Significant

Figures
• Measurements always have
uncertainty.

• Significant figures are the number of

digits that are certain (can be
measured) and the first uncertain
digit.
1. All non-zero numbers are
significant.
1. All non-zero numbers are significant.
2. Zeros between non-zero numbers are
significant.
1. All non-zero numbers are significant.
2. Zeros between non-zero numbers are
significant.
3. Leading zeros are NEVER significant.
1. All non-zero numbers are significant.
2. Zeros between non-zero numbers are
significant.
3. Leading zeros are NEVER significant.
4. Zeros on the end of a number are
significant only if there is a decimal
point.
 Rule #1
All non-zero numbers are significant.

00340.003210
 Rule #2 –
Zeros between non-zero numbers are
significant.

00340.003210
 Rule #3
Leading zeros are NEVER significant.

00340.003210
 Rule #4
Zeros on the end of a number are
significant if there is adecimal.

00340.003210
00340.00
00340.00
5
Rules 1 & 4
800.1
800.1
4
Rules 1 & 2
0800.10
0800.10
5
Rules 1, 2, & 4
800
 800
1
Rules 1 & 4
800.
 800.
3
Rules 1 & 4
1. Determine the number of significant
figures in the decimal portion of each of
the numbers in the problem.

2. Add or subtract the numbers.

3. Round the answer to match the least

number of places in the decimal portion
of any number in the problem.
892.542g
20.629g
0.18g
4.20g
917.551
 892.542g
20.629g
0.18g
4.20g
917.551
The least amount of significant figures to the right of the
decimal in the numbers is 2; therefore, the answer should only
have 2 significant figures to the right of the decimal.

917.55 g