Round off the following quantities to the number of signifi-cant figures indicated in parentheses. (b) 68.507 g (2, 3)

Key Concepts

Significant Figures

Significant figures are the digits in a number that contribute to its precision. This includes all non-zero digits, any zeros between significant digits, and trailing zeros in the decimal portion. Understanding significant figures is crucial for accurately reporting measurements and ensuring that calculations reflect the precision of the data.

Rounding Rules

Rounding rules dictate how to adjust numbers to the desired level of precision. When rounding, if the digit to the right of the last significant figure is less than 5, the last significant figure remains unchanged. If it is 5 or greater, the last significant figure is increased by one. These rules help maintain the integrity of the data while conforming to the specified number of significant figures.

Measurement Precision

Measurement precision refers to the degree of reproducibility of a measurement, which is often indicated by the number of significant figures. A measurement with more significant figures suggests a higher precision, while fewer significant figures indicate less precision. Understanding this concept is essential for interpreting data and making informed conclusions in scientific contexts.