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Significant Figures: In Calculations definitions

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  • Significant Figures
    Digits in a measurement that include all certain numbers plus one estimated digit, reflecting measurement precision.
  • Decimal Places
    Digits to the right of the decimal point, used to determine rounding in addition and subtraction calculations.
  • Scientific Notation
    A method of expressing numbers as a coefficient multiplied by ten raised to a power, simplifying very large or small values.
  • Coefficient
    The numerical part of a value in scientific notation, indicating the significant digits of the number.
  • Order of Operations
    A sequence (parentheses, exponents, multiplication/division, addition/subtraction) that dictates calculation steps.
  • Multiplication
    A mathematical operation where the result's significant figures are limited by the value with the fewest significant digits.
  • Division
    A calculation where the answer's significant figures match the input with the least number of significant digits.
  • Addition
    A process where the result is rounded to the least number of decimal places present in the numbers used.
  • Subtraction
    A process where the answer is rounded based on the smallest number of decimal places among the values involved.
  • Rounding
    Adjusting a number to reflect the correct number of significant figures or decimal places after a calculation.
  • Parentheses
    Symbols used to group parts of an expression, indicating operations to be performed first.
  • Exponent
    A mathematical notation indicating the number of times a value is multiplied by itself.
  • Measurement Precision
    The degree to which repeated measurements under unchanged conditions show the same results, reflected by significant figures.
  • Mixed Operations
    Calculations involving a combination of multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction, requiring careful application of rules.
  • Rounding Up
    Increasing the last retained digit by one when the next digit is five or greater during rounding.