Accuracy, Precision, and Significant

Figures in Measurement

Accuracy is how close

to the true value a
given measurement is.

Precision is how well a

number of independent
measurements agree
with one another.
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Accuracy, Precision, and Significant

Figures in Measurement

Significant Figures are the total number of digits

in the measurement.

The results of calculations are only as reliable as

the least precise measurement.

Rules exist to govern the use of significant figures

after the measurements have been made.
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Mass of a Tennis Ball

Accuracy, Precision, and Significant

Figures in Measurement

Rules for Significant Figures:

Zeros in the middle of a number are significant
Zeros at the beginning of a number are not significant
Zeros at the end of a number and following a period are
significant
Zeros at the end of a number and before a period may or
may not be significant.

Accuracy, Precision, and Significant

Figures in Measurement

Rules for Rounding Numbers:

If the first digit removed is less than 5 - round down
If the first digit removed is greater than 5 - round up
If the first digit removed is 5 and following numbers
are nonzero - round up
If the first digit removed is 5 and following numbers
are zero - round down
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Accuracy, Precision, and Significant

Figures in Measurement

How many significant figures does each of the

following measurements have?
(a) 0.036653 m

(b) 7.2100 x 103 g

(c) 72,100 km

(d) $25.03

Accuracy, Precision, and Significant

Figures in Measurement

How many significant figures does each of the

following measurements have?
(a) 0.036653 m (5)

(b) 7.2100 x 103 g (5)

(c) 72,100 km (3 or 4 or 5)

(d) $25.03 (exact)

Accuracy, Precision, and Significant

Figures in Measurement

Round off each of the following measurements.

(a) 3.774499 L to four significant figures
(b) 255.0974 K to three significant figures
(c) 55.265 kg to four significant figures

Accuracy, Precision, and Significant

Figures in Measurement

Round off each of the following measurements.

(a) 3.774 L
(b) 255 K
(c) 55.26 kg

Accuracy, Precision, and Significant

Figures in Measurement

Rules for Calculating Numbers:

During multiplication or division, the answer cant have
more sig figs than any of the original numbers.

During addition or subtraction, the answer cant have

more digits to the right of the decimal point than any
of the original numbers.
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Significant Figures in Calculations

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Significant Figures in Calculations

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Significant Figure Calculations

Ok, now

Try These!

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