significant figure: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

No. Leading zeros (e.g., in 0.005) are never significant. Zeros between non-zero digits (e.g., 505) are always significant. Trailing zeros in a number containing a decimal point (e.g., 50.0) are significant.

Decimal places refer to the number of digits after the decimal point. Significant figures refer to all digits that contribute to the number's precision, regardless of the decimal point's position. For example, 12.30 has four significant figures and two decimal places.

They provide a consistent way to communicate the precision and reliability of experimental data. Reporting more figures than are justified can misrepresent the accuracy of a measurement.

Identify the first N significant digits, look at the (N+1)th digit. If it is 5 or more, round the Nth digit up. If it is 4 or less, leave it. Then replace subsequent digits with zeros if necessary, maintaining the number's magnitude (using scientific notation is often clearest).

A digit in a number that contributes to its precision, especially as used in scientific notation and measurement.

Significant figure is usually formal, technical, scientific, academic in register.

Significant figure: in British English it is pronounced /sɪɡˌnɪf.ɪ.kənt ˈfɪɡ.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /sɪɡˌnɪf.ə.kənt ˈfɪɡ.jɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.