Quote:
Originally Posted by Xeraxes  Well we're learning these in science and out teacher did a fucked up job of teaching it to us and we pretty much had to figure out everything for ourselves.
But there's one question regarding the multiplication of significant digits that I don't get:
1200.0/3.0
So obviously the actual digit would have to have 2 significant digits like 3.0 but the answer is 400. (And since the number is an approximation there is only 1 significant digit)
How do I round 400 so it has 2 significant digits? |
First, it would be division, not multiplication. Although when referring to Significant Numbers it is the same. In this problem you have only two Significant Figures, 3 and 0 from 3.0 since all numbers to the right are considered significant. Because this equation comes up with the answer 400, that is the answer. I know this part doesn't make sense but I will give you an example.
Had the question been,
1200.0/3.2
The exact answer is 375, but, since you only have two significant figures you can't use the 5 on the end. So, you either have to round up or down. Whenever you have 5 you round up, so, your answer with correct sig figs, is, 380.
If you need more help IM me. Or just post on here.