Significant Figures (1 Viewer)

[machine2035]

There was another post somewhere (shared across to the Chemistry section) however I have tried finding it without success (was on it the other day).

Today I was doing a question and cross checking with the supplied sample answers.

Data given was mass (2 sig figs), current (1 sig fig) and length (1 sig fig).

While I understand the answer should be given in 1 sig fig (as thats the lowest used), should the working out also only use 1 sig fig (They changed the mass to 1 sig fig for the working out).

Hope that's enough sig fig's for you tonight!

 

[deswa1]

No your working should not be rounded at any step except the end. Write it out to like 2 or three d.p's during working (doesn't matter) but write next to it-> Full answer kept in calc. Only ever round at the end otherwise you get errors

 

[Peeik]

I am pretty certain you dont change the mass to 1 sig fig or any part of the working out for that matter. You only leave your final answer in the lowest sig fig.

 

[machine2035]

Okay, sample answers aren't a very good sample then lol

 

[Fizzy_Cyst]

Only ever use sig figs in your final answer, not your working.