Significant Figures

Chemists are cognizant of the uncertainty associated with a result, and therefore of how reliable the result may be. The use of significant figures in science defines the relationship between the uncertainties in the individual measurements made during the experiment and the reliability of the result. The number of significant figures in a quantity is the minimum number of digits needed to express the given value in scientific notation without loss of accuracy. In experimental data, the first uncertain figure is the last significant figure. This module simulates the calculation of significant figures for the four basic mathematical functions: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

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INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Choose either addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division by clicking on the appropriate option button in the Functions box.
  2. Enter a numerical value in each text box. Negative numbers and scientific notation is permitted.
  3. Click on the Calculate button to calculate the numbers entered. The result is presented having the correct number of significant figures based on the selected mathematical function.
  4. To perform an additional mathematical function on the same set of entered numbers, click on a different option button in the Functions Box.
  5. To clear the entered numbers, click the Clear Math button.
Last modified: April 13, 2000