Significant Figures

When you studied measurement, you learned that all measurements include all of the certain digits, plus an estimated digit. Together, all of these digits make up what are called the significant figures. The number of significant figures (sometimes affectionately referred to as “sig figs”) in a measurement is an indication of the accuracy of the measuring device. In this topic, you will learn how to maintain the correct number of significant figures throughout calculations in chemistry. In addition, you will examine how to express very large and very small numbers in scientific notation.

Essential Question

• What are significant figures?