Concept Check Refer to the discussion of accuracy and significant digits in this section to answer the following. WNBA Scorer Women's National Basketball Association player Breanna Stewart of the Seattle Storm was the WNBA's top scorer for the 2018 regular season, with 742 points. Is it appropriate to consider this number between 741.5 and 742.5? Why or why not? (Data from www.wnba.com)

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 determining how precise a measurement is and how to appropriately round numbers based on the context.

Rounding Rules

Rounding rules dictate how to adjust numbers to reflect a certain level of precision. Typically, if a number is exactly halfway between two possible rounded values, it is rounded up. This concept is essential for interpreting numerical data accurately, especially when considering whether a number can be represented within a specific range.

Measurement Uncertainty

Measurement uncertainty refers to the doubt that exists about the result of a measurement. It acknowledges that all measurements have a degree of error, which can arise from various factors, including instrument precision and human error. Understanding this concept helps in evaluating whether a specific numerical value can be considered within a certain range, as it reflects the inherent limitations of the data.