Why do chemistry students forget significant figures? Because they are so confusing to apply. But, not if you explain it using the word "specific" and break them down into 4 simple types of significant figures.

Sandwiched zeros (Not hostage or captive zeros. Why? Listen to the episode. )

•      These are specifically measured. Not ballparked or guestimated.

Trailing zeros with a decimal

•     These are specifically measured. Not ballparked or guestimated.

Trailing zeros without a decimal

•     These are estimated. An educated guess. So we can't know what the exact number was.

Leading zeros

•     These could have been measured or guestimated. No one knows because they are placeholder zeros. So we assume they are not specific and are not significant.

Labeling Significant Figures Worksheet and Activity <<

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