How many significant figures are in each of the following measurements? (c) 5 ft 3 in.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the numbers in the measurement: '5 ft' and '3 in.'
2. Determine the number of significant figures in each number separately.
3. For '5 ft', note that it is a whole number without a decimal point, so it has 1 significant figure.
4. For '3 in.', note that it is also a whole number without a decimal point, so it has 1 significant figure.
5. Conclude that each part of the measurement has 1 significant figure.

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.

Measurement Units

Measurements can be expressed in various units, such as feet and inches in this case. When determining significant figures, it is important to recognize that the unit does not affect the count of significant figures; rather, it is the digits themselves that matter. Converting between units may be necessary for consistency in calculations.

Combining Measurements

When measurements are combined, such as adding feet and inches, it is essential to convert them to a common unit before performing calculations. This ensures that the significant figures are preserved and accurately represented in the final result. Understanding how to handle different units is key to maintaining precision in measurements.