How many significant figures are in the measurement 463.090 m?
In scientific notation and mathematical calculations, the number of significant figures plays a crucial role in determining the precision and accuracy of a measurement. The significance of a figure in a number is determined by its position and the rules of significant figures. In the case of the measurement 463.090 m, let’s analyze the number of significant figures it contains.
The number 463.090 m has a total of six significant figures. To understand why, let’s break down the number and identify each significant figure:
1. The first non-zero digit, 4, is the most significant figure.
2. The next non-zero digit, 6, is also significant.
3. The digit 3 is significant because it is between two non-zero digits.
4. The digit 0 after the decimal point is significant because it is between two non-zero digits.
5. The digit 9 is significant because it is between two non-zero digits.
6. The last digit, 0, is significant because it is at the end of the number and is followed by a decimal point.
Therefore, the measurement 463.090 m has six significant figures. It is important to note that trailing zeros after the decimal point are considered significant in this case because they are not merely placeholders but contribute to the precision of the measurement. When reporting or using this measurement in calculations, it is essential to maintain the correct number of significant figures to ensure accuracy and consistency.
