Identifying the Number with Three Significant Figures- A Key Challenge in Numerical Analysis
Which of the following has three significant figures?
In the realm of scientific measurements and calculations, the concept of significant figures plays a crucial role in determining the precision and accuracy of a numerical value. Significant figures represent the digits in a number that carry meaningful information about the measurement. The question “which of the following has three significant figures?” prompts us to examine various numbers and identify the one that adheres to the rules of significant figures. In this article, we will delve into the significance of significant figures and analyze different numbers to determine which one has three significant figures.
The concept of significant figures is essential in scientific research, engineering, and everyday calculations. It helps in avoiding misunderstandings and ensures that the reported values are consistent with the precision of the measuring instruments used. There are several rules to determine the number of significant figures in a given number:
1. All non-zero digits are significant.
2. Zeros between non-zero digits are significant.
3. Leading zeros (zeros before the first non-zero digit) are not significant.
4. Trailing zeros (zeros after the last non-zero digit) are significant if they are after a decimal point.
Now, let’s analyze different numbers to identify the one with three significant figures:
1. 1234: This number has four significant figures (1, 2, 3, and 4) as all the digits are non-zero.
2. 0.0456: This number has three significant figures (4, 5, and 6) as the leading zeros are not significant.
3. 0.000123: This number has three significant figures (1, 2, and 3) as the leading zeros are not significant.
4. 123.00: This number has five significant figures (1, 2, 3, and the two trailing zeros) as the trailing zeros are significant.
5. 1230: This number has four significant figures (1, 2, 3, and 0) as the trailing zero is not significant.
Based on the analysis, the number that has three significant figures is 0.0456. It is crucial to understand the rules of significant figures to ensure accurate and precise calculations in various fields.
