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Significant figures reference

Significant figures rules handout

Print an original significant figures reference with zero rules, scientific notation, calculation rules and rounding examples. Choose Letter or A4 and a printed language.

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Use the examples to distinguish significant digits from place-holding zeroes. Check the operation rule and rounding convention before calculating.

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The complete download covers reading significant digits, scientific notation, the two calculation rules and exact halfway cases. The thumbnail shows the first page; the PDF includes the full reference.

The examples are fixed. Paper size, language and a short note change the presentation. A rules handout does not need an answer key or a new random set.

Learning objective

What this activity builds

Explain how written digits communicate measurement precision and choose the correct rule for a calculation.

Worked example

Why do 1.20 and 1.2 have different significant-digit counts?

1.20 has three; 1.2 has two.

Their numerical values are equal, but the final zero in 1.20 records the hundredths place. Removing it changes the precision communicated by the measurement.

Teaching notes

Make the practice count

  • Read the number aloud, then name the last reported place.
  • Compare a pair of equal values written to different precision.
  • Use scientific notation to make significant whole-number zeroes explicit.
  • Keep the reference beside the practice sheet while introducing a new operation.

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Math SheetNameScoreTeacherDateSignificant Figures RulesUse the spelling of a measured value to read its precision.Whole-number trailing zeroes without a decimal mark do not count on this sheet. Scientific notation makes intended precision explicit.Measured and exact valuesSignificant figures describe measured precision. Countedor defined exact values do not limit a calculation.12.0Significant digits: 3Nonzero and interior zeroesEvery nonzero digit counts. A zero between significantdigits also counts.4.07Significant digits: 3Leading and trailing zeroesLeading placeholder zeroes do not count. Written trailingzeroes after a decimal mark do count.0.0040Significant digits: 2Whole values and scientific notationHere, trailing zeroes in a whole numeral without a decimalmark do not count. In scientific notation only mantissadigits count; the exponent never counts.1.200 × 103Significant digits: 4Addition and subtractionRound the exact final result to the least precise decimalplace among the operands.1.20+2.3Rounded result:3.5Multiplication and divisionRound the exact final result to the fewest significant digitsamong the operands.2.85×1.0Rounded result:2.8Exact halfway choicesHalf even chooses an even final digit. Half up sends anexact tie away from zero. The worksheet prints theselected rule.Target digits: 22.85Half even:2.8Half up:2.9Round once at the endKeep the exact value through the calculation. Round onlythe final result and retain zeroes that show its precision.Target digits: 39.995Rounded result:10.0math-sheet.comPage 1 / 1

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