Hey, when we solve for significant figures, why do we completely get rid of the remaining decimals even though hey have more accurate information?
Ex. 1.23*4.84=5.9532 but we would make it 5.95 based on Sig figs, even though those last two decimals are closer to the answer. Why is this? I know it’s less accurate, though it seems like we’re losing valuable accuracy (even if it’s not perfect, it should be closer)
In: Mathematics
Assuming you actually maintained your significant digits, it comes down to the required level of accuracy. If I am building a jet engine where precision tolerances are needed I should probably be careful to keep good control of my significant digits. If I am framing a deck on my house I probably don’t need to keep track of measurements in the ten-thousandths.
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