significant, no matter where they are placed in a number.