1. Physics Rules for using Significant Figures

2. Rules for Averaging Trials Determine the average of the trials using a calculator Determine the uncertainty of the trials Round the calculated average to the correct precision based on the uncertainty of the trials

3. Rules for determining # of significant digits (figures) All non-zero numbers are considered significant All zeros between non-zero numbers are considered significant All zeros found to the right of a non-zero number and the decimal point are considered significant All zeros found left of the first non-zero number are NOT significant (regardless of the decimal point placement)

4. Rules for Adding / Subtracting The final answer can not have more decimal places than the measurement with the least number of decimal places.

5. Rules for Multiplying / Dividing The final answer can not have more significant digits than the measurement with the least number of significant digits.