Question

How many significant figures do each of the following numbers have: (a) 214, (b) 81.60, (c) 7.03, (d) 0.03, (e) 0.0086, (f) 3236, and (g) 8700?

Answer 1

In determining the number of significant figures in a given number, there are three rules to always remember / follow:

First: All integers except zero are always significant.

Second: Any zeros located between  non zeroes are always significant.

Third: A zero located after a non zero in a decimal is always significant whether it is before or after the decimal

 

Therefore using this rule, the number of significant digits in the given numbers are:

(a) 214 = 3

(b) 81.60 = 4

(c) 7.03 = 3

(d) 0.03 = 1

(e) 0.0086 = 2

(f) 3236 = 4

(g) 8700 = 2