In written numbers, there are a few rules that determine which digits are considered significant figures, also known as significant digits.
Below are some examples.
Number | Significant Figures | Comment |
---|---|---|
123 | 1, 2, and 3 | All digits are non-zero. |
1.0002 | 1, 0, 0, 0, and 2 | The zeros are between non-zero numbers. |
2.00 | 2, 0, and 0 | There is a decimal point. |
0.012 | 1 and 2 | The zeros are to the left of the first non-zero digit. |
Significant figures indicate a value's accuracy, with more significant figures indicating a higher degree of accuracy.
For an integer that ends with one or more zeros, the trailing zero(s) may or may not be significant figures. In the case of the integer 6700, there are multiple possible numbers of significant figures. CommentGivenWith a bar aboveWith a decimalScientific NotationNumber6700670ˉ06700.6.7×103Significant FiguresUnclear6,7,and 06,7,0,and 06 and 7 To avoid uncertainty in such situations, either a decimal point placed at the end of the number or scientific notation should be used.