Significant Figures Box and Dot Method

Step 1 Draw a box around all nonzero digits, beginning with the leftmost nonzero digit and ending with the rightmost nonzero digit in the number. 0.0123012300

Definitions Trailing zeros- refers to any and all zeros present to the right of the rightmost nonzero digit.( i.e. to the right of the box drawn in STEP 1) Leading zeros- refers to any and all zeros present to the left of the leftmost nonzero digit.( i.e. to the left of the box drawn in STEP 1)

Step 2 If dot (aka decimal point) is present, draw a box around any trailing zeros. 0.0123012300

Step 3 Consider any and all boxed digits significant. 0.0123012300 How many significant digits?

ZEROS If there are captive zeros, they are significant figures. Captive means that they are between 2 nonzero digits. Example: 202 has 3 sigfigs Example: 0.1230123 has 7 sigfigs

ZEROS If there is a decimal point at the end of the number all digits are significant, if there isn’t a decimal point at the end of the number only the nonzero digits are significant Example: 100. has 3 sigfigs, but 100 has only 1 sigfig (no decimal)

Significant Figures Calculations

Multiplying and Dividing The LEAST number of significant figures in any number of the problem determines the number of significant figures in the answer. Multiply or divide Round

Adding and Subtracting Add or subtract Round the answer to the LEAST number of places in the decimal portion of any number in the problem. The least precise quantity has the fewest digits to the right of the decimal point.