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Rules for rounding off numbers. If the digit to be dropped is greater than 5, the last retained digit is increased by one. For example, 12.6 is rounded to 13. If the digit to be dropped is less than 5, the last remaining digit is left as it is. For example, 12.4 is rounded to 12.
There are three rules on determining how many significant figures are in a number: Non-zero digits are always significant. Any zeros between two significant digits are significant. A final zero or trailing zeros in the decimal portion ONLY are significant. Focus on these rules and learn them well.
Rounding is the process of reducing the number of significant digits in a number. This can help make it easier to remember and use. The result of rounding is a "shorter" number having fewer non-zero digits yet similar in magnitude.
SIGNIFICANT FIGURES. The amount of approximation required in a number may be described in another way by saying how many significant figures are required. To find how many significant figures a number contains count all figures in the number except zeros at the beginning or end of the number.
Why is rounding to significant figures important? It lets us express answers with appropriate precision, matching the context: Measurements & science: Equipment has its limits – overstating accuracy in a result is misleading. Huge quantities: 3 significant figures make big numbers like populations easier to compare quickly.
Scientific notation, significant figures and rounding . Scientific or Standard Notation is best used to express very large or very small numbers in a compact, easy to read form, but can be used on any numbers. Simply, the basic format of the notation is + n-> a positive index indicates a large number. a 10× n
Rounding to significant figures 1. Round these numbers to one significant figure: a. 543 b. 32 359 c. 12 638 d. 54 e. 21 987 f. 476 g. 2 541 209 h. 88 312 2. Round these numbers to two significant figures: a. 543 b. 32 359 c. 12 638 d. 54 e. 21 987 f. 476 g. 2 541 209 h. 88 312 3. Round these numbers to one significant figure: a.
