SIGNIFICANT FIGURES - Mathematical Operations
ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION:
When adding or subtracting numbers, count the NUMBER OF DECIMAL
PLACESto determine the number of significant figures. The answer cannot
CONTAIN MORE PLACES AFTER THE DECIMAL POINT THAN THE
SMALLEST NUMBER OF DECIMAL PLACES in the numbers being added or
subtracted.
Example:
| 23.112233 | (6 places after the decimal point)
|
| 1.3324 | (4 places after the decimal point)
|
| + 0.25 | (2 places after the decimal point)
|
| 24.694633 | (on calculator)
|
| 24.69 | (rounded to 2 places in the answer)
|
Note: There are 4 significant figures in the answer.
MULTIPLICATION AND DIVISION:
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.
Example:
| 23.123123 | (8 significant figures)
|
| x 1.3344 | (5 significant figures)
|
| 30.855495 | (on calculator)
|
| 30.855 | (rounded to 5 significant figures)
|
IN THE LABORATORY:
Masses should always be recorded to as many places after the decimal point as are read off the balance.
Calculation of mass by difference using a tare should be reported to this same number of places.
10 mL Graduate cylinders should be read to the nearest .01 mL. 25 mL and 100
mL graduate cylinders should be read to the nearest 0.1 mL.
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