Determine Usage of Sig Figs During Problem

[Daniel Kim 1D]

If the determined sig fig for the answer for a question is 3. Throughout the question would I used 3 sig figs for all values. For example, on the periodic table the atomic mass of oxygen is 15.999, but if the determined sig figs for the answer is 3 would I only use 15.9 or can I use 15.999 and round my answer at the end to the needed sig figs?

[Jeril Joseph 1B]

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong but yes, you would confirm the values you're using in the problem are 3 sig figs, in that scenario. So, you would round at the third place of the value. In this case, 15.999 would become 16. Hope this helps.

[Chem_Mod]

If the information provided has 3 sig figs as its smallest value, then the final answer must be in 3 sig figs. However, the 15.999 is fine to use in the calculations as it is not the final answer and that it is merely used as a conversion factor, which then provides a more accurate final answer.