sig fig numbers
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sig fig numbers
When you are doing an exam should the final answer be in the lowest number or the highest number of sig figs from the problem?
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Re: sig fig numbers
It should be the lowest number of significant figures out of the values given to you in the problem. So for example, if I am given two values, one with 3 significant figures and one with 2 significant figures in the problem, my final answer should have 2 significant figures, regardless of any outside values I am using to get to it (like those values from a periodic table and such).
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- Posts: 98
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Re: sig fig numbers
Hi!
It depends what computations you are doing in the problem.
Most problems require multiplication and/or division, in which case your answer should include the least number of significant figures from the problem.
If the problem only requires addition and/or subtraction, then your answer should include the least number of decimal places from the problem.
More information can be found on Dr. Lavelle's website, under "Everything you want to know about sig figs."
Here's the link: https://lavelle.chem.ucla.edu/wp-conten ... OUT_SF.pdf
Hope this helps!
It depends what computations you are doing in the problem.
Most problems require multiplication and/or division, in which case your answer should include the least number of significant figures from the problem.
If the problem only requires addition and/or subtraction, then your answer should include the least number of decimal places from the problem.
More information can be found on Dr. Lavelle's website, under "Everything you want to know about sig figs."
Here's the link: https://lavelle.chem.ucla.edu/wp-conten ... OUT_SF.pdf
Hope this helps!
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- Posts: 61
- Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:25 am
Re: sig fig numbers
When it comes to significant numbers, the rules of thumb I use are:
Multiplication/division: Answers will be in the least number of significant figures
Addition/subtraction: Answers will be in the least number of decimal places
Hope this helps!
Multiplication/division: Answers will be in the least number of significant figures
Addition/subtraction: Answers will be in the least number of decimal places
Hope this helps!
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