Chapter 1, Problem 1CQ

How many significant figures does each of the following numbers have?
a. 0.73 b. 7.30 c. 73 d. 0.073

To determine

How many significant figures does each of the following numbers have?

a) 0.73; b) 7.30; c) 73; d) 0.073

Explanation of Solution

a) Two (2) significant figures; b) Three (3) significant figures; c) Two (2) significant figures; d) Two (2) significant figures.

To determine

Section 1:

How many significant figures does the following number have? a) 0.73

Answer to Problem 1CQ

Solution:

Two (2) significant figures.

Explanation of Solution

Given info:

The number is 0.73.

For the number 0.73 we have two significant figures, this is because the number zero (0) on the left of the number 73 is not a significant digit.

To determine

Section 2:

How many significant figures does the following number have? b) 7.30

Answer to Problem 1CQ

Solution:

Three (3) significant figures.

Explanation of Solution

Given info:

The number is 7.30.

For the number 7.30 we have three significant figures, this is because the number zero on the right is a significant digit too.

To determine

Section 3:

How many significant figures does the following number have? c) 73

Answer to Problem 1CQ

Solution:

Two (2) significant figures.

Explanation of Solution

Given info:

The number is 73.

In this case we have two significant figures, exact digits or digits without decimal are all significant.

To determine

Section 4:

How many significant figures does the following number have? d) 0.073

Answer to Problem 1CQ

Solution:

Two (2) significant figures.

Explanation of Solution

Given info:

The number is 0.073.

For the number 0.073 we have two significant figures, this is because the zeros (0) on the left of the number 73 are not significant digits.

Conclusion:

a) Two (2) significant figures; b) Three (3) significant figures; c) Two (2) significant figures; d) Two (2) significant figures.