In the context of significant figures, a written measurement includes which two parts?

• A. Only the digits before the decimal point and the unit
• B. All certain digits and one estimated digit
• C. All digits including trailing zeros and the measuring instrument
• D. The number of significant figures and the type of measurement

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that significant figures in a measurement represent the precision of that measurement.
2. Recognize that a written measurement consists of digits that are known with certainty plus one digit that is estimated or uncertain.
3. The certain digits are those reliably measured by the instrument, while the estimated digit is the last digit recorded, which involves some uncertainty.
4. Therefore, the two parts included in a written measurement are all the certain digits and one estimated digit.
5. This concept ensures that the measurement reflects both the precision of the instrument and the uncertainty inherent in the measurement process.