Quick Sig Fig Question with Addition/Subtraction

Moderators: Chem_Mod, Chem_Admin

Jeffrey Doeve 2I
Posts: 110
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:51 pm

Quick Sig Fig Question with Addition/Subtraction

Postby Jeffrey Doeve 2I » Fri Oct 23, 2020 12:32 pm

So I know all the rules for significant figures relating to addition/subtraction and multiplication. I was just wondering in a problem that has you add/subtract initially and then multiply/divide after, would you still round at the end? I'm assuming that you do not round until you get your final answer, where you carry the significant figures from addition/subtraction into the significant figures of multiplication/division. Since you know the significant figures, then you would round after to that significant figure correct?
Thanks in advance!

Lindsey_Su_3A
Posts: 113
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 10:03 pm
Been upvoted: 2 times

Re: Quick Sig Fig Question with Addition/Subtraction

Postby Lindsey_Su_3A » Fri Oct 23, 2020 12:57 pm

Yes, you should round when you are at your final answer.

Kyle Walsh 2J
Posts: 100
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:48 pm

Re: Quick Sig Fig Question with Addition/Subtraction

Postby Kyle Walsh 2J » Fri Oct 23, 2020 1:11 pm

Hi! In my experience, different textbooks and teachers prefer rounding done different ways, but it is always a safe bet to just round at the end.

marlene 1K
Posts: 103
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:53 pm

Re: Quick Sig Fig Question with Addition/Subtraction

Postby marlene 1K » Fri Oct 23, 2020 1:52 pm

What I've read and what my TA has clarified is that it's best to round at your final answer to the sig figs. :)

Inderpal Singh 2L
Posts: 163
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 10:02 pm
Been upvoted: 3 times

Re: Quick Sig Fig Question with Addition/Subtraction

Postby Inderpal Singh 2L » Fri Oct 23, 2020 3:43 pm

I've always rounded at the end. This is what my teacher in high school did as well.

Eunice_Castro_1G
Posts: 91
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:46 pm

Re: Quick Sig Fig Question with Addition/Subtraction

Postby Eunice_Castro_1G » Fri Oct 23, 2020 3:56 pm

Hi! I usually round at the end. Hope this helps!

Katie Phan 1K
Posts: 104
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:55 pm

Re: Quick Sig Fig Question with Addition/Subtraction

Postby Katie Phan 1K » Fri Oct 23, 2020 4:53 pm

A good practice is probably rounding at the end!

Talia Dini - 3I
Posts: 148
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:32 pm

Re: Quick Sig Fig Question with Addition/Subtraction

Postby Talia Dini - 3I » Sat Oct 24, 2020 12:19 am

Hi, I believe that it is best to round your final answer at the end of the problem. This way, you will get the most precise answer!!


Return to “Significant Figures”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 8 guests