QuestionFind the significant figures in the measurement 20.8.
Studdy Solution
STEP 1
Assumptions1. The measured quantity is20.8. We need to determine the number of significant figures in this quantity.
STEP 2
To determine the number of significant figures in a number, we need to understand the rules of significant figures. Here are the rules1. All non-zero numbers are considered significant. For example, in the number123.45, all the digits are significant.
2. Any zeros between significant digits are significant. For example, in the number2005, all the digits are significant.
. Leading zeros are not significant. They are only placeholders. For example, in the number0.000123, only the digits123 are significant.
4. Trailing zeros in a number with a decimal point are significant. For example, in the number123.4500, all the digits are significant.
5. Trailing zeros in a number without a decimal point are not significant. For example, in the number1234500, only the digits12345 are significant.
STEP 3
Now, apply these rules to the given number,20.8.
1. The digits2 and8 are non-zero numbers, so they are significant.
2. The digit0 is between significant digits, so it is also significant.
STEP 4
Count the total number of significant digits.
In the number20.8, there are3 significant figures.
So, the number of significant figures in the measured quantity20.8 is3.
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