Sig Figs Cheat Sheet

							                            Sig Figs Cheat Sheet

How to Determine Sig Figs…..
     1. All non zero numbers are significant
                  Ex. 982.15 kg  5 sig figs

      2. Leading zeros are not significant
                  Ex. .00472  3 sig figs

      3. Captive zeros are significant
                  Ex. 10.3  3 sig figs

      4. Trailing zeros are not significant unless a decimal is present
                   Ex. 100  1 sig fig
                   Ex. 100.  3 sig figs


                                             OR………….

                            The Arrow Technique

Draw an arrow over the number. Once the arrow “hits” a non-zero digit, then
everything after the digit in the direction of the arrow is significant

1. If a decimal is present  draw arrow from left to right
             Hint: Decimal Present, draw arrow from Pacific Ocean
                     to Atlantic Ocean
2. If no decimal is present  draw arrow from right to left
             Hint: Decimal Absent, draw arrow from Atlantic to Pacific




How to determine sig figs for multiplying and dividing….
     1. When multiplying, dividing, squaring, etc. your final answer should only
        have as many sig figs as your least accurate measurement
                 Ex. 4.0m * 7.0 m =28m2
                 Ex. 4m * 7m = 30 m2




How to determine sig figs for adding and subtracting…..
     1. Line numbers up so each place is aligned
     2. Add or subtract the numbers
     3. Draw a line to the right of the least accurate place
     4. Whichever place is the least accurate that is where you stop
                  Ex. 52.0 + 6005 + 2.3=
                               52.0
                             6005
                                2.3
                               6059.3  6059