significant digits
Precision-indicating numerals
Significant digits, also called significant figures, are the digits in a number that carry meaningful information about its precision.
In scientific and technical contexts, the count of significant digits indicates how precisely a measurement was made—more digits means greater precision.
Leading zeros don't count as significant, but trailing zeros after a decimal point do: 0.00340 has three significant digits.
Round your answer to three significant digits.
The concept helps prevent false precision when reporting calculated results.
Numbers times ten-powers
- floating-pointDecimal number representation
- mantissaLogarithm's fractional component
- exponentSuperscript showing power
- standard formConventional way of expressing
coefficient · powers of ten · order of magnitude · decimal notation
Cutting something shorter
- roundingAdjusting to simpler values
- arithmetic operationsBasic mathematical procedures
- calculator displayScreen showing arithmetic results
Positions after decimal point
- accuracyDegree of correctness
- exactnessCorrectness in every detail
- precisionAccuracy of measurement
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
tolerance · uncertainty · error margin · approximation · rounding error · measurement error · leading zeros · place value
Adjusting for measurement accuracy
- readoutDisplayed recorded data
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
- uncertaintyState of being unsure
- micrometerMillionth of a meter
vernier · caliper · gauge · sensitivity
Study of matter's composition
- titrationMeasuring concentration by addition
- molaritySolute amount per volume
- concentrationSustained single-minded attention
- stoichiometryQuantitative chemical reaction analysis
scientific notation
Numbers times ten-powers
- floating-pointDecimal number representation
- mantissaLogarithm's fractional component
- exponentSuperscript showing power
standard form · coefficient · powers of ten · order of magnitude · decimal notation
truncation
Cutting something shorter
- roundingAdjusting to simpler values
- arithmetic operationsBasic mathematical procedures
- calculator displayScreen showing arithmetic results
decimal places
Positions after decimal point
resolution · tolerance · uncertainty · error margin · approximation · rounding error · measurement error · leading zeros · place value · decimal point
calibration
Adjusting for measurement accuracy
- readoutDisplayed recorded data
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
- uncertaintyState of being unsure
micrometer · vernier · caliper · gauge · sensitivity
analytical chemistry
Study of matter's composition
- titrationMeasuring concentration by addition
- molaritySolute amount per volume
- concentrationSustained single-minded attention
- number formsnumerals, integers, integer, whole numbers, whole number
significant digitsimprecision
Lack of exactness
noise · measurement error · uncertainty · guesswork · rough estimate
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