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
5.95 is a shorthand for 5.9532 +- 0.00XX
It’s just to save space, and to prevent someone from thinking the 32 has any real meaning.
Yes it’s a better guess than 5.9500 but we already assume 5.95 means 5.95XX and not followed by zeros.
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