Rounding with basic calculator

[Emily Vainberg 1D]

Since we don't have a scientific calculator for tests and quizzes, should we round to a few decimal points after each calculation since the basic calculator can't store the numbers?

[005388369]

We are allowed to use scientific calculators. We are not allowed to use graphing calculators.

[Sahil Jog 1F]

It's always good to leave a couple of decimal points when computing your answer, as it will get as close to the real answer as possible, however, your final answer should include the correct amount of sig figs.

[Veronica_Lubera_2A]

I asked one of the T.A.'s this question and he said that as long as in the steps of your calculation, you use more decimals than the required amount of sig figs, then you should be able to receive the correct answer when rounding at the end.

[Audrie Chan-3B]

We are allowed to use scientific calculators. When doing calculations, I usually leave 3 or 4 digits after the decimal and then apply sig figs for my last answer.

[AlyshaP_2B]

One of the TA's I asked about sig figs said that it wasn't too big of a deal as long as all of the numbers in your answer were consistent in the number of sig figs used!

[Sanjana K - 2F]

Use the "Ans" key on your calculator whenever possible. We're allowed to use scientific calculators but not graphing calculators, so you should be able to store values. Also, I generally leave at least 5 numbers after each decimal point (for each step) and apply sig figs at the very end.

[Mai V 4L]

How important are the sig figs for the final, don't want to loose points :-//

[Yolanda_Xing_3A]

I would follow the question. If the numbers provided has three sig numbers, then I would also do three significant numbers. So does conversation units.
:)

[Madison Muggeo 3H]

I had a similar question! I tend to make mistakes when I round too soon, so I try to keep at least 2 extra SF in my calculations, then I round for my final answer.

[David Y]

Yes I would like to add to always make sue you check to ensure you put correct amount of significant figures.

[Chris_Butler_1A]

Use the "Ans" key on your calculator whenever possible. We're allowed to use scientific calculators but not graphing calculators, so you should be able to store values. Also, I generally leave at least 5 numbers after each decimal point (for each step) and apply sig figs at the very end.

I apologize if this is more obvious but when you finish all of your calculations, do you just use the values in the question to decide how to apply the sig figs, or is there a general rule for specific types of problems?

[Veeda Khan 2E]

Use the "Ans" key on your calculator whenever possible. We're allowed to use scientific calculators but not graphing calculators, so you should be able to store values. Also, I generally leave at least 5 numbers after each decimal point (for each step) and apply sig figs at the very end.

I apologize if this is more obvious but when you finish all of your calculations, do you just use the values in the question to decide how to apply the sig figs, or is there a general rule for specific types of problems?

You just use the values in the question (not including conversion numbers).

[Karina Rodriguez 2H]

Hi,
We're allowed to use scientific calculators. It's best to include a few decimal places so you can get the most accurate solution when determining significant figures after your calculations are complete.

[Jordan_OBrien_2k]

I usually keep more decimals than needed when doing calculations so that I can get as close to the real answer as possible, then after doing the last calculation I round to the correct amount of sig figs. This makes it so you can get the correct answer when rounding at the end.

[Britney Tran IJ]

Hi there! so would it be better to round the number or just truncate it?

[ZachMLB963]

Hiya!

It's a good rule of thumb to avoid rounding until a final solution has been obtained. Rounding is different for each question, and depends on the number of significant digits found on the numbers in the problem.