Aysha Pettigrew Forensics

Significant Figures

The concept of significant figures is useful in measuring, because it allows us to

find the most precise measurements possible. In any measurement, all numbers that aren’t

zero are significant. However, in measurements, we can only measure as far as our tools

allow us to, creating a certain number of calculated figures. This is then followed by an

estimated figure. When multiplying using significant figures, it is necessary to use the

integer with the lowest decimal value. Significant figures are only necessary when

looking for accuracy of measurement, and not when seeking mathematical exactness.