SIGNIFICANT FIGURE Meaning and
Definition
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A significant figure, also known as a significant digit, refers to a numerical digit in a measured value that represents the precision or certainty with which a measurement is made. It encompasses all the digits that are known with certainty along with one digit that is uncertain or estimated.
In practical terms, significant figures indicate the reliability of a measurement and communicate the precision of a value. They are determined by considering all digits that are reliable and providing information about the precision of a number.
The rules for determining significant figures are generally straightforward:
1. Non-zero digits are always significant. For example, in the number 345, all three digits are significant figures.
2. Zeros between non-zero digits are significant. In the number 305, both the 3 and 5 are significant figures.
3. Leading zeros are not significant. For instance, in the number 0.0032, only the 3 and 2 are significant figures.
4. Trailing zeros after a decimal point are significant. In the number 2.40, both the 4 and 0 are significant figures.
5. Trailing zeros in a whole number without a decimal point are ambiguous and require additional information to ascertain their significance.
Significant figures play a crucial role in scientific and mathematical calculations as they affect the accuracy and precision of the results obtained. They enable the appropriate representation of uncertainty and aid in ensuring reliable comparisons, calculations, and data analysis in scientific research, engineering, and various other fields where precise measurements are essential.
Common Misspellings for SIGNIFICANT FIGURE
- aignificant figure
- zignificant figure
- xignificant figure
- dignificant figure
- eignificant figure
- wignificant figure
- sugnificant figure
- sjgnificant figure
- skgnificant figure
- sognificant figure
- s9gnificant figure
- s8gnificant figure
- sifnificant figure
- sivnificant figure
- sibnificant figure
- sihnificant figure
- siynificant figure
- sitnificant figure
- sigbificant figure
Etymology of SIGNIFICANT FIGURE
The term "significant figure" has its roots in mathematics and scientific measurement. The word "significant" means "meaningful" or "important", while "figure" refers to a numerical digit.
The concept of significant figures dates back to the 16th century when mathematicians and scientists began developing methods to represent numbers accurately. In the early days of numerical calculations, it was challenging to determine the precision or reliability of a number, particularly when working with observed or measured values.
Around the 18th and 19th centuries, there was a growing need for a standardized method to express the precision and accuracy of numbers. Scientists and mathematicians introduced the concept of "significant figures" to indicate the meaningful digits in a number and to account for the limitations of measurement devices.
The term "significant figures" or "significant digits" became widely used in the 20th century, primarily in the field of scientific measurement and calculation.
Similar spelling words for SIGNIFICANT FIGURE
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