significant figure
Precision-indicating numeral
Significant figures are the digits in a number that carry meaningful precision.
In measurement and scientific notation, they indicate how accurately something has been determined.
Leading zeros don't count; trailing zeros after a decimal point do.
A measurement of 3.40 meters has three significant figures, showing precision to the hundredth.
The concept matters in calculations—your result can't be more precise than your least precise input.
Numbers times ten-powers
- decimalTenths-based notation
- digitSingle numeric character
- mantissaLogarithm's fractional component
- exponentSuperscript showing power
place value · zeroes · nonzero · leading · trailing · integer · fractional · floating point
Adjusting to simpler values
- truncationCutting something shorter
- estimationApproximate value judgment
- approximationNear but inexact value
- arithmeticMathematics of basic operations
computation · calculation · algorithm · calculator · precision · carry · interpolation
Adjusting for measurement accuracy
- instrumentDevice for specific tasks
- uncertaintyState of being unsure
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
- errorFault in communication
precision · accuracy · resolution · sensitivity · repeatability · gauge · scale · reading
Determining quantity sequentially
- identifyingDetermining what something is
- determiningEstablishing with certainty
- conventionAgreed standard of behavior
- leading zerosZeros before first nonzero digit
scientific notation
Numbers times ten-powers
exponent · place value · zeroes · nonzero · leading · trailing · integer · fractional · floating point · order of magnitude
rounding
Adjusting to simpler values
- truncationCutting something shorter
- estimationApproximate value judgment
- approximationNear but inexact value
arithmetic · computation · calculation · algorithm · calculator · precision · carry · interpolation
calibration
Adjusting for measurement accuracy
- instrumentDevice for specific tasks
- uncertaintyState of being unsure
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
error · precision · accuracy · resolution · sensitivity · repeatability · gauge · scale · reading · measurement error
counting
Determining quantity sequentially
- identifyingDetermining what something is
- determiningEstablishing with certainty
- conventionAgreed standard of behavior
significant figureleading zero
Placeholder digit before values
rounding error · noise · measurement error · false precision
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